King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:8 Mean?

Psalms 106:8 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.”

Psalms 106:8 · KJV

Salvation

Context

6

We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

7

Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea.

8

Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

9

He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

10

And he saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

Read Psalms 106 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse reveals the theological tension between human sin and divine purpose. Despite Israel's rebellion at the Red Sea (detailed in Exodus 14), God 'saved them for his name's sake.' This phrase is theologically rich: God's deliverance is not primarily motivated by Israel's merit but by His own reputation and character. The salvation is 'for his name's sake' - to demonstrate His power, faithfulness, and covenant loyalty. 'That he might make his mighty power to be known' shows that God's redemptive acts serve a revelatory purpose - they display His attributes to watching nations. This verse establishes a crucial principle: God's saving work ultimately serves His glory and the revelation of His character, even when His people are undeserving. It's a grace that transcends human faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The verse references the pivotal Red Sea deliverance (Exodus 14:10-31), when Israel, trapped between Pharaoh's army and the sea, complained bitterly against Moses and God. Rather than abandoning them to their lack of faith, God parted the waters and destroyed the Egyptian army. This event became the foundational salvation narrative for Israel's identity. The phrase 'for his name's sake' connects to God's declaration to Moses in Exodus 3:13-15, where He revealed His covenant name YHWH. God's reputation among the nations was at stake - He had promised Abraham to make his descendants a great nation and to give them the land. The deliverance at the Red Sea demonstrated to Egypt, Canaan, and surrounding nations that YHWH was supreme. This event established a pattern: God's salvation serves His redemptive purposes in history.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God saved Israel 'for his name's sake' rather than because they deserved it?
  2. How does this verse challenge human-centered views of salvation that focus primarily on our benefit?
  3. Why is it significant that God makes His mighty power known even through the salvation of rebellious people?
  4. In what ways does God's commitment to His own name provide more security than if His salvation depended on human faithfulness?
  5. How does this principle of saving 'for his name's sake' foreshadow the New Testament doctrine of grace?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וַֽ֭יּוֹשִׁיעֵם1 of 6

“Nevertheless he saved”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

לְמַ֣עַן2 of 6
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

שְׁמ֑וֹ3 of 6

“them for his name's”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לְ֝הוֹדִ֗יעַ4 of 6

“to be known”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֶת5 of 6
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

גְּבוּרָתֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“sake that he might make his mighty power”

H1369

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

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 106:8 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 106:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 9:16Ezekiel 20:9Ezekiel 20:14Jeremiah 14:21Ezekiel 20:44Romans 9:17

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