Psalms 111:3

KJV

His work [is] honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

His work {H6467} is honourable {H1935} and glorious {H1926}: and his righteousness {H6666} endureth {H5975} for ever {H5703}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His work is full of majesty and splendor, and his righteousness continues forever.

Berean Standard Bible

Splendid and majestic is His work; His righteousness endures forever.

American Standard Version

His work is honor and majesty; And his righteousness endureth for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 111:3 extols the magnificent character and actions of God, declaring that His work is inherently honorable and glorious, reflecting His divine splendor and majesty. Furthermore, it affirms the eternal and unchanging nature of His righteousness, emphasizing His unwavering moral perfection, justice, and fidelity. This verse serves as a foundational statement for the psalm's broader hymn of praise, providing profound reasons for the believer's awe, trust, and worship of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 111 is a meticulously crafted acrostic psalm, where each half-line (or sometimes full line) of the Hebrew text begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This structured form not only aided memorization but also signified completeness and perfection in the praise offered to God. The psalm opens with a fervent call to praise the Lord with the whole heart in [Psalm 111:1](/psalms/111-1 "Psalm 111:1 - Call to Praise"), immediately establishing its purpose as a hymn of thanksgiving and adoration. Following this, [Psalm 111:2](/psalms/111-2 "Psalm 111:2 - Greatness of God's Works") introduces the "great works of the Lord," setting the stage for verse 3 to elaborate on the *quality* and *character* of these works. Verse 3, therefore, functions as a qualitative description of the divine actions introduced in the preceding verse, providing the theological bedrock for the detailed enumeration of God's specific deeds of grace, justice, and provision that follow in [Psalm 111:4-9](/psalms/111-4 "Psalm 111:4-9 - God's Gracious and Righteous Deeds").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** As part of the Psalter, the hymnbook of ancient Israel, Psalm 111 likely served a liturgical purpose, perhaps sung during temple worship or festivals. The acrostic structure, common in wisdom literature and didactic psalms (e.g., [Proverbs 31](/proverbs/31 "Proverbs 31 - The Virtuous Woman")), suggests an intent to instruct and impress upon the worshiper the comprehensive nature of God's attributes. The emphasis on "work" (מעשה, *ma'aseh*) would resonate with Israel's history, recalling God's mighty acts of creation ([Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")), deliverance from Egypt ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")), and establishment of the covenant. The concept of "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, *tsedeq*) was central to Israelite understanding of God's character and covenant relationship, signifying not just abstract justice but also fidelity to promises and ethical uprightness in all His dealings. The affirmation that this righteousness "endureth for ever" would have provided immense comfort and assurance to a people who had experienced cycles of faithfulness and apostasy, exile and restoration, reminding them of God's unchanging nature amidst human transience.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core theological themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Majesty and Sovereignty**, asserting that God's works are not merely effective but inherently magnificent and awe-inspiring, reflecting His supreme authority over all creation and history. This resonates with the declaration of God's glory in [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Unchanging Righteousness**, presenting His moral perfection and fidelity as an eternal, unwavering attribute. This concept of enduring righteousness is a bedrock truth, assuring believers of God's consistent justice and faithfulness to His covenant promises, a truth echoed in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect and Righteous Character"). Finally, the verse contributes to the overarching theme of **Reasons for Praise**, providing substantive grounds for the worshiper's adoration. It teaches that God is worthy of praise not only for what He does but for *who He is*—a God whose actions are glorious and whose character is eternally righteous.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honourable (Hebrew, _hod'_):** This term signifies splendor, majesty, or glory. When applied to God's work, it speaks to the inherent dignity, impressiveness, and magnificent nature of His deeds. It suggests that God's actions are not merely functional but possess a profound beauty and grandeur that evokes reverence.
* **Glorious (Hebrew, _hadar'_):** Often paired with *hod*, this word conveys honor, beauty, or outward splendor. Together, *hod* and *hadar* paint a picture of God's works as being inherently magnificent, visually stunning, and worthy of the highest admiration and praise. They are not just effective but also perfect in their execution and display.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedeq'_):** A foundational theological term, *tsedeq* refers to justice, moral rectitude, and adherence to a standard of rightness. In the context of God, it implies His ethical perfection, His unwavering integrity, and His consistent fidelity to His covenant promises and His own holy nature. It means God always acts in accordance with what is right and just.
* **Endureth for ever (Hebrew, _la'ad'_):** This phrase denotes eternity, perpetuity, and permanence. It assures the reader that God's righteousness is not temporary, situational, or subject to change. It is an unchanging, everlasting quality that forms the stable foundation of His character and His dealings with all creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His work [is] honourable and glorious":** This clause directs attention to the inherent quality and nature of all God's actions. Whether it is His grand act of creation, His miraculous interventions in history, His redemptive plan for humanity, or His ongoing providence, every "work" of God is characterized by unparalleled dignity, splendor, and magnificence. It is not merely effective or powerful, but it is also beautiful, perfect, and worthy of profound admiration, reflecting the very character of the divine Worker.
* **"and his righteousness endureth for ever":** This second clause shifts focus from God's actions to His immutable character. It declares that God's moral perfection, His justice, His integrity, and His faithfulness are not transient attributes but are eternal and unchanging. In a world where human justice is often flawed and fleeting, this statement provides a bedrock of absolute truth: God's standard of rightness is constant, providing an unwavering foundation for His judgments, His promises, and His relationship with humanity across all generations.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 111:3 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synthetic or synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and his righteousness endureth for ever") expands upon and reinforces the idea presented in the first ("His work [is] honourable and glorious"). While the first clause describes the magnificent *quality* of God's actions, the second emphasizes the eternal *nature* of His character, which undergirds those actions. This creates a cumulative effect, deepening the worshiper's understanding of God's greatness. The use of strong, evocative **Attributive Language** through adjectives like "honourable" and "glorious," combined with the emphatic "endureth for ever," serves to define and magnify God's attributes, leaving no doubt about His supreme excellence. Furthermore, the psalm's overarching **Acrostic Structure**, though not directly evident in this single verse, subtly contributes to the sense of completeness and perfect order in the praise offered to God, reinforcing the idea that His character and works are entirely comprehensive and flawless.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration that God's work is "honourable and glorious" and His "righteousness endureth for ever" forms a cornerstone of biblical theology. It speaks to the absolute reliability and perfection of the Creator and Redeemer. God's glorious works are not merely displays of power, but expressions of His intrinsic holiness and wisdom, always executed with perfect justice and for His ultimate glory. His eternal righteousness assures humanity that His character is unwavering, His judgments are true, and His covenant promises are utterly dependable. This truth establishes a secure foundation for faith, providing comfort in times of uncertainty and a clear standard for moral living. It implies that ultimately, God's perfect order and justice will prevail, offering hope for the future and demanding a response of worship and obedience from all creation.

