Exodus 15:11

KJV

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

KJV (with Strong's)

Who is like unto thee, O LORD {H3068}, among the gods {H410}? who is like thee, glorious {H142} in holiness {H6944}, fearful {H3372} in praises {H8416}, doing {H6213} wonders {H6382}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Who is like you, ADONAI, among the mighty? Who is like you, sublime in holiness, awesome in praises, working wonders?

Berean Standard Bible

Who among the gods is like You, O LORD? Who is like You—majestic in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?

American Standard Version

Who is like unto thee, O Jehovah, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 15:11, a climactic declaration within the triumphant Song of Moses, extols the unparalleled nature of Yahweh, Israel's covenant God, asserting His unique supremacy over all other perceived deities. It magnificently portrays Him as uniquely glorious in His absolute holiness, awe-inspiring even in the context of praise, and actively demonstrating His singular power through miraculous wonders, thereby establishing His unrivaled identity as the one true and incomparable God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 15 functions as the "Song of Moses and Miriam," a spontaneous and triumphant hymn sung by the Israelites immediately following their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea and the utter destruction of the pursuing Egyptian army (Exodus 14). This chapter marks the Israelites' first corporate act of worship and praise, expressing profound gratitude and awe at God's overwhelming power and faithfulness. Verse 11, specifically, serves as a central theological assertion within this song, moving beyond a mere recounting of events to a declaration of God's unique character and unparalleled majesty. It sets the stage for Israel's covenant relationship with this incomparable God, anticipating future acts of divine power and the establishment of God's dwelling among His people, as hinted at in [Exodus 15:13](/exodus/15-13 "God's Leading and Redeeming Power") and [Exodus 15:17](/exodus/15-17 "God's Dwelling Place").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop is the Israelites' liberation from centuries of slavery in Egypt, a polytheistic empire where Pharaoh himself was considered a divine figure and numerous gods were worshipped (e.g., Ra, Amun, Osiris). The plagues described in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7-12 "The Plagues of Egypt") and the Red Sea crossing were not merely natural disasters but direct confrontations and judgments against these Egyptian deities, demonstrating Yahweh's absolute sovereignty over all creation and all other perceived "gods" (as explicitly stated in [Exodus 12:12](/exodus/12-12 "God's Judgment on Egyptian Gods")). In the broader Ancient Near East, polytheism was the norm, with each nation having its pantheon of gods. Exodus 15:11, therefore, is a radical monotheistic declaration, asserting Yahweh's singular and unrivaled power in a world saturated with competing divine claims, establishing the foundational truth for Israel's identity as a people set apart for the one true God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Sovereignty and Power**, demonstrating His absolute control over nature and nations, as evidenced by the Red Sea miracle. Secondly, it highlights **God's Uniqueness and Incomparability**, challenging the polytheistic worldview of the ancient world and establishing Yahweh as the one true God, distinct from and superior to all other "gods." This theme is foundational to Israel's covenant identity and their call to exclusive worship, as later codified in the first commandment in [Exodus 20:3](/exodus/20-3 "No Other Gods Before Me"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **God's Holiness**, portraying Him as utterly set apart in purity and majesty, which demands reverence and shapes the nature of true worship. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **God's Redemptive Action**, as His "wonders" are not arbitrary displays of power but purposeful acts of salvation on behalf of His people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the divine covenant name of God, YHWH (often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh"), revealed to Moses at the burning bush (see [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14-15 "God's Self-Revelation to Moses")). Its use here emphasizes God's personal, relational, and active presence with His people, underscoring that the One who performed these wonders is the self-existent, eternal God who entered into covenant with Abraham and is now faithfully delivering His descendants. It signifies His unwavering commitment to His promises and His active involvement in human history.
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʼêl'_):** This plural noun, derived from a root meaning "strength" or "power," refers to deities or powerful ones. In this context, it directly contrasts Yahweh with the numerous pagan gods worshipped by the Egyptians and other nations in the ancient Near East. The rhetorical question "Who is like unto thee... among the gods?" is a direct challenge to the polytheistic worldview, asserting Yahweh's absolute uniqueness and supremacy, not merely as the greatest among many, but as utterly distinct and incomparable. It highlights His singular might and authority over any perceived rival.
