Psalms 147:20
Psalms 147:20 in Multiple Translations
He has done this for no other nation; they do not know His judgments. Hallelujah!
He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.
He hath not dealt so with any nation; And as for his ordinances, they have not known them. Praise ye Jehovah.
He has not done these things for any other nation: and as for his laws, they have no knowledge of them. Let the Lord be praised.
He has not done this for any other nation—they don't know his laws. Praise the Lord!
He hath not dealt so with euery nation, neither haue they knowen his iudgements. Prayse ye the Lord.
He hath not done so to any nation, As to judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye Jah!
He has not done this for just any nation. They don’t know his ordinances. Praise the LORD!
He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.
He has not done that for any other nation; the other nations do not know his laws. Praise Yahweh!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 147:20
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 147:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֘א
עָ֤שָׂה
כֵ֨ן
לְ/כָל
גּ֗וֹי
וּ/מִשְׁפָּטִ֥ים
בַּל
יְדָע֗וּ/ם
הַֽלְלוּ
יָֽהּ
לֹ֘א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
עָ֤שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כֵ֨ן
kên
H3651
right
Adv
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
גּ֗וֹי
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-ms
וּ/מִשְׁפָּטִ֥ים
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
Conj | N-mp
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
יְדָע֗וּ/ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
הַֽלְלוּ
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
יָֽהּ
Yâhh
H3050
LORD
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 147:20
לֹ֘א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָ֤שָׂה
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.
כֵ֨ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
גּ֗וֹי
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
N-ms
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
וּ/מִשְׁפָּטִ֥ים
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
Conj | N-mp
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
יְדָע֗וּ/ם
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הַֽלְלוּ
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Piel-Impv-2mp
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
יָֽהּ
Yâhh
H3050
"LORD"
N-proper
Jah is a shortened form of the name LORD, used in many compounds, such as names ending in -iah or -jah. It appears in the Bible as a way to refer to God.
Definition: A shortened form of the name ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) used in many compounds as the letters 'Je' or 'jah'
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in '-iah,' '-jah.' See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:17; Psalms 68:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 147:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 147:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:20
- Sermons on Psalms 147:20
Context — It Is Good to Sing Praises
18He sends forth His word and melts them; He unleashes His winds, and the waters flow.
19He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and judgments to Israel.
20He has done this for no other nation; they do not know His judgments. Hallelujah!
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 4:32–34 | Indeed, ask now from one end of the heavens to the other about the days that long preceded you, from the day that God created man on earth: Has anything as great as this ever happened or been reported? Has a people ever heard the voice of God speaking out of the fire, as you have, and lived? Or has any god tried to take as his own a nation out of another nation—by trials, signs, wonders, and war, by a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors—as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, before your eyes? |
| 2 | Romans 3:1–2 | What, then, is the advantage of being a Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God. |
| 3 | 1 Peter 2:9–10 | But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 4:7–8 | For what nation is great enough to have a god as near to them as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call on Him? And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today? |
| 5 | Ephesians 2:12 | remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. |
| 6 | Ephesians 5:8 | For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, |
| 7 | Isaiah 5:1–7 | I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. What more could I have done for My vineyard than I already did for it? Why, when I expected sweet grapes, did it bring forth sour fruit? Now I will tell you what I am about to do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be consumed; I will tear down its wall, and it will be trampled. I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.” For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress. |
| 8 | Acts 14:16 | In past generations, He let all nations go their own way. |
| 9 | Acts 26:27 | King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 29:18 | Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the Law. |
Psalms 147:20 Summary
[God has a special relationship with the nation of Israel, and He has given them unique blessings and responsibilities, as seen in Psalms 147:20 and Deuteronomy 7:6. This is a reminder that God is a loving and faithful God who desires a personal relationship with His people, as noted in Jeremiah 31:3 and Matthew 15:24. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to deepen our own understanding of God's word and ways, and to respond with praise and gratitude for His love and care. We can also be inspired to join with others in declaring 'Hallelujah' and giving thanks for God's goodness and faithfulness, as encouraged in Psalms 100:4-5 and Revelation 19:6-7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God has done this for no other nation?
This means that God has uniquely revealed Himself and His ways to the nation of Israel, as seen in Psalms 147:20, and this is a special blessing and privilege, as noted in Deuteronomy 7:6 and Romans 3:2.
Why do other nations not know God's judgments?
Other nations do not know God's judgments because they have not been given the same revelation of God's word and ways as Israel has, as stated in Psalms 147:20, and as seen in the lack of divine revelation in other cultures, such as in Romans 1:18-23 and Acts 17:22-23.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Hallelujah' at the end of Psalms 147:20?
The phrase 'Hallelujah' is a call to praise God, and in this context, it is a declaration of joy and worship in response to God's unique relationship with Israel, as seen in Psalms 147:20, and as encouraged in Psalms 100:4-5 and Revelation 19:6-7.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible?
This verse is part of a larger theme of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in Genesis 12:1-3 and Exodus 19:5-6, and it highlights God's special love and care for His chosen people, as noted in Jeremiah 31:3 and Matthew 15:24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has uniquely blessed and cared for you, and how can you respond with praise and gratitude?
- How can you deepen your understanding of God's word and ways, and what role can scripture play in your daily life?
- What does it mean to you that God has a special love and care for His people, and how can you experience and respond to this love?
