Psalms 115:3
Psalms 115:3 in Multiple Translations
Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.
But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever he pleased.
But our God is in heaven: he has done whatever was pleasing to him.
Our God is in heaven, and he does whatever he wants.
But our God is in heauen: he doeth what so euer he will.
And our God [is] in the heavens, All that He hath pleased He hath done.
But our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases.
But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatever he pleased.
What shall I render to the Lord, for all the things he hath rendered unto me?
Our God is in heaven, and he does whatever he wants to!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 115:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 115:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֥י/נוּ
בַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
כֹּ֭ל
אֲשֶׁר
חָפֵ֣ץ
עָשָֽׂה
וֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֥י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Conj | N-mp | Suff
בַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Prep | N-mp
כֹּ֭ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
חָפֵ֣ץ
châphêts
H2654
to delight in
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
עָשָֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 115:3
וֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֥י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
בַ/שָּׁמָ֑יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
כֹּ֭ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
חָפֵ֣ץ
châphêts
H2654
"to delight in"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to be pleased with something or someone. In the Bible, it describes God's delight in his people and their desire to follow him, like in Psalm 51.
Definition: 1) to delight in, take pleasure in, desire, be pleased with 1a) (Qal) 1a1) of men 1a1a) to take pleasure in, delight in 1a1b) to delight, desire, be pleased to do 1a2) of God 1a2a) to delight in, have pleasure in 1a2b) to be pleased to do
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any at all, (have, take) delight, desire, favour, like, move, be (well) pleased, have pleasure, will, would. See also: Genesis 34:19; Psalms 51:21; Psalms 18:20.
עָשָֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Psalms 115:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 115:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 115:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 115:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 115:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 115:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 115:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 115:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 115:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 115:3
- Sermons on Psalms 115:3
Context — To Your Name Be the Glory
1Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness.
2Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”
3Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.
4Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men. 5They have mouths, but cannot speak; they have eyes, but cannot see;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 135:6 | The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths. |
| 2 | Daniel 4:35 | All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 3 | Isaiah 46:10 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ |
| 4 | Ephesians 1:11 | In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, |
| 5 | Psalms 103:19 | The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. |
| 6 | Romans 9:19 | One of you will say to me, “Then why does God still find fault? For who can resist His will?” |
| 7 | Psalms 123:1 | I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven. |
| 8 | Psalms 2:4 | The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them. |
| 9 | Matthew 6:9 | So then, this is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 16:25 | For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. |
Psalms 115:3 Summary
This verse means that God is in control of everything and can do whatever He wants. He is all-powerful and sovereign, which is a comforting truth for believers (as seen in Romans 8:28). It reminds us that God is not limited by human actions or decisions, and we can trust Him to do what is best for us (as seen in Jeremiah 29:11). By understanding God's sovereignty, we can have peace and confidence in His plan for our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God does as He pleases?
This means that God is sovereign and has the power to do whatever He wants, as stated in Psalms 115:3, and is also seen in Jeremiah 32:17 where it says God can do all things.
Is God's sovereignty limited by human actions or decisions?
No, God's sovereignty is not limited by human actions, as seen in Proverbs 19:21 which says that man plans his way but God directs his steps, and also in Psalms 115:3 where it says God does as He pleases.
How does God's sovereignty in heaven relate to His actions on earth?
God's sovereignty in heaven means He has complete control over all things, including events on earth, as stated in Psalms 115:3 and also seen in Matthew 10:29-31 where it says not a single sparrow falls to the ground without God's will.
What does this verse teach us about the character of God?
This verse teaches us that God is all-powerful and sovereign, doing as He pleases, which is a demonstration of His divine character, as also seen in Isaiah 46:10 where God declares His sovereignty over all things.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I acknowledge and surrender to God's sovereignty in my life today?
- How does the truth of God's sovereignty in Psalms 115:3 bring me comfort and peace in uncertain times?