* **fearful (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This word, a primitive root, conveys a sense of awe-inspiring, dread-inducing majesty, often translated as "to fear" or "to revere." When applied to God, it speaks to His transcendent nature, His ability to inspire profound reverence, wonder, and holy dread through His actions. It is not about being afraid in a negative sense, but rather experiencing overwhelming respect and astonishment in the presence of overwhelming power and glory. His mighty deeds of salvation and judgment naturally evoke this deep sense of awe.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods?"**: This rhetorical question serves as the foundational declaration of the verse. It is not seeking an answer, but emphatically asserting that no one, no entity, no deity, can compare to Yahweh. It directly challenges the polytheistic worldview of the ancient world, proclaiming the absolute uniqueness and supremacy of Israel's God over all other perceived powers or idols. It establishes a fundamental tenet of monotheism: Yahweh stands alone as the truly powerful and sovereign God.
* **"who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness,"**: This reiterates the incomparable nature of God, specifically highlighting His attribute of holiness. "Glorious" (from Hebrew _ʼâdar_) speaks of majesty, splendor, and honor, signifying God's magnificent and expansive greatness. "Holiness" (Hebrew _qôdesh_) refers to God's utter separateness, purity, and moral perfection. He is set apart from all creation, all sin, and all other beings. His glory is intrinsically linked to His unblemished, transcendent purity, making Him radiant and magnificent in His set-apartness.
* **"fearful [in] praises,"**: This profound phrase describes God's awe-inspiring nature even within the context of worship. "Fearful" (Hebrew _yârêʼ_) means awe-inspiring or dreadful. It suggests that God's majesty is so profound that even the acts of praise directed towards Him evoke a sense of profound reverence and wonder. His praiseworthy deeds are so mighty and overwhelming that they naturally inspire a holy dread and astonishment, making the very act of praising Him a powerful encounter with His transcendent glory. Our praise is not merely a human act, but a response to His terrifyingly beautiful and powerful presence.
* **"doing wonders?"**: This final clause points to God's active demonstration of His power through miraculous interventions. The "wonders" (Hebrew _peleʼ_) refer specifically to the supernatural acts God performed in Egypt and at the Red Sea—the plagues, the parting of the sea, the destruction of Pharaoh's army. These are deeds that defy natural explanation and reveal God's sovereign control over creation and history, serving as undeniable proof of His unique power and incomparable identity, solidifying His claim as the only One capable of such acts.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 15:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, repeated twice ("Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee...?"). This device is not meant to elicit an answer but to emphatically assert the self-evident truth of God's absolute incomparability. Its power lies in its direct challenge to any rival claims, leaving no room for doubt about Yahweh's unique supremacy. **Parallelism** is also evident, particularly in the repetition of "who [is] like thee," which reinforces the central theme of God's uniqueness while introducing different facets of His character (holiness, praise, wonders). The phrase "fearful in praises" can be seen as a form of **Paradox** or intense imagery, conveying the overwhelming nature of God's majesty such that even the act of worship is filled with awe and holy dread, transforming praise from a mere expression to a profound encounter. Together, these devices create a powerful and memorable declaration of God's unparalleled nature, designed to inspire worship, reverence, and unwavering trust in His mighty power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 15:11 lays a foundational stone for Israelite theology, establishing the absolute uniqueness and sovereignty of Yahweh. It is a powerful declaration of monotheism in a polytheistic world, asserting that the God of Israel is not merely one god among many, but the only true God, incomparable in His attributes and actions. This verse underscores God's transcendent holiness, His unapproachable purity and moral perfection which sets Him apart from all creation and all human sin. Furthermore, it highlights His active involvement in history, demonstrating His power through miraculous "wonders" that reveal His covenant faithfulness and His ability to deliver His people. This understanding of God's incomparable nature becomes the bedrock for Israel's worship, obedience, and trust, shaping their identity as a people belonging exclusively to the one true God, and forming the basis for the first commandment to have no other gods before Him.

