King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:2 Mean?

Psalms 106:2 in the King James Version says “Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise? — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?

Psalms 106:2 · KJV


Context

1

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Praise: Heb. Hallelujah

2

Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?

3

Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

4

Remember me, O LORD, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This rhetorical question emphasizes the impossibility of fully declaring God's mighty works. 'Utter' (malal, מָלַל) means to speak or declare. 'Mighty acts' translates geburot (גְּבוּרוֹת), God's mighty deeds of power. 'Shew forth all his praise' acknowledges that God's praiseworthy acts are inexhaustible—no human can fully catalog or adequately praise them all. This verse establishes human limitation in worship: we can never fully express God's worthiness. It also invites continuous, lifelong meditation on God's works, knowing we'll never exhaust their depths. This anticipates eternal worship, where redeemed saints forever discover new reasons to praise (Revelation 4-5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 106 contrasts God's faithfulness with Israel's chronic rebellion, recounting Israel's wilderness failures. This verse opens by acknowledging that even recounting God's mercies in that difficult period cannot capture their full extent. For post-exilic Israel, this rhetorical question reminded them that even after generations of unfaithfulness, God's mercy remained beyond full description.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing the inexhaustibility of God's praiseworthy acts affect our worship?
  2. What 'mighty acts' of God in your life deserve more meditation and thanksgiving?
  3. How should the impossibility of fully praising God shape our eternal perspective?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
מִ֗י1 of 7
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יְ֭מַלֵּל2 of 7

Who can utter

H4448

to speak (mostly poetical) or say

גְּבוּר֣וֹת3 of 7

the mighty acts

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

יְהוָ֑ה4 of 7

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יַ֝שְׁמִ֗יעַ5 of 7

who can shew forth

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

כָּל6 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

תְּהִלָּתֽוֹ׃7 of 7

all his praise

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 106:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 106:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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