King James Version

What Does Psalms 40:5 Mean?

Psalms 40:5 in the King James Version says “Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. they cannot: or, none can order them unto thee

Psalms 40:5 · KJV


Context

3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

4

Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

5

Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. they cannot: or, none can order them unto thee

6

Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. opened: Heb. digged

7

Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse celebrates the innumerability of God's works and thoughts toward His people. The Hebrew mah rabbu ('how many') expresses wonder at divine abundance. God's thoughts (machshavot) toward us are purposeful plans, not random impulses. They cannot be 'reckoned up in order' because they exceed human capacity to catalog divine grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The theme of God's countless mercies appears throughout the Psalter, reflecting Israel's corporate memory of deliverance from Egypt, wilderness provision, and establishment in the promised land.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific works of God in your life have been too numerous to count?
  2. How does meditating on God's abundant thoughts toward you affect your prayer life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
רַבּ֤וֹת1 of 15

Many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

עָשִׂ֨יתָ׀2 of 15

works which thou hast done

H6213

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

אַתָּ֤ה׀3 of 15
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְהוָ֣ה4 of 15

O LORD

H3068

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

אֱלֹהַי֮5 of 15

my God

H430

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

נִֽפְלְאֹתֶ֥יךָ6 of 15

are thy wonderful

H6381

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

וּמַחְשְׁבֹתֶ֗יךָ7 of 15

and thy thoughts

H4284

a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)

אֵ֫לֵ֥ינוּ8 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אֵ֤ין׀9 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

עֲרֹ֬ךְ10 of 15

which are to us-ward they cannot be reckoned up in order

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

אֵלֶ֗יךָ11 of 15
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַגִּ֥ידָה12 of 15

unto thee if I would declare

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

וַאֲדַבֵּ֑רָה13 of 15

and speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

עָ֝צְמ֗וּ14 of 15

of them they are more

H6105

to bind fast, i.e., close (the eyes); intransitively, to be (causatively, make) powerful or numerous; to crunch the bones

מִסַּפֵּֽר׃15 of 15

than can be numbered

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra


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 40:5 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 40:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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