King James Version

What Does Psalms 147:20 Mean?

Psalms 147:20 in the King James Version says “He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 147 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.”

Psalms 147:20 · KJV

Context

18

He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19

He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. his word: Heb. his words

20

He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The final verse of Psalm 147 concludes the psalm and transitions toward the cosmic praise of Psalm 150: 'He sendeth forth his commandment upon earth: his word runneth very swiftly.' The phrase 'sendeth forth his commandment' (meshallach imrato) portrays God's word as an agent executing divine will. The metaphor of the word 'running swiftly' (ratz me'od) anthropomorphizes divine action as rapid and unstoppable. This verse emphasizes that God's communication and command are not abstract concepts but active forces in the world. The phrase 'upon earth' grounds divine action in concrete reality, not merely in transcendent realms. The verse suggests that God's will is efficaciously carried out - His word accomplishes what He intends. This stands in contrast to human words, which may be ignored or ineffectual. The emphasis on swiftness suggests immediacy and power: when God speaks, effects follow. The verse moves from particular theological affirmations about God's character and relationship with those who fear Him to a universal affirmation about God's active governance of creation through His word.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of God's word as an active force appears in Isaiah 55:10-11, where the word goes out from God's mouth and 'shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.' This theological understanding informed Jewish meditation on the Logos (divine word) and influenced early Christian theology, particularly the Prologue to John's Gospel ('In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God'). In Second Temple Judaism, the concept of God's word (dabar YHWH) was sometimes personified as an agent of God's will. The verse's emphasis on swiftness may relate to divine immediacy - God is not distant or slow to act but present and effective. The transition from human piety (those who fear God and hope in His mercy, verse 11) to cosmic governance (God's word running swiftly over all the earth, verse 20) suggests that human reverence and divine action coexist in a unified system of meaning. The verse leads naturally toward Psalm 148, which calls all creation to praise.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God's word 'runneth very swiftly,' and how does this describe divine action?
  2. How does personifying God's word as an agent relate to understanding God's will and purpose?
  3. Why does the psalm conclude with emphasis on God's active governance rather than with further imperatives to praise?
  4. In what ways does the swiftness of God's word contrast with human experience of delayed justice or answers to prayer?
  5. How should understanding God's word as an active, effective force shape our understanding of Scripture and revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
לֹ֘א1 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָ֤שָׂה2 of 10

“He hath not dealt”

H6213

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

כֵ֨ן׀3 of 10
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

לְכָל4 of 10
H3605

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

גּ֗וֹי5 of 10

“so with any nation”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

וּמִשְׁפָּטִ֥ים6 of 10

“and as for his judgments”

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

בַּל7 of 10
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

יְדָע֗וּם8 of 10

“they have not known”

H3045

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

הַֽלְלוּ9 of 10

“them Praise”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

יָֽהּ׃10 of 10

“ye the LORD”

H3050

jah, the sacred name

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 147:20 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 147:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 4:32-34Romans 3:1-21 Peter 2:9-10Ephesians 2:12Deuteronomy 4:7-8Ephesians 5:8

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