Psalms 118:23

KJV

This is the LORD'S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes.

KJV (with Strong's)

This is the LORD'S {H3068} doing; it is marvellous {H6381} in our eyes {H5869}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This has come from ADONAI, and in our eyes it is amazing.

Berean Standard Bible

This is from the LORD, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

American Standard Version

This is Jehovah’s doing; It is marvellous in our eyes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:23 powerfully declares that the astonishing reversal of fortune and the exaltation of what was once rejected is not a product of human design or chance, but is unequivocally "the LORD'S doing." This divine intervention is so profound and unexpected that it elicits a deep sense of awe and wonder, being described as "marvellous in our eyes," serving as a profound testament to God's sovereign power to accomplish what seems utterly impossible from a human perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 concludes the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms traditionally recited during significant Jewish festivals, particularly Passover. It functions as a triumphant psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's steadfast mercy and miraculous deliverance in the face of national and personal adversity. Verse 23 follows immediately after the pivotal declaration in [Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Rejected Stone"), which states, "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." The demonstrative pronoun "this" in verse 23 directly refers to this miraculous transformation and exaltation of the previously rejected "stone." The psalm's structure builds from initial declarations of trust in God's unfailing love (e.g., [Psalms 118:1-4](/psalms/118-1-4 "Psalms 118:1-4 - Give Thanks to the Lord")) and reliance on Him over human strength (e.g., [Psalms 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8-9 "Psalms 118:8-9 - Trust in the Lord")), through a recounting of deliverance from enemies, culminating in this climactic affirmation of God's sovereign hand in bringing about an unexpected and glorious reversal. The "doing" is precisely the act of taking something discarded and making it foundational and preeminent.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The powerful imagery of the "stone which the builders refused" becoming the "head stone of the corner" is deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern construction practices. The cornerstone was an indispensable element, either serving as the foundational stone that aligned the entire structure or as the topmost capstone that bound the walls together, ensuring structural integrity and completion. The "builders" likely represent human authorities, leaders, or even nations who, in their limited wisdom or hubris, rejected something they deemed insignificant, flawed, or problematic. The "stone" itself is a potent metaphor, capable of referring to the nation of Israel, a specific leader, or even an individual who was overlooked, despised, or oppressed. Historically, this could resonate with Israel's experience of being a small, often-conquered nation, yet chosen by God, or specifically with the post-exilic period where the rebuilding of the temple and nation faced immense opposition and skepticism (e.g., [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Rebuilding the Walls Amidst Opposition")). More broadly, it speaks to God's consistent pattern, evident throughout [Old Testament narratives](/old_testament "The Old Testament - Narratives of God's People"), of elevating the humble, reversing human judgments, and demonstrating His power through the seemingly weak.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 118:23 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within Psalm 118 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Intervention**, unequivocally declaring that the remarkable turn of events—the exaltation of the rejected stone—is solely God's work, not by human design, effort, or chance. This highlights God's active, decisive, and often surprising involvement in history and individual lives, frequently defying human expectation or logic, as seen in His miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea")). Secondly, the phrase "marvellous in our eyes" evokes **Awe and Wonder**. This conveys a profound sense of astonishment and admiration for God's extraordinary works, which consistently transcend human capability and understanding, prompting a response of worship and reverence. God's works are often beyond human comprehension, as articulated in [Job 5:9](/job/5-9 "Job 5:9 - God Does Great and Unsearchable Things"). Finally, in conjunction with the preceding verse, it speaks powerfully to the **Exaltation of the Humble or Rejected**. God frequently chooses the weak, the despised, or the overlooked to accomplish His greatest purposes, thereby demonstrating that His power is perfected in weakness and that human wisdom is often foolishness to Him (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:27-29](/1_corinthians/1-27-29 "1 Corinthians 1:27-29 - God Chooses the Foolish and Weak")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD'S (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the personal, covenantal name of God, often rendered "Jehovah" or "Yahweh." It derives from the root meaning "to be" or "to become," signifying the self-existent, eternal, and unchanging God. When the text states "the LORD'S doing," it emphatically attributes the action to the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, highlighting His unique power and authority to bring about such a profound and unexpected event. It is not merely a generic divine act, but the specific work of the God who reveals Himself and acts in history.
* **marvellous (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** From H6381, this root signifies something that is extraordinary, wonderful, or incomprehensible. It is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe God's miraculous, astonishing, and supernatural works that are beyond human understanding or capability. It implies a sense of difficulty or impossibility from a human perspective, making the divine accomplishment all the more awe-inspiring. When something is "marvellous," it evokes a profound sense of awe, astonishment, and recognition of divine power because it defies natural explanation and points to the unique, transcendent nature of God's actions.
* **eyes (Hebrew, _ʻayin'_):** From H5869, this word literally refers to the physical organ of sight, but often extends metaphorically to perception, understanding, and outward appearance. In the phrase "in our eyes," it signifies that the "doing" of the LORD is not a hidden or abstract event but one that is visibly manifest and perceptible to human observers. It implies that the wonder is evident, compelling recognition and acknowledgment from those who witness it, prompting a response of awe and wonder because it is so clearly beyond human capacity or expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is the LORD'S doing":** This opening clause functions as an emphatic and unequivocal declaration, directly attributing the miraculous event described in [Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")—the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone—solely to God. The demonstrative pronoun "this" points back to that specific, unexpected reversal of fortune and status. It explicitly negates any human agency, chance, or natural progression as the cause. It is a profound theological statement affirming divine sovereignty and active intervention in the affairs of humanity, demonstrating that God can take what is discarded or overlooked by human wisdom and elevate it to a position of supreme importance and preeminence.
* **"it [is] marvellous in our eyes":** This second clause describes the human response to God's extraordinary work. The event is not merely surprising; it is "marvellous" (or wondrous, astonishing), meaning it evokes a deep sense of awe and wonder. The phrase "in our eyes" signifies that this wonder is perceived and acknowledged by human observers. It's not a secret divine act but one that is visibly and undeniably extraordinary, prompting a recognition of God's unique power and wisdom that far surpasses human capability or expectation. It implies that the outcome was so unexpected and contrary to human logic that only a divine explanation suffices, leading to a response of profound admiration and reverence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 118:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message of divine sovereignty and human awe. The most prominent is **Declaration** or **Affirmation**, as the verse makes a direct, unequivocal statement about the origin of the miraculous event: "This is the LORD'S doing." This assertive and absolute tone leaves no room for doubt about divine agency, establishing God as the sole initiator and executor of this wonder. Implicitly, the verse utilizes **Contrast**, drawing a stark distinction between human judgment (the builders' rejection in [Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")) and divine action (the stone's exaltation). This contrast powerfully highlights God's ability to reverse human decisions and elevate the overlooked. The term "marvellous" functions as **Emphasis** or even **Hyperbole**, not merely stating that the event is surprising, but that it is profoundly astonishing, beyond normal comprehension, and worthy of deep awe and reverence. This elevates the significance of God's work in the eyes of the beholder. Finally, the verse serves as a concise yet powerful **Theological Statement**, distilling a complex series of events (the rejection and subsequent exaltation of the stone) into a memorable truth about God's sovereign power and His capacity to perform wonders that defy human expectation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:23 stands as a powerful testament to God's sovereign power and His consistent pattern of working in ways that defy human logic and expectation. It affirms that God is not limited by human rejection, weakness, or perceived insignificance. Instead, He often chooses to intervene precisely where human efforts fail or where something is deemed worthless, turning it into something glorious and foundational. This divine reversal is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, demonstrating that God's wisdom and power are infinitely greater than any human design. It calls believers to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when circumstances seem bleak or when they themselves feel overlooked, knowing that His "doings" are always purposeful and often astonishing.

