King James Version

What Does Psalms 86:10 Mean?

Psalms 86:10 in the King James Version says “For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 86 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.”

Psalms 86:10 · KJV

Context

8

Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

9

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

10

For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.

11

Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

12

I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. This doxological conclusion grounds the previous verse's prophetic vision in God's nature. Thou art great (gadol attah, גָּדוֹל אַתָּה) affirms incomparable magnitude—not merely large but infinitely surpassing all created things. Divine greatness encompasses power, wisdom, holiness, and all perfections existing without limit.

The phrase doest wondrous things (oseh nifla'ot, עֹשֵׂה נִפְלָאוֹת) references miraculous works—acts that inspire awe, transcending natural explanation. These nifla'ot include creation, exodus deliverance, provision in wilderness, victories over enemies, and ultimately the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ—the supreme wonder of God's redemptive work.

The climactic declaration thou art God alone (attah Elohim levadekha, אַתָּה אֱלֹהִים לְבַדֶּךָ) asserts absolute monotheism—no other being shares deity with Yahweh. This exclusivity grounds missionary urgency: if God alone is truly God, all peoples must acknowledge Him. The New Testament maintains this monotheism while revealing God's triune nature—Father, Son, and Spirit as one God performing wondrous redemption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This affirmation echoes Moses's declaration after the Red Sea crossing: "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?" (Exodus 15:11) and anticipates Isaiah's prophetic emphasis on God's exclusive deity during the exile (Isaiah 43:10-11, 44:6, 45:5-6). The early church's proclamation of Jesus as Lord confronted Roman polytheism with this radical monotheism, insisting Christ's deity didn't compromise but revealed the one true God's nature.

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'wondrous things' has God done in your life that testify to His greatness and uniqueness?
  2. How does confessing 'thou art God alone' challenge idolatrous devotion to created things or human institutions?
  3. How can you maintain biblical monotheism while explaining the Trinity to those unfamiliar with Christian theology?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּֽי1 of 8
H3588

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

גָד֣וֹל2 of 8

“For thou art great”

H1419

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

אַ֭תָּה3 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

וְעֹשֵׂ֣ה4 of 8

“and doest”

H6213

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

נִפְלָא֑וֹת5 of 8

“wondrous things”

H6381

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

אַתָּ֖ה6 of 8
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֱלֹהִ֣ים7 of 8

“thou art 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

לְבַדֶּֽךָ׃8 of 8
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

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 86:10 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 86:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 37:16Mark 12:29Psalms 72:181 Corinthians 8:4Deuteronomy 32:39Exodus 15:11

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