Psalms 86:8 — Word Study
WLCאֵין־ כָּמ֖וֹךָ בָאֱלֹהִ֥ים׀ אֲדֹנָ֗י וְאֵ֣ין כְּֽמַעֲשֶֽׂיךָ׃
BSAO LordʼĂdônây [Adonay, the sovereign Master] [there is] noneʼayin [no one, nothing] like Youkᵉmôw [unique, having no equal] among the godsʼĕlôhîym [false deities, idols] nor anyʼayin works like Yoursmaʻăseh [deeds, mighty acts, accomplished by Your power, divine interventions]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אֵין־ | there not | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| כָּמ֖וֹךָ | [is] like you | Preposition, suffix |
| בָאֱלֹהִ֥ים׀ | among the gods | Preposition, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| אֲדֹנָ֗י | O Lord | Noun proper |
| וְאֵ֣ין | and there not | Conjunction, noun common masculine singular construct |
| כְּֽמַעֲשֶֽׂיךָ׃ | [are] like works your | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours. |
| KJV | Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. |
| ASV | There is none like unto thee among the gods, O Lord; Neither are there any works like unto thy works. |
| YLT | There is none like Thee among the gods, O Lord, And like Thy works there are none. |
| WEB | There is no one like you among the gods, Lord, nor any deeds like your deeds. |
| BBE | There is no god like you, O Lord; there are no works like your works. |
Where they part company is in the emphasis on the Lord's uniqueness — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence consists of a main clause followed by a negation phrase, emphasizing the Lord's uniqueness and unmatched works.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 86:8
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Prayer of Praisegenerated
Psalms 86:8 expresses the psalmist's recognition of God's unparalleled nature among all supposed deities. This verse is part of a prayer where the psalmist calls upon the Lord in distress, affirming His unique power and the incomparable nature of His works. The surrounding verses reinforce the theme of God's sovereignty and the reverence due to Him from all nations, as noted in Psalm 86:9.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 89:6–8 | For who in the skies can compare with the LORD? Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD? |
| 2 | Exodus 15:11 | Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders? |
| 3 | Isaiah 40:18–25 | To whom will you liken God? To what image will you compare Him? |
| 4 | Jeremiah 10:6–7 | There is none like You, O LORD. You are great, and Your name is mighty in power. |
| 5 | Daniel 3:29 | Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be cut into pieces and their houses reduced to rubble. For there is no other god who can deliver in this way.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֵין־, 'ein-generated
The word אֵין ('ein) means 'nothing' or 'not,' indicating the absence of something. It emphasizes that there is no one and nothing that can be compared to the Lord.
This word is often used in contexts where something is lacking or non-existent, as seen in its frequent occurrences throughout the Hebrew Bible.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations of this verse agree on the meaning, emphasizing the uniqueness of the Lord.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of this verse centers around the predicates אֵין and וְאֵ֣ין, which emphasize the absence of comparison. The verse is constructed with clauses that affirm the Lord's uniqueness and the lack of similar works.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the negation and comparison, highlighting the Lord's unmatched status among all deities.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the phrase is rendered with the Greek word οὐκ (ouk), which also conveys negation. This choice aligns with the Hebrew's emphasis on the absence of comparison.
The use of θεοῖς (theois) reflects the translators' understanding of the term 'gods,' indicating a clear distinction between the Lord and other deities.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 86:8 tells us that the Lord is unique, with no one like Him among the gods and no works that compare to His. This verse emphasizes God's unmatched power and the reverence He deserves.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that the Lord is incomparable and stands alone as the true God, unlike any false deities or idols.
The psalmist highlights God's mighty acts to show His power and sovereignty over all creation, reinforcing His unique status.
This verse is part of a prayer where the psalmist calls upon the Lord in distress, recognizing His unmatched greatness and the need for His intervention.
We learn the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and uniqueness, which can inspire us to trust in Him during times of trouble.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced God's unique power in my life?
- How can I better recognize and honor the greatness of God in my daily actions?
- What false idols or distractions might I need to remove to focus more on the Lord?
- How can I share the uniqueness of God with others who may not know Him?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Augustine of Hippo references this verse to argue God's uniqueness among all deities, highlighting its significance in understanding divine sovereignty.
"Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord" [Psalms 86:8]. What did he say? "Among the gods," etc.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 86 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 86:8 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAmong the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord,.... Among the angels of heaven, as the Targum, in the king's Bible; see Matthew 24:36, and who are sometimes called gods, and among whom there is
Read John Gill on Psalms 86 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryGive ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. -From speaking of God's willingness, the Psalmist passes to God's omnipotent power to help. Verse 6.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 86 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThere is none like unto thee, either for power or readiness to hear and answer prayers. I am not now calling upon a deaf and impotent idol, for then I might cry my heart out, and all in vain, as they did, ; &c, but upon the Almighty and most gracious God.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 86 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 86:8 Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.Ver. 8. Among the gods] Whether deputed or reputed. There is none like unto thee] Either in essence or in operation. See Exodus 15:11.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 86 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(8) For the sources of this verse see marginal reference and Exodus 15:11. After expressing his conviction of God’s willingness to hear prayer, the psalmist goes on to his confidence in Divine power to save.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 86 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 8. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord] None that trusted in an idol ever had help in time of need; none that prayed to any of them ever had an answer to his petitions. Thou savest; they cannot; thou upholdest; they must be upheld by their foolish worshippers. Thou art my Director, אדני Adonai; but they cannot direct nor teach; they have mouths, but they speak not.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 86 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges8. There is none like thee among the gods, O Lord; And there is nought like thy works. Based upon Exodus 15:11, which is frequently imitated elsewhere; and Deuteronomy 3:24. In Psalms 86:5 the Psalmist dwelt on God’s willingness to answer prayer; here he comforts himself with the thought of His ability. His is the power possessed by none of those who are called gods and worshipped as such.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 86 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleAmong the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord - Among all those which are worshipped as gods there is no one that can hear and save.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 86 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours.
There is no one like you among the gods, Lord, nor any deeds like your deeds.
O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours.
None can compare to you among the gods, O Lord! Your exploits are incomparable!
Tyndale line
Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
There is none like unto thee among the gods, O Lord; Neither are there any works like unto thy works.
There is none like unto thee among the gods, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
Among the gods there is none like thee, O LORD; neither are there any works like thy works.
Among the gods there is none like thee, O Lord, and there is none that can doe like thy workes.
Strictly literal
Among the gods there is none like unto thee, Lord, and there is nothing like unto thy works.
There is none like Thee among the gods, O Lord, And like Thy works there are none.
There is none like You among the gods, O Lord, || And like Your works there are none.
There is none like unto thee among the Gods, O Lord; and there is nothing like thy works.
There is no one who compares to you among the gods, Lord. There are no deeds like your deeds.
Simplified
There's no one like you among the “gods,” Lord. No one can do the things you do.
There is no god like you, O Lord; there are no works like your works.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text matches the Septuagint closely, with five of the six words corresponding directly. The Dead Sea Scrolls contain fragments that confirm the existence of the verse, though some words are supplied by an editor.
אֵין־ כָּמ֖וֹךָ בָאֱלֹהִ֥ים׀ אֲדֹנָ֗י וְאֵ֣ין כְּֽמַעֲשֶֽׂיךָ׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
אין [כמו׳ך] [באלהים] [אדני]
4 words of the verse are on this fragment — 3 supplied entire by an editor.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 86:8
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.
אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought
to nothing, as nothing
cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
in circumst. clauses
with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
with prefixes
base
H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing
. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
. in circumst. clauses
. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
. with prefixes
369 'ayin ah'-yin
as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not
exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative
particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,
in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,
thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),
well-nigh, without. Compare 370.
see HEBREW for 0370
אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.
1) nothing, not, nought n
1a) nothing, nought neg
1b) not
1c) to have not (of possession) adv
1d) without w/prep
1e) for lack of
Part — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
כְּמוֹ (kemo) is an adverb and conjunction meaning 'like' or 'as,' often used to draw comparisons or indicate similarity. It can also mean 'when' or 'according to.' The word is derived from a pleonastic form of the prefix כְּ (k-) and is related to the word מוֹ (mo). There are no significant disagreements among the lexicons.
