Psalms 111:4

KJV

He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion.

KJV (with Strong's)

He hath made {H6213} his wonderful works {H6381} to be remembered {H2143}: the LORD {H3068} is gracious {H2587} and full of compassion {H7349}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He has gained renown for his wonders. ADONAI is merciful and compassionate.

Berean Standard Bible

He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

American Standard Version

He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 111:4 profoundly articulates God's deliberate intention to ensure His magnificent deeds are perpetually remembered, while simultaneously revealing the unchanging essence of His character as infinitely gracious and deeply compassionate. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement, assuring believers across all generations that divine intervention in history is not arbitrary but purposeful, flowing from an inexhaustible wellspring of divine favor and tender mercy. It underscores the vital truth that God's omnipotence is consistently wielded in perfect harmony with His profound love for His creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 111 is a masterfully constructed acrostic psalm, where each successive half-line (or sometimes a full line) commences with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This intricate design underscores the psalm's comprehensive and perfect praise of God, signaling a complete and orderly declaration of His attributes and works. As a "Hallelujah" psalm, it opens with the imperative "Praise ye the LORD," immediately establishing a tone of fervent adoration and thanksgiving. The psalm systematically recounts God's magnificent works, particularly His acts of deliverance and unwavering covenant faithfulness to Israel, progressing from a general declaration of His greatness (vv. 1-3) to specific attributes and actions. Verse 4 integrates seamlessly into this progression, elucidating *why* God's works are remembered: because He purposed it so, and because these works intrinsically reveal His inherent goodness and character. The preceding verses speak of His "great" and "honourable" works and declare that "his righteousness endureth for ever," providing the essential backdrop for the specific attributes mentioned in verse 4. This psalm is often thematically paired with Psalm 112, forming a diptych where Psalm 111 extols God's character and deeds, and Psalm 112 describes the blessings that accrue to those who fear such a God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms functioned as the sacred hymnbook and prayer manual for ancient Israel, deeply woven into their communal worship and individual spiritual lives. For an Israelite audience, the "wonderful works" (Hebrew: `pâlâʼ`) would instantly call to mind the foundational acts of salvation history. These included, most notably, the miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), the solemn giving of the [Law at Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"), and God's faithful provision in the wilderness. The profound emphasis on remembering these deeds reflects a crucial cultural imperative: to transmit the narrative of God's unwavering faithfulness across generations, thereby ensuring the covenant relationship remained vibrant and central to their identity. The declaration that "the LORD is gracious and full of compassion" was not a novel theological concept but a direct and cherished echo of God's profound self-revelation to Moses at Sinai, as recorded in [Exodus 34:6-7](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6-7 - God's Declaration of His Character"). This divine declaration became a cornerstone theological statement for Israel's understanding of their covenant God. Thus, this verse firmly grounds the praise of God's works in His unchanging, covenantal character, which was absolutely central to Israel's identity and faith.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several pivotal themes within the Psalter and broader biblical theology. A primary theme is **Divine Remembrance**, highlighting God's active and intentional role in preserving the memory of His mighty deeds. This is not a passive recollection but a divine act ensuring that successive generations can reflect on His power and faithfulness, thereby fostering worship and trust. Another crucial theme is **God's Gracious Character**, explicitly stated as "the LORD is gracious" (Hebrew: `channûwn`). This denotes His benevolent favor and kindness, often extended to the undeserving, and stands as a cornerstone of His covenant relationship with Israel. Closely related is the theme of **God's Compassion** ("full of compassion," Hebrew: `rachûwm`), which speaks of a deep, tender mercy, often likened to a parent's profound, loving care for a child. It signifies profound empathy and a divine desire to alleviate suffering. These attributes fundamentally underpin all of God's "wonderful works," explaining *why* He acts for the good of His people. The verse also implicitly touches upon **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God's works and character are inextricably linked to His promises to Israel, and **Praise and Thanksgiving**, as the very purpose of remembering God's works is to elicit a heartfelt response of worship and adoration.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wonderful works (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** From H6381, this term refers to acts that are extraordinary, miraculous, and beyond human capability, inspiring awe and wonder. It signifies deeds that are not merely impressive but are divine interventions, often with a salvific purpose, such as the miracles of the Exodus or the creation itself. These are acts that distinguish God's unique power and majesty, making Him known through His marvelous deeds.
* **Gracious (Hebrew, _channûwn'_):** From H2587, this word describes a disposition of kindness, benevolence, and unmerited favor. It speaks of God's willingness to bestow blessings and kindness even upon those who do not deserve it, often in the context of His covenant relationship with His people. It highlights His inherent inclination to show favor and mercy.
* **Full of compassion (Hebrew, _rachûwm'_):** From H7349, this term conveys deep, tender mercy, profound empathy, and pity. It suggests a love akin to a mother's profound affection for her child, implying a readiness to alleviate suffering and show kindness that stems from the very core of God's being, His divine "womb" of mercy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered":** This clause emphasizes God's active and intentional role in ensuring that His mighty deeds are not forgotten by humanity. It is not a passive observation but a divine decree and action. God Himself orchestrates the means by which His acts of power and love are preserved in the collective memory of His people—through oral tradition, written scripture (like the Psalms itself), commemorative feasts, and prophetic proclamation. This highlights God's sovereign desire for His revelation to endure and for His people to continually reflect on His faithfulness and power.
* **"the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion":** This second clause provides the profound theological foundation and motivation for the first. The ultimate reason God's wonderful works are remembered is because they are direct expressions of His unchanging character. "The LORD" (Yahweh, H3068) signifies His covenant name, underscoring His personal and faithful relationship with Israel. The pairing of "gracious" (`channûwn`) and "full of compassion" (`rachûwm`) is a profound and frequently repeated declaration of God's benevolent nature throughout the Old Testament. It assures the worshiper that God's immense power is always exercised in conjunction with His boundless love, mercy, and tender care for His creation, revealing His very essence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 111 is meticulously structured as an **acrostic**, where each successive half-line (or sometimes a full line) begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This sophisticated literary device emphasizes the psalm's comprehensive and perfect praise of God, suggesting that every aspect of His character and works is worthy of systematic extolment and complete remembrance. Within verse 4 itself, **synthetic parallelism** is prominently employed, where the second clause ("the LORD is gracious and full of compassion") expands upon and explains the first clause ("He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered"). The remembrance of God's works is thus shown to be a direct consequence and revelation of His inherent character of grace and compassion; His powerful deeds are not arbitrary but are profound expressions of His benevolent nature. Furthermore, the pairing of "gracious" and "full of compassion" functions as a form of **hendiadys**, where two distinct words are used to express a single, intensified concept of divine benevolence, providing a rich and comprehensive description of God's merciful disposition. The psalm as a whole, by recounting God's deeds and declaring His attributes, acts as a form of **theophany**, revealing God's character and presence not through a direct physical appearance but through the profound impact of His historical actions and His unchanging attributes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse serves as a theological cornerstone, asserting that God's actions in history are not merely powerful displays but deliberate revelations of His character. The remembrance of His "wonderful works" is intrinsically linked to His unchanging nature as "gracious and full of compassion." This connection highlights a fundamental truth: divine power is always exercised within the bounds of divine love and mercy. It assures humanity that God's interventions are purposeful, designed to uphold His covenant and demonstrate His benevolent care, inviting a response of trust and worship. The consistent portrayal of God as both mighty in deed and tender in heart provides a secure foundation for faith, reminding believers that His power is always directed by His goodness, ensuring His deeds are not only remembered but cherished.

