Psalms 111:2

KJV

The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

The works {H4639} of the LORD {H3068} are great {H1419}, sought out {H1875} of all them that have pleasure {H2656} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

The deeds of ADONAI are great, greatly desired by all who enjoy them.

Berean Standard Bible

Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them.

American Standard Version

The works of Jehovah are great, Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 111:2 powerfully declares the immense scope and profound significance of God's actions, asserting that these divine "works" are not only magnificent and awe-inspiring but are also diligently investigated, deeply appreciated, and joyfully cherished by all who genuinely delight in the Lord. This verse serves as a foundational call to a passionate, intentional, and worshipful pursuit of understanding God's character, wisdom, and power as revealed through His deeds, fostering a deeper relationship of adoration and gratitude.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 111 is a masterfully constructed acrostic psalm, where each line or pair of lines commences with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This intricate poetic form, shared notably with [Psalm 112](/psalms/112 "Psalm 112 - The Blessings of the Righteous"), signals a complete, comprehensive, and perfectly ordered declaration, underscoring the totality and perfection of the truths conveyed regarding God's character and actions. The psalm opens with a resounding "Hallelujah" in [Psalm 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalm 111:1 - Praise the Lord"), immediately establishing a tone of exuberant praise and thanksgiving. Following this introductory call to worship, verse 2 specifically elaborates on the nature of these divine deeds ("The works of the LORD are great") and the appropriate, joyful response of humanity to them ("sought out of all them that have pleasure therein"), setting the theological stage for the subsequent verses that detail God's specific acts of redemption, provision, and judgment, all of which elicit further praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely for communal worship, instruction, or personal meditation within ancient Israel, Psalm 111 reflects the theological understanding of a people whose very identity was inextricably linked to God's historical interventions. The "works of the LORD" would have immediately brought to mind foundational covenantal events such as the miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus"), the solemn giving of the [Law at Sinai](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), the miraculous conquest of Canaan, and God's ongoing providential care and protection for His chosen people. In a culture where divine activity was perceived as the primary driver of both history and the natural world, the call to "seek out" these works was an urgent invitation to meditate deeply on God's active presence and unwavering faithfulness within their national story and personal lives. The emphasis on "pleasure" or "delight" (חֵפֶץ, _chephets_) underscores a crucial devotional posture, distinguishing a mere intellectual acknowledgment of God's deeds from a heartfelt, worshipful, and transformative engagement with His self-revelation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse profoundly contributes to several overarching themes pervasive throughout the Psalms and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Grandeur and Revelation of God's Works**, asserting that all of God's actions—from the majestic act of creation to the intricate unfolding of redemption—are immense in scale, perfect in execution, and serve as His primary means of revealing His attributes, such as His omnipotence, infinite wisdom, perfect justice, and steadfast love. This resonates with the declaration in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory") that "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork." Secondly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **The Joyful Pursuit of Divine Knowledge**, underscoring that understanding God's works is not a dry, academic exercise but a passionate, intentional, and delightful endeavor for those who truly love and revere Him. This echoes the promise of diligent seeking found in [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart"), "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Worship and Appreciation as the Proper Response**, implying that the ultimate purpose of engaging with God's works is to lead to deeper adoration, profound gratitude, and a life lived in delighted obedience to His ways, as beautifully articulated in [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord") concerning delight in God's law.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** The Hebrew word מַעֲשֶׂה (_maʻăseh_) is a noun derived from the verb _'asah_, meaning "to do," "to make," or "to accomplish." While appearing in its plural form in the KJV ("works"), the root _maʻăseh_ refers comprehensively to deeds, actions, accomplishments, or creations. In this context, it encompasses the entire scope of God's activity, from the grand act of creation (e.g., [Psalm 8:3](/psalms/8-3 "Psalm 8:3 - The Moon and Stars, God's Handiwork")) to His historical interventions (e.g., the Exodus, [Psalm 105:5](/psalms/105-5 "Psalm 105:5 - Remember His Wondrous Works")), His providential care, and His overarching redemptive plan. The plural form emphasizes the multitude, variety, and continuous nature of these divine actions, each revealing a distinct facet of God's character and purposes.
* **Great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** The Hebrew adjective גָּדֹול (_gâdôwl_) conveys immensity, power, impressiveness, and significance. When applied to God's works, it signifies that His deeds are not merely significant but are vast in scale, profound in their impact, awe-inspiring in their wisdom, and perfect in their execution. This word underscores the unparalleled nature of divine activity, setting God's works apart from anything humanly conceived or accomplished. It evokes a sense of wonder and reverence for the Creator's boundless capacity.
* **Sought out (Hebrew, _dârash'_):** The term דָּרַשׁ (_dârash_) is a primitive root meaning "to tread or frequent," and by implication, "to follow (for pursuit or search)," "to seek or ask," and specifically "to worship." In its Pual participle form here, it indicates something that is "diligently sought," "inquired into," or "investigated." It implies an active, intentional, and thorough pursuit of understanding, not a passive observation. This word suggests a deep, intellectual, and spiritual curiosity that drives individuals to explore the intricacies, implications, and purposes of God's actions. It signifies a profound engagement that goes beyond mere acknowledgment to a desire for intimate knowledge.
