Psalms 136:4
Psalms 136:4 in Multiple Translations
He alone does great wonders. His loving devotion endures forever.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him who alone doeth great wonders; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:
To him who only does great wonders: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
To him who alone does amazing things! For his trustworthy love lasts forever.
Which onely doeth great wonders: for his mercie endureth for euer:
To Him doing great wonders by Himself alone, For to the age [is] His kindness.
to him who alone does great wonders, for his loving kindness endures forever;
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
How shall we sing the song of the Lord in a strange land?
He is the only one who performs great miracles; his faithful love for us endures forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 136:4
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 136:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לְ/עֹ֘שֵׂ֤ה
נִפְלָא֣וֹת
גְּדֹל֣וֹת
לְ/בַדּ֑/וֹ
כִּ֖י
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
לְ/עֹ֘שֵׂ֤ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal
נִפְלָא֣וֹת
pâlâʼ
H6381
to wonder
V-Niphal
גְּדֹל֣וֹת
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
לְ/בַדּ֑/וֹ
bad
H905
alone
Prep | N-ms | Suff
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 136:4
לְ/עֹ֘שֵׂ֤ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal
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.
נִפְלָא֣וֹת
pâlâʼ
H6381
"to wonder"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to wonder or be amazed, often at something great or difficult. It describes God's power and miracles in the Bible, like in the book of Psalms. The KJV translates it as 'marvelous' or 'wonderful'.
Definition: 1) to be marvellous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be beyond one's power, be difficult to do 1a2) to be difficult to understand 1a3) to be wonderful, be extraordinary 1a3a) marvellous (participle) 1b) (Piel) to separate (an offering) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing 1c2) to make wonderful, do wondrously 1d) (Hithpael) to show oneself wonderful or marvellous
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, (arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do, do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles, perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make) wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things, works, -ly). See also: Genesis 18:14; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 9:2.
גְּדֹל֣וֹת
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
לְ/בַדּ֑/וֹ
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 136:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 136:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
- Sermons on Psalms 136:4
Context — His Loving Devotion Endures Forever
2Give thanks to the God of gods. His loving devotion endures forever.
3Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His loving devotion endures forever.
4He alone does great wonders. His loving devotion endures forever.
5By His insight He made the heavens. His loving devotion endures forever. 6He spread out the earth upon the waters. His loving devotion endures forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 72:18 | Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds. |
| 2 | Psalms 86:10 | For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God. |
| 3 | Job 5:9 | the One who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number. |
| 4 | Revelation 15:3 | and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations! |
| 5 | Exodus 15:11 | Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? |
Psalms 136:4 Summary
This verse tells us that God is the only one who can do truly amazing things, and that He loves us with a love that will never end. This means that we can always trust in God's power and love, no matter what happens in our lives, as promised in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11. Just like the Bible says in Psalms 23:4, God is always with us, guiding and protecting us, and we can have peace knowing that His loving devotion endures forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God alone does great wonders?
This phrase emphasizes God's unique power and ability to perform extraordinary miracles, as seen in Exodus 15:11 and Job 37:14, reminding us of His sovereignty and majesty.
How does God's loving devotion endure forever?
God's loving devotion, or steadfast love, is a central theme in the Bible, as seen in Psalms 107:1 and Jeremiah 31:3, and it endures forever because of His unchanging nature and faithfulness, as promised in Malachi 3:6.
What is the significance of this verse in the context of Psalms 136?
This verse highlights God's unique power and loving devotion, serving as a bridge between the introduction of God as the Lord of lords in Psalms 136:3 and the description of His creative power in Psalms 136:5-6, emphasizing His sovereignty over all creation.
How can we apply this verse to our everyday lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing God's power and love in our lives, trusting in His sovereignty, and expressing gratitude for His loving devotion, as encouraged in Psalms 100:4-5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some great wonders that God has done in my life, and how can I express gratitude for them?
- How does the fact that God's loving devotion endures forever comfort me in times of uncertainty or doubt?
- In what ways can I reflect God's loving devotion to those around me, as instructed in Matthew 22:37-40 and John 13:34-35?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's power and sovereignty in my life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:28-31?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:4
To him who alone doeth great wonders,.... As in the works of creation at first, having no help from angels or men; so in the works of providence, many of which are unsearchable, and past finding out,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:4
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders - (Psalms 72:18.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
Him who alone; he and none else. Or, he without the help of any other person or thing; whereas no other being can do any thing alone or without his help.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
Psalms 136:4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.Ver. 4. To him who alone doeth great wonders] Wondrous things the creature may do, but not wonders; mira sed non miracula. God alone is the great Thaumaturgus, that is, wonder worker.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
(4) Psalms 72:18.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
Verse 4. Who alone doeth great wonders] MIRACLES. No power but that which is almighty can work miracles, נפלאות niphlaoth, the inversion, or suspension, or destruction of the laws of nature.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:4
4–9. Jehovah the Creator.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:4
To him who alone doeth great wonders - Miracles; marvelous things; things which spring from his direct and absolute power; things lying beyond the range of natural laws. See the notes at Psalms 72:18.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:4
4. Doeth great wonders—See Psalms 72:18; Psalms 135:6. The superior works of God declare him supreme. The phraseology shows that his works are above both comprehension and description.
Sermons on Psalms 136:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Psalm 136 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches a sermon exalting the enduring mercy of the Lord, invoking praises for His works of creation, deliverance, and redemption. From the wonders of creation to the vi |
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The Fulfillment of the Promise. by William Arthur | William Arthur preaches about the significant events leading up to the day of Pentecost, drawing parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament dispensations. He emphasi |
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The Miracle-Working God of Mercy by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker encourages the audience to reflect on their convictions about God. He suggests that they circle three titles for God mentioned by David in the psalm. Th |
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The Glory Which Is Due to Jehovah. by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches a Thanksgiving Sermon based on 1 Chronicles 16:28-29, emphasizing the importance of giving glory and strength to the Lord, bringing offerings, and worshiping |
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Letter 97 by James Bourne | James Bourne preaches to Mr. W. Abbott about the unsearchable ways of the Lord, emphasizing the sanctifying power of mysterious dispensations and humbling circumstances that lead t |
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Al Whittinghill - Broken Before the Throne 2010 by Al Whittinghill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and accepting the wrath of God as a reflection of our sanctification and true feelings towards Him. It highlights the signifi |
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The Calmness of the Trusting Believer Pt 1 by Aeron Morgan | In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of preaching the Word of God in the Philippines, specifically among rebel tribes and in areas of extreme poverty. He emphasizes th |