- In what ways can you join with others in declaring 'Hallelujah' and giving praise to God for His goodness and faithfulness?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 147:20
He hath not dealt so with any nation,.... Or "every nation" (b); or all the nations under the heavens; only with the Jewish nation: these only for many hundreds of years were favoured with the divine
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 147:20
He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He showeth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 147:20
He left all others to their own native darkness and blindness, and to those dim discoveries of God and of themselves which they had from the light of nature.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 147:20
Psalms 147:20 He hath not dealt so with any nation: and [as for his] judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.Ver. 20. He hath not dealt so with any nation] He had not then; but now, blessed be God, he hath dealt so with many nations, in these last happy days of reformation especially; wherein the knowledge of God’ s holy Word covereth the earth, as the waters cover the sea; and of England it may be said, as once of the Rhodes, semper in Sole, sita est Rhodos, that it hath the sun ever shining upon it. This we should prize as a precious treasure, and praise the Lord for it, corde, ore, opere. by heart, mouth and work. And as for his judgments, they have not known them] And therefore lie in deadly darkness; wherein, though they wander woefully, yet not so wide as to miss of hell.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 147:20
(20) Any nation.—This boast in Israel’s peculiar and exclusive privilege may be compared with Deuteronomy 4:7; Deuteronomy 32:32-41. Judgments.—Here plainly not manifestations of wrath; but, as so frequently in Psalms 119, the display of righteousness towards Israel.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 147:20
Verse 20. And as for his judgments] The wondrous ordinances of his law, no nation had known them; and consequently, did not know the glorious things in futurity to which they referred. ANALYSIS OF THE HUNDRED AND FORTY-SEVENTH PSALM The parts of this Psalm are two: - I. An exhortation to praise God, Psalms 147:1, which is repeated, Psalms 147:7; Psalms 147:12. II. The arguments to persuade to it: God's bounty, wisdom, power, providence, justice, and mercy, dwelt on through the whole Psalm. I. The exhortation is briefly proposed, "Praise the Lord." Which the prophet, as the chanter of the choir, begins; and then more fully repeats, "Sing unto the Lord," c. And again "Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem," &c., Psalms 147:12, where the Arabic, Greek, and Latin translators begin a new Psalm: but in the Hebrew they are conjoined, and form but one hymn. The prophet, having ended his exhortation, adds his reasons for it. 1.
It is pleasant and becoming. 2. His bounty in building Jerusalem, and bringing back the dispersed, Psalms 147:2. In comforting the distressed, Psalms 147:3. For his wisdom, Psalms 147:4. For his power, Psalms 147:5. For his mercy and justice, Psalms 147:6. His first arguments are drawn from the thing itself. I. Good: "For it is good," &c. For many reasons this may be called good. 1.
For it is God's command, and must not be neglected. 2. It elevates the heart from earth to heaven. 3. Good again, because we are bound to it by obligations. II. "To praise God is pleasant." 1. Because it proceeds from love. 2. Because it is pleasant to perform our duty, and the end of our creation. 3. Because God is pleased with it: "He that offereth me praise, glorifieth me," &c. 4. Because God is pleased with the virtues of faith, hope, charity, humility, devotion, &c., of which praise is the effect. III.
"It is comely." There is no sin greater than that of ingratitude. These are the first arguments the prophet uses, and they are drawn from the nature of the thing itself: they may apply to all ages of the Church. He dwells upon the deliverance of Israel from captivity. 1. "The Lord doth build up" his Church, the seat of his sanctuary. He hath restored our policy and religion. 2. "He gathereth together," &c. The banished and scattered ones the Gentiles. 3. "He healeth the broken in heart," c. Oppressed by captivity or sin. 4. "And bindeth up," &c.
Like a good surgeon. The second argument is drawn from his wisdom. 1. "He telleth the number of the stars," &c. A thing to man impossible, 2. "He calleth them," &c. They are his army, and he knows them. By the stars in this place some understand God's saints. 1. The stars are infinite in number. So are the saints. 2. Among them are planets.
Saints have their circuits and always revolve round him, the Sun of righteousness. 3. The stars shine clearest in the night. The saints in persecution. 4.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 147:20
12–20. Zion is summoned to praise Jehovah for the blessings of peace and prosperity. The Lord of Nature is He Who has endowed Israel with unique privileges.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 147:20
He hath not dealt so with any nation - He has favored Israel more than any other people by giving them his revealed truth. This was so. There was no nation in the ancient world so favored as the Hebrew people in this respect.
Sermons on Psalms 147:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Uniqueness of Israel - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, Derek Prince discusses the uniqueness of Israel as the nation chosen by God. He emphasizes that God's promises to Israel are not temporary, but permanent, and will |
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Heirs of His Eternal Kingdom by Michael Flowers | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding our new identity in Christ and the inheritance we have received through Him. He compares this inheritance to |
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Studies in Esther - Part 3 by Major Ian Thomas | Major Ian Thomas explores the narrative of Esther, focusing on Haman's plot against the Jews and the significance of divine law versus human law. He emphasizes how Haman's rejectio |
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Lord! Save Our Children! by Conrad Murrell | Conrad Murrell preaches on the importance of understanding and interpreting the Scriptures correctly to avoid harmful consequences like a wrong view of salvation and misplaced trus |
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Israel in the Last Days by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of aligning with God's purpose for Israel. He urges believers to bless and not curse Israel, as shown in Numbers 23 with the s |
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A Holy Nation by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separation from the world in the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and his father's hou |
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Evan Roberts Preaching in 1905 by Evan Roberts | Evan Roberts reflects on the glorious deeds of God, emphasizing that no amount of time could fully express His greatness. He challenges the congregation to consider what they offer |