- What are some areas where I struggle to trust God's sovereignty, and how can I pray for increased faith in those areas?
- How can I use the knowledge of God's sovereignty to encourage and support others who are facing challenges and difficulties?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 115:3
But our God is in the heavens,.... His habitation is in the heavens, as the Targum; the Septuagint and Arabic versions add, "and in earth": he is in both, and fills both with his presence; and cannot be contained in either.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 115:3
But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. But our God is in the heavens. The "our" is emphatic.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 115:3
Our God; whom, notwithstanding your reproaches, we are not ashamed to own for our God. Is in the heavens; although he have no visible shape nor bodily presence with us here upon earth, as your idols have, which is a certain proof of their baseness and weakness, yet he hath a certain and a glorious place where he resideth, even the highest heavens, where he is clothed with infinite power and majesty, and from whence he beholdeth and governeth this lower world, and all that is in it. He hath done whatsoever he pleased; or, he doth, & c. By his only will and pleasure all things were at first made, and are still disposed, and without this nothing cometh to pass. And therefore all your insolences, and injuries, and successes against us do not come from an invincible power in you or in your idols, nor from any defect of strength or goodness in our God, but only from hence, that it pleased him for many wise and good reasons to afflict us, and to give you prosperity for a time.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 115:3
Psalms 115:3 But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.Ver. 3. But our God is in the heavens] Where your terricula country, your fearful idols never were; like as one, being asked by a Papist, Where was your religion before Luther? answered, In the Bible, where your religion never was. This "but" seemeth uttered with indignation. Aξιωματικωτατοςμενεστινο Bασιλευςημων, saith Basil, on a like occasion; our God is no dunghill deity. He hath done whatsoever he hath pleased] Without either help or hindrance of any.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 115:3
Verse 3. He hath done whatsover he hath pleased.] There was too much cause for his abandoning us to our enemies; yet he still lives and rules in heaven and in earth.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 115:3
3. But] Or, Whereas. Though its outward circumstances may seem to give ground for the taunts of the heathen, Israel knows that its God is supremely exalted and omnipotent. If His people suffer, it is because He wills it, not because He lacks power to help them. He does whatsoever He wills in chastisement (Isaiah 53:10) and in redemption (Isaiah 55:11). Cp. Wis 12:18, “Thou, being sovereign over thy strength, judgest in gentleness, and with great forbearance dost thou govern us; for the power is thine whensoever thou hast the will.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 115:3
But our God is in the heavens - The Septuagint adds, “and in the earth.” This is not, however, in the Hebrew. The idea is, Our God really exists. He is the true God. He reigns in heaven.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 115:3
3. But our God is in the heavens—A fine retort. Our God is not represented by images of gold, silver, and wood, but is invisible, dwelling in the heavens; he hath done whatsoever he… pleased.
Sermons on Psalms 115:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 11:1 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of seeking a face-to-face encounter with God. He emphasizes the need for believers to have a personal relationship with |
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Predestination by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the unfailing mercy and inexhaustible patience of God towards His wayward children, highlighting His gracious dealings in restoring, saving, and deliver |
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The Holiness of God by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the absolute holiness of God, asserting that no fallen creature can achieve acceptance with Him through their own actions, as even the best human efforts are t |
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The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the sovereignty of God as a foundational truth that has been neglected in contemporary discourse. He explains that God's sovereignty signifies His supremacy, k |
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Vision of the Throne by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches on the importance of true spiritual worship, emphasizing the need to worship God by recognizing His worth and glory. The sermon delves into Revelation 4-5 to un |
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The Moral Nature and Fitness of Things Considered by John Gill | John Gill addresses the sermon 'The Moral Nature and Fitness of Things Considered' by Samuel Chandler, critiquing the notion that moral good and evil exist independently of God's w |
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God's Tools and Instruments by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes God's sovereignty over all events, including disasters like the fire that devastated London. He asserts that every judgment, whether it be calamity or pros |