* [1 Samuel 2:7-8](/1_samuel/2-7-8 "Hannah's Prayer of Exaltation")
* [Job 5:9](/job/5-9 "God Does Great and Unsearchable Things")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:23 offers profound encouragement and a vital call to faith for believers today. In a world that often values human achievement, status, and conventional wisdom, this verse reminds us that true power and ultimate authority rest with God alone. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and human judgments, cultivating a posture of expectant faith that God can bring about the most unexpected and wonderful outcomes. When we face rejection, failure, or seemingly insurmountable obstacles—whether in our personal lives, our ministries, or our communities—this verse reminds us that what appears to be a dead end in our eyes can be the very starting point for "the LORD'S doing." It calls us to acknowledge His hand in every blessing, every reversal of fortune, and every miraculous deliverance, fostering a spirit of profound awe and gratitude. Ultimately, it invites us to live with open eyes, recognizing God's "marvellous" work not just in grand historical events, but in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our daily lives, deepening our trust in His unfailing wisdom and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing "the LORD'S doing" shift our perspective on personal challenges or societal issues that seem insurmountable?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to cultivate a greater sense of awe and wonder for God's unexpected work?**
* **What "rejected stones" in your life or community might God be preparing to make into a "cornerstone," and how can you participate in recognizing His hand?**