* [Psalm 145:13](/psalms/145-13 "God's Kingdom and Faithfulness") - "Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does."
* [Isaiah 40:8](/isaiah/40-8 "The Enduring Word of God") - "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever."
* [Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "God's Righteousness Displayed in Christ") - "God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 111:3 calls us to a profound contemplation of God's nature, moving us beyond superficial appreciation to a deep reverence for His character. Recognizing that God's work is "honourable and glorious" should transform our perspective on creation, providence, and redemption. It compels us to seek His hand in every detail of life, from the intricate beauty of a flower to the grand sweep of history, seeing His divine signature of perfection and purpose. This truth inspires a worship that is not based on fleeting emotions but on the stable reality of His magnificent deeds. Furthermore, the assurance that "His righteousness endureth for ever" provides an unshakable anchor in a world characterized by moral ambiguity, shifting values, and pervasive injustice. It means we can consistently rely on His promises, trust in His judgments, and have absolute confidence that He will always act in accordance with His perfect, unchanging character. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of security and peace, empowering us to live lives that reflect His righteousness, pursuing justice and integrity in our own spheres of influence, knowing that our efforts are aligned with His eternal nature.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does contemplating the "honourable and glorious" works of God deepen your worship and gratitude, particularly in aspects of life you might typically overlook?**
* **In what specific areas of your life or the world around you do you need to trust more fully in God's eternal and unchanging righteousness?**
* **How might recognizing God's steadfast character influence your response to personal challenges, societal injustices, or global uncertainties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to align your own actions and character more closely with God's eternal righteousness?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that God's "work is honourable and glorious"?**

Answer: It means that all of God's actions, from the vastness of creation to the intricacies of His redemptive plan and His ongoing providence, possess inherent dignity, splendor, and perfection. They are not merely effective or powerful, but they are also beautiful, just, and awe-inspiring, reflecting His divine nature. This can be observed in [the intricate design of the universe](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory") and in [His powerful acts of deliverance for His people, such as the crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"). His work is worthy of the highest honor and admiration because it perfectly expresses His wisdom, power, and holiness.

**How is God's "righteousness enduring forever" relevant to me today?**

Answer: God's eternal righteousness signifies that His moral perfection, justice, and faithfulness are unwavering and unchanging through all generations. In a world often marked by moral relativism, shifting values, and unreliable human promises, this truth provides an absolute anchor of stability and reliability. It assures us that [His promises are steadfast and true](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ"), that [He will always act justly](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect and Righteous Character"), and that His character is the ultimate standard of rightness. This enduring righteousness invites our complete trust, inspires hope even in the face of injustice, and calls us to pursue righteousness in our own lives, knowing that we are aligning with the eternal nature of God Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 111:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "work" of God, the very embodiment of God's "honourable and glorious" deeds. In Him, God's creative power is revealed, for [all things were created through Him and for Him](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator"). More significantly, Christ's redemptive work on the cross is the supreme display of God's glorious plan, a work of unparalleled honor and splendor that reconciles humanity to God. This act perfectly demonstrates God's righteousness, for it is through Christ's sacrifice that God is both [just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Displayed in Christ"). The "righteousness [that] endureth for ever" is fully revealed in Christ, who is Himself our righteousness ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")). His perfect obedience and atoning death satisfy the demands of God's eternal justice, and His righteousness is graciously imputed to all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, in Jesus, we behold the glorious work of God and receive the enduring righteousness that is eternal, providing the foundation for our hope and salvation.

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 145:4

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

Psalms 145:5

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

Revelation 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Revelation 5:14

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

Psalms 145:10

¶ All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

Psalms 145:12

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

Psalms 119:142

¶ Thy righteousness [is] an everlasting righteousness, and thy law [is] the truth.