כְּמוֹ adv. and conj. like, as, when (lit. the like of what (viz.) …, a pleon. form of כְּ (v. מוֹ), and, like it, prop. a subst.)
base
H3644 כְּמוֹ adv. and conj. like, as, when (lit. the like of what (viz.) …, a pleon. form of כְּ (v. מוֹ), and, like it, prop. a subst.)
3644 kmow kem-o'
or kamow {kaw-mo'}; a form of the prefix "k-", but used
separately (compare 3651); as, thus, so:--according to, (such)
as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto),
thus, when, worth.
see HEBREW for 03651
כְּמוֹ (ke.mo) — like.
adv
1) like, as, the like of which
conj
2) when, according as, as it were
כְּמוֹ (ke.mo) — (Geruth) Chimham.
Combined with ge.rut (גֵּרוּת "Geruth" H1628)
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp2ms
אֱלֹהִים (elohiym) is a plural noun meaning 'gods' or 'God,' often referring to the supreme deity in the Old Testament. It encompasses divine beings, rulers, and judges, reflecting divine majesty and power. The term can also denote angels and is used in a superlative sense. Notably, it is sometimes combined with יהוה (YHWH), the personal name of God.
אֱלֹהִים 2570 n.m.pl.
pl. in number.
rulers, judges, either as divine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
angels
gods
pl. intensive
god or goddess
godlike one
works of God, or things belongng to him
God
הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
אֱלֹהִים = God
base
H430 אֱלֹהִים n. m. pl. . pl. in number. . rulers, judges, either asdivine representatives at sacred places or as reflecting divine majesty and power
. divine ones, superhuman beings including God and angels
. angels
. gods
. pl. intensive . god or goddess
. godlike one
. works of God, or things belongng to him
. God
. הָאֱלֹהִים the (true) God
. אֱלֹהִים = God
430 'elohiym el-o-heem'
plural of 433; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically
used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the
supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to
magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative:--angels, X
exceeding, God (gods)(-dess, -ly), X (very) great, judges, X
mighty.
see HEBREW for 0433
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — God.
This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God"
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (LORD)-Elohe.
Combined with ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068)
אֱלֹהִים (e.lo.him) — (Gibeath)-elohim.
Combined with giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeath" H1389)
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural absoluteHRd/Ncmpa
('elohim; theoi):
I. IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. Superhuman Beings (God and Angels)
2. Judges, Rulers
3. Gods of the Nations
4. Superiority of Yahweh to Other Gods
5. Regulations Regarding the Gods of the Nations
6. Israel's Tendency to Idolatry
II. IN THE APOCRYPHA
III. IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
The Hebrew plural 'elohim is generally known as the plural of "majesty" and is the ordinary name for God. The meaning of the plural seems to be "plenitude of powers." It denotes the fullness of those attributes of power which belonged to the Divine Being. Thus it is usually translated in the singular, "God," when referring to the God of Israel. When reference is made to the gods of the other nations the word is translated in the plural, "gods." The heathen nations usually had a plurality of gods. Among the Semites it was customary for one nation or tribe to have its own particular god. Often there were many…
The words god and gods, Hebrew ELOHIM, are several times used in Scripture to express the power, office, or excellence of some created beings, as angels, magistrates, Ex 22:20,28 Ps 86:8 97:12; often also for the false gods of the heathen. These were exceedingly numerous, and are denoted by various terms, signifying vanity, falsehood, etc. Among the first objects to be deified were the sun, the moon, and the chief powers of nature. Innumerable animals, deceased men, all ages, passions, and conditions of man, and every thing which fear, lust, malice, pride, or caprice could suggest, were made objects of worship. The gods of modern India are numbered by millions.
→ See IDOL
→ See IDOLATRY
→ See IMAGE
אֲדֹנָי (Adonay) means 'Lord' and is an emphatic form of another Hebrew word for lord. It is used specifically as a title for God, often in place of Yahweh to show reverence. Variations include אֲדֹנִי and אֲדֹנַי, which help distinguish divine from human references.
אָדוֹן n.m. lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
base
H136 אָדוֹן lord (אֲדֹנִי, אֲדֹנַי, אֲדֹנָי are variations of Mass. pointing to distinguish divine reference fr. human. Pl., with few exc. an intens. pl. of rank; word takes sf. as pl. in all other pers.; so doubtless here. Orig. reading prob. in all cases אֲדֹנַי; אֲדֹנִי now found in J 51 t.)
