King James Version

What Does Psalms 136:4 Mean?

Psalms 136:4 in the King James Version says “To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 136 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 136:4 · KJV


Context

2

O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

3

O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

4

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

5

To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.

6

To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever." The phrase l'oseh nifla'ot gedolot levado (to the one doing great wonders alone) emphasizes divine uniqueness and exclusivity. Niflaot (wonders/marvels) describes extraordinary acts beyond natural causation. Gedolot (great) indicates magnitude. Levado (alone/by Himself) stresses that YHWH alone performs such wonders—no human help, no divine collaborators, no natural explanation. This recalls Exodus miracles (plagues, Red Sea), wilderness provision (manna, water from rock), conquest of Canaan (Jordan crossing, Jericho's fall), and ongoing divine interventions. The refrain again links wonder-working power with enduring mercy—God's miracles serve His covenant faithfulness, not arbitrary displays of power.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's history consisted of divine wonders: creation, flood, calling Abraham, Isaac's birth to aged parents, exodus plagues, Red Sea parting, Sinai theophany, wilderness provision, Jordan crossing, sun standing still (Joshua 10), Gideon's fleece and victory, David's triumphs, Elijah's miracles, return from exile. These wonders authenticated YHWH as true God against false deities who performed no such acts (1 Kings 18:20-40). The New Testament records Christ's miracles as signs authenticating His messiahship (John 20:30-31) and apostolic miracles confirming gospel proclamation (Acts 2:22, Hebrews 2:3-4). Church history continues to testify to God's wonderful works in conversion, providence, and occasional miraculous interventions.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "great wonders" has God performed in salvation history that strengthen your faith?
  2. How does recognizing that God "alone" does wonders guard against crediting human ingenuity or natural causes for divine work?
  3. In what ways have you personally experienced God's wonder-working in seemingly impossible situations?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
לְעֹ֘שֵׂ֤ה1 of 7

To him who alone doeth

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

נִפְלָא֣וֹת2 of 7

wonders

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

גְּדֹל֣וֹת3 of 7

great

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

לְבַדּ֑וֹ4 of 7
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

כִּ֖י5 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְעוֹלָ֣ם6 of 7

endureth for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

חַסְדּֽוֹ׃7 of 7

for his mercy

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty


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 136:4 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 136:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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