### FAQ
**What is the "doing" referred to in this verse?**

Answer: The "doing" refers directly to the event described in the preceding verse, [Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), where "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." It signifies God's sovereign act of taking something deemed worthless or rejected by human standards and elevating it to a position of supreme importance and prominence. This "doing" is a divine reversal of human judgment, demonstrating God's power to accomplish His purposes despite or even through human opposition.

**Why is it described as "marvellous"?**

Answer: The event is described as "marvellous" because it defies human logic, expectation, and capability. From a human perspective, for a rejected stone to become the foundational cornerstone is utterly astonishing and counter-intuitive. The Hebrew word for "marvellous" (_pâlâʼ_) is often used for God's supernatural, incomprehensible, and extraordinary works, such as the miracles performed during the Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 3:20](/exodus/3-20 "Exodus 3:20 - God's Wonders in Egypt")). Therefore, it is "marvellous in our eyes" because it clearly reveals God's unique power and wisdom, which far surpasses anything humans could achieve or even imagine. It evokes a response of awe and profound wonder, acknowledging that only God could bring about such a dramatic and significant transformation.

**Does this verse have prophetic significance beyond its original context?**

Answer: Yes, profoundly so. While rooted in a historical context, this verse, particularly in conjunction with [Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), is one of the most frequently quoted Old Testament passages in the New Testament. It is consistently applied by Jesus Himself and the apostles to Jesus Christ, who was rejected by the religious and political "builders" of His day but became the spiritual "cornerstone" of God's new covenant people. This application highlights the ultimate fulfillment of God's "marvellous doing" in the person and work of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:23 finds its most profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "stone which the builders refused" (from [Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Stone the Builders Rejected")) is unequivocally identified with Jesus in the New Testament. He was rejected by the religious leaders of Israel, crucified, and seemingly defeated, yet God the Father raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to the highest place, making Him the "head stone of the corner" of His spiritual temple. This entire trajectory, from rejection and humiliation to resurrection and exaltation, is truly "the LORD'S doing" and is supremely "marvellous in our eyes." Jesus Himself quoted this psalm in [Matthew 21:42](/matthew/21-42 "Matthew 21:42 - Jesus, the Cornerstone"), [Mark 12:10-11](/mark/12-10-11 "Mark 12:10-11 - The Stone the Builders Rejected"), and [Luke 20:17](/luke/20-17 "Luke 20:17 - The Rejected Stone"), applying it to His own destiny and the consequences for those who reject Him. Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly declared before the Sanhedrin that Jesus is "the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone" ([Acts 4:11](/acts/4-11 "Acts 4:11 - Jesus, the Cornerstone")). Paul also alludes to Christ as the cornerstone in [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Cornerstone"), and Peter further elaborates on Christ as the "living stone, rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious" ([1 Peter 2:7](/1_peter/2-7 "1 Peter 2:7 - Christ, the Living Stone")). The cross, the ultimate act of human rejection and a symbol of shame, was paradoxically the very means by which God accomplished the ultimate salvation, demonstrating His power to bring life from death and glory from humiliation. The resurrection and ascension of Christ are the supreme "marvellous doings" of the Lord, establishing Him as the foundation and capstone of God's eternal kingdom, a wonder that continues to evoke awe and worship from all who believe.

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

Job 5:9

Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:

Acts 13:41

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

Ephesians 1:19

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Ephesians 1:22

And hath put all [things] under his feet, and gave him [to be] the head over all [things] to the church,

Acts 4:13

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 5:31

Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Acts 5:32

And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.