136 'Adonay ad-o-noy'
am emphatic form of 113; the Lord (used as a proper name of
God only):--(my) Lord.
see HEBREW for 0113
אֲדֹנָי (a.do.nai) — Lord.
Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence
Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
N-mp | Suff — Noun properHNpt
Lord
There are various Hebrew and Greek words so rendered.
(1.) Heb. Jehovah, has been rendered in the English Bible LORD, printed in small capitals. This is the proper name of the God of the Hebrews. The form “Jehovah” is retained only in Ex. 6:3; Ps. 83:18; Isa. 12:2; 26:4, both in the Authorized and the Revised Version.
(2.) Heb. ‘adon, means one possessed of absolute control. It denotes a master, as of slaves (Gen. 24:14, 27), or a ruler of his subjects (45:8), or a husband, as lord of his wife (18:12).
The old plural form of this Hebrew word is ’adonai. From a superstitious reverence for the name “Jehovah,” the Jews, in reading their Scriptures, whenever that name…
[GOD]
This name belongs to God by preeminence; and in this sense ought never to be given to any creature. Jesus Christ, as the Messiah, the Son of God, and equal with the Father, is often called Lord in Scripture, especially in the writing of Paul. The word LORD, in the English Bible, when printed in small capitals, stands always for JEHOVAH in the Hebrew. See JEHOVAH.
אַ֫יִן (ayin) primarily means 'nothing' or 'nought' and serves as a negative particle indicating absence or negation, such as 'is not' or 'there is not.' It can also express lack of possession or existence. The word is derived from a root meaning to be non-existent, and it appears frequently in various grammatical constructions.
אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought
to nothing, as nothing
cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
in circumst. clauses
with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
with prefixes
base
H369 אַ֫יִן, אָ֑֫יִן cstr. אֵין subst. prop. nothing, nought . to nothing, as nothing
. cstr. אֵין, very freq. as particle of negation, is not, are not, was not, were not
. אֵין לְ׳, with subst., or pron., there is (was) not to … = … have, has, had, etc. not
. in circumst. clauses
. with inf. and ל׳, it is not to …
. with prefixes
369 'ayin ah'-yin
as if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not
exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative
particle:--else, except, fail, (father-)less, be gone,
in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any,
thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable),
well-nigh, without. Compare 370.
see HEBREW for 0370
אַ֫יִן (a.yin) — nothing.
1) nothing, not, nought n
1a) nothing, nought neg
1b) not
1c) to have not (of possession) adv
1d) without w/prep
1e) for lack of
Conj | Part — Conjunction · noun common masculine singular constructHC/Ncmsc
מַעֲשֶׂה (ma`aseh) means deed or work, encompassing a range of actions from good to bad, and includes concepts like business, labor, and products made. It can refer to specific achievements, works of God, or even customs. The entries suggest a broad application in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
מַעֲשֶׂה 233 n.m. deed, work
base
H4639 מַעֲשֶׂה deed, work
4639 ma`aseh mah-as-eh'
from 6213; an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction;
abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically,
a poem) or (generally) property:--act, art, + bakemeat,
business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making,
occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, X well,
((handy-, needle-, net-))work(ing, - manship), wrought.
see HEBREW for 06213
מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: work.
: work/product
1) deed, work
1a) deed, thing done, act
1b) work, labour
1c) business, pursuit
1d) undertaking, enterprise
1e) achievement
1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)
1g) work, thing made
1h) work (of God)
1i) product
מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: justice.
: justice/right/righteousness
1) deed, work
1a) deed, thing done, act
1b) work, labour
1c) business, pursuit
1d) undertaking, enterprise
1e) achievement
1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)
1g) work, thing made
1h) work (of God)
1i) product
מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: judgement.
: judgement/punishment
1) deed, work
1a) deed, thing done, act
1b) work, labour
1c) business, pursuit
1d) undertaking, enterprise
1e) achievement
1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment)
1g) work, thing made
1h) work (of God)
1i) product
מַעֲשֶׂה (ma.a.seh) — deed: custom.
: custom/manner
Prep | N-mp | Suff — Preposition · noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHR/Ncmpc/Sp2ms