* [Deuteronomy 33:26](/deuteronomy/33-26 "God's Uniqueness and Helpfulness")
* [Psalm 86:8](/psalms/86-8 "No God Like You")
* [Isaiah 40:25](/isaiah/40-25 "The Incomparable God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 15:11 calls us to a profound reorientation of our perspective, inviting us to behold God in His unadulterated glory and incomparable majesty. In a world that constantly presents us with myriad "gods"—whether they be wealth, power, fame, self-sufficiency, human ideologies, or even our own desires—this verse serves as a powerful corrective, reminding us that only Yahweh is truly glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, and doing wonders. It challenges us to examine what we truly worship and to align our lives with the recognition of His singular supremacy. When we grasp God's incomparability, our worship deepens, our trust solidifies, and our anxieties diminish, knowing that the One who has delivered and sustained His people throughout history is the same unchanging, all-powerful God who works wonders in our lives today. This truth compels us to live in reverent awe, to praise Him with genuine adoration for His mighty deeds, and to confidently rely on His ability to navigate us through any "Red Sea" we may face, trusting in His sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be consciously or unconsciously elevating "gods" other than the one true God, and how can you re-center your worship on His incomparable nature?**
* **Reflect on a "wonder" God has done in your life or in history. How does contemplating this act deepen your awe and praise for Him, recognizing His unique power and holiness?**
* **How does understanding God as "fearful in praises" impact your personal and corporate worship, moving it beyond mere routine to a profound encounter with His majesty and power?**

### FAQ
**Does the phrase "among the gods" imply that other gods truly exist alongside Yahweh?**

Answer: No, the phrase "among the gods" (Hebrew: _ʼêl_) in Exodus 15:11 does not imply that other deities actually exist as divine beings with power comparable to Yahweh. Instead, it functions as a rhetorical device within a polemical context, directly challenging the polytheistic worldview prevalent in the ancient Near East. Various nations worshipped numerous gods, and this declaration asserts Yahweh's absolute supremacy and uniqueness, demonstrating that He is utterly distinct from and infinitely superior to any human-made idol or any entity that might be called "god" by other cultures. The passage is not a concession to polytheism but a powerful, emphatic declaration of exclusive monotheism, proclaiming that there is no one like Yahweh, thus rendering all other "gods" impotent and irrelevant in comparison. This is consistent with later biblical teaching, such as [Isaiah 44:6](/isaiah/44-6 "God is the First and the Last") and [Jeremiah 10:10-11](/jeremiah/10-10-11 "The Lord is the True God"), which explicitly state the non-existence or powerlessness of idols.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 15:11, with its magnificent portrayal of Yahweh as incomparable in holiness, awesome in praise, and a doer of wonders, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the visible image of the invisible God, the very embodiment of God's glory and holiness (as declared in [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Christ, the Image of the Invisible God") and [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Christ's Superiority")). In Christ, the "glorious in holiness" is made manifest, as He lived a perfectly sinless life, demonstrating the unblemished purity of God in human flesh, a holiness that even the demons acknowledged (see [Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit")). The "fearful in praises" is seen in the awe-inspiring nature of His ministry, His authoritative teaching (as noted in [Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "The Authority of Jesus")), His miraculous healings, and ultimately, His triumph over sin and death on the cross and through the resurrection. These are the ultimate "wonders" that God has done, surpassing even the Red Sea deliverance in their cosmic significance and eternal impact, offering salvation and new life to all who believe (as promised in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). Through Christ, God's incomparable power is displayed not only in judgment but supremely in redemptive love. He is the One "among the gods" (false idols and worldly powers) who stands alone, the unique Son of God, to whom all praise and honor are due, for He perfectly reveals and embodies the Yahweh of Exodus 15:11, being "God manifest in the flesh" (as affirmed in [1 Timothy 3:16](/1_timothy/3-16 "The Mystery of Godliness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 8:23

And he said, LORD God of Israel, [there is] no God like thee, in heaven above, or on earth beneath, who keepest covenant and mercy with thy servants that walk before thee with all their heart:

Psalms 89:5

¶ And the heavens shall praise thy wonders, O LORD: thy faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints.

Psalms 89:8

O LORD God of hosts, who [is] a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

1 Samuel 2:2

[There is] none holy as the LORD: for [there is] none beside thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God.

2 Samuel 7:22

Wherefore thou art great, O LORD God: for [there is] none like thee, neither [is there any] God beside thee, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

Revelation 4:8

¶ And the four beasts had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

Isaiah 6:3

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, [is] the LORD of hosts: the whole earth [is] full of his glory.