Psalm 111

Psalm 111 is the 111th psalm of the Book of Psalms, beginning in English in the King James Version: "Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart". In the slightly different numbering system used in the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate translations of the Bible, this psalm is Psalm 110. In Latin, it is known as Confitebor tibi Domine. It is a psalm "in praise of the divine attributes". This psalm, along with Psalm 112, is acrostic by phrase, that is, each 7-9 syllable phrase begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. Psalm 119 is also acrostic, with each eight-verse strophe commencing with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in order. The Jerusalem Bible describes Psalm 112, "in praise of the virtuous", as "akin to this psalm in doctrine, style and poetic structure.

The psalm forms a regular part of Jewish, Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and other Protestant liturgies. Musical settings include works by Heinrich Schütz in German, and Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Henri Desmarets and Giovanni Battista Pergolesi in Latin.

Hebrew
The following table shows the Hebrew text of the Psalm with vowels alongside an English translation based upon the JPS 1917 translation (now in the public domain).

King James Version

 * 1) Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.
 * 2) The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
 * 3) His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
 * 4) He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
 * 5) He hath given meat unto them that fear him: he will ever be mindful of his covenant.
 * 6) He hath shewed his people the power of his works, that he may give them the heritage of the heathen.
 * 7) The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.
 * 8) They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness.
 * 9) He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name.
 * 10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

Judaism

 * Verse 4-5 are found in the repetition of the Amidah during Rosh Hashanah.
 * Verse 10 is recited upon awakening following Modeh Ani and handwashing.

New Testament
In the New Testament, Psalm 111 is quoted twice:
 * Verse 9a is quoted in Luke.
 * Verse 9c is quoted in Luke.

Protestantism
This is a psalm of praise to God for:
 * His great works v.2
 * His enduring righteousness v.3
 * His grace and compassion v.4
 * His provision v.5
 * Truth and Justice v.7
 * Redemption for His people v.9
 * Granting of wisdom to those who revere him v.10

Book of Common Prayer
In the Church of England's Book of Common Prayer, this psalm is appointed to be read on the morning of the twenty-third day of the month, as well as at Mattins on Easter Day.

Musical settings
Heinrich Schütz wrote a setting of Psalm 111 in German, "Ich danke dem Herrn", SWV 34, as part of Psalmen Davids, published first in 1619. He wrote a setting of a metred paraphrase of the psalm in German, "Ich will von Herzen danken Gott dem Herren", SWV 209, for the Becker Psalter, published first in 1628. Marc-Antoine Charpentier composed four settings of the psalm in Latin:
 * In 1670s, grand motet "Confitebor tibi Domine", H.151, for soloists, chorus, 2 violins, and continuo
 * In 1690s, grand motet "Confitebor tibi Domine", H.200 - H.200 a, for soloists, chorus, and continuo
 * In 1690s, grand motet "Confitebor tibi Domine", H.220, for soloists, chorus and continuo
 * Mid - 1690s, grand motet "Confitebor tibi Domine", H.225, for soloists, chorus, flutes, strings and continuo

Henri Desmarets set one grand motet lorrain of it, "Confitebor tibi Domine" in 1707. Giovanni Battista Pergolesi composed a setting, Confitebor tibi Domine in C majoy for soprano, alto, choir, strings and continuo 1732.