This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs.

PSALMS 69:31KJV
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Psalms 69:31 (KJV)

What does Psalms 69:31 mean?

Psalms 69:31 says that pleasing the LORD is accomplished more by sincere praise than by offering valuable animal sacrifices like an ox or a bull with horns and hoofs. The verse highlights that heartfelt worship is more important to God than ritual offerings.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God during a time of distress, expressing his trust that genuine thanksgiving and praise will be more pleasing to the LORD (the personal name for God in Hebrew) than traditional animal sacrifices. The verse shifts focus from outward religious acts to the inner attitude of the worshiper, showing that God values the heart behind the worship more than the material value of the sacrifice.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 69:31

  • LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal, covenant name for God in Hebrew, emphasizing a close relationship between God and His people.
  • please / better (יָטַב, yatav): The same Hebrew root is used twice, carrying the sense of being pleasing or good in God’s eyes. This repetition stresses that praise is not just acceptable, but even more desirable to God than costly offerings.
  • ox (שׁוֹר, shor) and bullock (פַּר, par): These are two different kinds of sacrificial animals, both considered valuable in ancient Israelite worship. Mentioning both highlights the worth of the sacrifice being compared to praise.
  • horns (קֶרֶן, qeren) and hoofs (פַּרְסָה, parsah): These details describe a mature, perfect animal, the kind most prized for sacrifice, further emphasizing that even the best offerings are less pleasing to God than sincere praise.

Why Psalms 69:31 matters

  • Psalms 69:31 clarifies that God values the heart and intention behind worship more than the outward act or material value of a sacrifice.
  • This verse connects to a broader biblical theme that obedience and genuine devotion matter more to God than ritual or tradition alone.
  • The verse helps explain the psalmist’s personal relationship with God, showing that even in distress, true praise is what God desires most.