* **Pleasure (Hebrew, _chêphets'_):** The Hebrew word חֵפֶץ (_chêphets_) denotes delight, desire, longing, or pleasure. It signifies a strong, positive inclination or affection, often implying a willing and eager disposition. In this verse, it describes the internal motivation of those who "seek out" God's works. Their pursuit is not born out of obligation, fear, or detached academic interest, but from a genuine, heartfelt joy and satisfaction derived from contemplating God's greatness, goodness, and wisdom. This "pleasure" transforms the study of God's works into an act of worship, intimate communion, and profound spiritual nourishment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The works of the LORD [are] great":** This opening clause establishes the inherent nature, magnitude, and superlative quality of God's actions. It is a declarative statement affirming that God's deeds, encompassing everything from creation to redemption, are characterized by immensity, power, and awe-inspiring majesty. This declaration sets the stage, presenting the objects of human contemplation as truly worthy of the highest regard, deepest study, and most profound worship.
* **"sought out of all them that have pleasure therein":** This second clause describes the divinely-intended human response to God's great works. It identifies a specific group—"all them that have pleasure therein"—who are characterized by a profound delight, earnest desire, or willing inclination towards God and His revelation. This intrinsic delight serves as the powerful motivation for them to actively and diligently "seek out," investigate, and meditate upon these works. The phrase implies a reciprocal relationship: God's works are objectively great, and those who truly value God will naturally be drawn to understand and appreciate them, finding immense joy and spiritual satisfaction in the process of discovery and contemplation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 111:2 employs several literary devices to enhance its profound message. The entire psalm is an **Acrostic**, meaning each line or couplet begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. While not explicitly visible in this single verse, this overarching structure underscores the completeness, perfection, and deliberate craftsmanship of God's revelation, mirroring the perfection and comprehensive nature of His works themselves. Within the verse, the declaration "The works of the LORD are **great**" uses **Emphasis** to highlight the immense scale, significance, and inherent majesty of God's deeds, demanding attention and reverence. The phrase "sought out of all them that have **pleasure** therein" employs **Personification** or **Anthropomorphism** by attributing human emotions (pleasure, delight) and active intellectual pursuit (seeking) to the engagement with divine knowledge. This emphasizes the deeply personal, volitional, and joyful nature of engaging with God's self-revelation. The active verb "sought out" contrasts dynamically with the passive "are great," creating a powerful interplay between God's objective, unchanging reality and humanity's subjective, yet essential, active response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 111:2 serves as a profound theological cornerstone, connecting the grandeur of God's actions to the spiritual disposition of His people. It teaches that God's works are not merely historical events or natural phenomena but are purposeful, revelatory manifestations of His character, designed to be understood, appreciated, and cherished. The verse underscores the biblical principle that true knowledge of God is not a detached intellectual exercise but a joyful, intentional, and diligent pursuit rooted in a heart that delights in Him. This delight transforms the study of God's deeds into an act of worship, fostering a deeper, more intimate relationship and confirming His faithfulness, righteousness, sand boundless love. It highlights that God's revelation is accessible and meant to be discovered by those with a receptive and eager spirit, leading inevitably to a life of praise, gratitude, and profound spiritual satisfaction.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")
* [Jeremiah 29:13](/jeremiah/29-13 "Jeremiah 29:13 - Seeking God with All Your Heart")
* [Psalm 1:2](/psalms/1-2 "Psalm 1:2 - Delight in the Law of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 111:2 extends a profound and transformative invitation to every believer: to move beyond a casual acknowledgment of God's existence and power into a vibrant, active, and joyful exploration of His works. This means diligently studying His inspired Word, the Bible, where His redemptive history, covenant faithfulness, and unchanging character are most clearly revealed. It also involves observing the intricate beauty, order, and complexity of creation, recognizing the unmistakable fingerprints of the Creator in every detail, from the grand cosmos to the smallest organism. Furthermore, it calls us to reflect on God's providential hand in our personal lives, discerning His faithfulness, wisdom, and sovereign purpose in our circumstances, both joyful and challenging. When we approach God's works with a heart of "pleasure" and a spirit of intentional inquiry, our faith is deepened, our worship becomes more authentic and fervent, and our understanding of His boundless love, infinite wisdom, and omnipotent power expands exponentially. This active, delighted engagement transforms our spiritual journey from a passive reception of truth into an exhilarating, lifelong discovery of the living God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "works of the LORD" (whether in creation, biblical history, or your personal life) have you recently contemplated, and what profound truths did they reveal about God's character?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper "pleasure" or delight in seeking out and understanding God's works daily, beyond mere intellectual assent?**
* **How does actively "seeking out" God's works differ from passively receiving information about Him, and what tangible impact does this active pursuit have on your faith and worship?**
* **What concrete steps can you take this week to more diligently investigate God's works, whether through dedicated Scripture study, focused observation of creation, or intentional personal reflection?**