* [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Self-Revelation to Moses")
* [Numbers 14:18](/numbers/14-18 "Numbers 14:18 - The LORD's Patience and Mercy")
* [Psalm 103:8](/psalms/103-8 "Psalm 103:8 - The LORD's Compassion and Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world perpetually prone to forgetting and succumbing to cynicism, Psalms 111:4 issues a profound call to intentional remembrance of God's active presence and benevolent character. It invites us to pause and reflect deeply on the "wonderful works" God has performed, both in the grand sweep of redemptive history (from the marvel of creation to the ultimate redemption wrought by Christ) and in the intimate details of our personal lives. This remembrance is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound spiritual discipline that cultivates profound gratitude, strengthens unwavering faith, and fosters a deeper, more abiding trust in the One who is inherently "gracious and full of compassion." When we consciously recall His past faithfulness and the consistent demonstration of His character, we gain courage to face present challenges and future uncertainties, knowing with absolute certainty that His nature is unchanging and His mercy endures through all generations. This verse encourages us to live lives marked by grateful praise, actively testifying to God's goodness and ensuring His works are remembered by future generations, thereby participating in God's own purpose for His glorious deeds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wonderful works" of God, either in biblical history or in your own life, do you need to intentionally remember and meditate on today to strengthen your faith?**
* **How does knowing that God is "gracious and full of compassion" profoundly impact your trust in Him during times of personal struggle, profound loss, or global crisis?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways can you contribute to the remembrance of God's works and character within your family, your church community, or the broader world around you?**