### FAQ
**What does "sought out of all them that have pleasure therein" truly imply for believers today?**

Answer: This phrase implies a profound and active engagement with God's revelation, driven by genuine delight and spiritual longing. It means that understanding God's works—His deeds, His creation, His interventions in history, and His ongoing providence—is not a passive activity but a joyful, intentional, and diligent pursuit. For believers today, it calls for a deep and consistent study of the Bible, which meticulously records God's great redemptive works and comprehensively reveals His character and purposes. It also encourages us to observe the natural world (as beautifully described in [Psalm 19:1-4](/psalms/19 "Psalm 19 - The Glory of God in Creation and Law")) and to reflect thoughtfully on God's providential hand in our own lives, seeking to discern His wisdom, faithfulness, and sovereign purpose in all circumstances. The "pleasure" or delight is absolutely key; it signifies that this pursuit is not a burdensome duty or a dry academic exercise, but a source of deep satisfaction, spiritual nourishment, and profound joy, stemming from a genuine love for God Himself and a desire to know Him more intimately.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 111:2 finds its ultimate, most glorious, and comprehensive fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament speaks of God's "great works" in creation and Israel's history, these were but preparatory acts and powerful foreshadows of the supreme work of redemption accomplished through Christ. Jesus Himself is the ultimate "work of the LORD," the very Word of God made flesh, through whom all things were created and through whom all things hold together (as profoundly declared in [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Made Through Him") and [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer of All")). His miraculous birth, sinless life, sacrificial death on the cross, and glorious resurrection constitute the greatest, most profound, and most revelatory "works" of God, unveiling the unfathomable depths of divine love, perfect justice, and omnipotent power in a way previously unimaginable. It is through Christ that God's righteousness and faithfulness are fully displayed and made accessible to humanity (as seen in [Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Through Christ Jesus")). Therefore, those who "have pleasure" in the Lord now primarily "seek out" and delight in the person and finished work of Christ, for in Him, "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). He is the ultimate revelation of the "great works of the LORD," inviting all who believe to a life of joyful contemplation, worship, and participation in God's redemptive masterpiece.

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

Psalms 104:24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.

Proverbs 24:14

So [shall] the knowledge of wisdom [be] unto thy soul: when thou hast found [it], then there shall be a reward, and thy expectation shall not be cut off.

Psalms 139:14

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well.

Psalms 143:5

I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Jeremiah 32:19

Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

Revelation 15:3

And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.