### FAQ
**What are "wonderful works" in the context of this psalm?**

Answer: The "wonderful works" (`pâlâʼ`, H6381) refer primarily to God's miraculous, extraordinary, and awe-inspiring acts of salvation and deliverance throughout Israel's history. These encompass foundational events like the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), the solemn giving of the [Law at Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"), His faithful provision in the wilderness, and the conquest of Canaan. They are deeds that inspire profound awe, demonstrate God's unique power and unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, and ultimately reveal His glory and sovereign purpose.

**Why does the psalm emphasize that God "made his wonderful works to be remembered"?**

Answer: This phrase highlights God's active and deliberate role in ensuring His deeds are not forgotten by humanity. It's not a passive recollection on our part but a divine intention that His acts of power and love would be perpetually recalled by His people. This divine orchestration of remembrance serves several crucial purposes: it profoundly fosters worship and gratitude, reinforces His unwavering covenant faithfulness, provides a secure basis for trust in future divine interventions, and serves as an indispensable teaching tool for successive generations, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Law to Children"). God desires that His character, revealed through His works, remains central to His people's identity and faith, ensuring an enduring legacy of His goodness.

**How do "gracious" and "full of compassion" describe God's character?**

Answer: These two profound attributes, `channûwn` (gracious, H2587) and `rachûwm` (full of compassion, H7349), are frequently paired in Scripture to comprehensively describe God's benevolent and merciful nature. "Gracious" speaks to God's unmerited favor and inherent kindness, His willingness to bestow blessings and extend favor even upon the undeserving. "Full of compassion" (or merciful) conveys a deep, tender empathy, often likened to a parent's profound love and pity for a child. This powerful pairing emphasizes that God's immense power and perfect justice are always tempered and guided by His boundless love and profound desire for the well-being of His creation, especially His covenant people. This declaration is a cornerstone of God's self-revelation, notably and powerfully expressed in [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Attributes Revealed").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 111:4, with its profound declaration of God's wonderful works and His inherently gracious, compassionate character, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The "wonderful works" of God, which the Old Testament commanded to be remembered and celebrated, culminate in the unparalleled work of redemption accomplished through Christ. His miraculous incarnation, His life of perfect obedience, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection are the supreme and most definitive demonstrations of God's power and love, ensuring that His name and deeds are remembered forever. Jesus is the very embodiment of God's grace (`channûwn`), as He freely offers salvation and forgiveness to the undeserving, becoming the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is also the perfect manifestation of God's compassion (`rachûwm`), consistently moved by the suffering of humanity, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and ultimately laying down His life for His sheep, as beautifully depicted throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Through Christ, God's wonderful works are not just remembered as historical events but are made eternally present and efficacious, inviting all to experience His boundless grace and compassion, leading to a new covenant remembrance in the [Lord's Supper](/1_corinthians/11-23 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - Institution of the Lord's Supper"). He is the ultimate expression of the LORD who is "gracious and full of compassion," ensuring that His redemptive work will be remembered throughout all generations until His glorious return, as promised in [Revelation 22:20](/revelation/22-20 "Revelation 22:20 - Jesus' Promise to Return").

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 103:8

The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.

Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Isaiah 63:7

¶ I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, [and] the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.

Psalms 145:8

The LORD [is] gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Ephesians 1:6

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Ephesians 1:8

Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Deuteronomy 31:19

Now therefore write ye this song for you, and teach it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.