Psalms 126:3

KJV

The LORD hath done great things for us; [whereof] we are glad.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} hath done {H6213} great things {H1431} for us; whereof we are glad {H8056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI did do great things with us; and we are overjoyed.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

American Standard Version

Jehovah hath done great things for us, Whereofwe are glad.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 126:3 is a jubilant declaration of gratitude and profound joy, serving as the heartfelt testimony of God's people who have experienced His miraculous intervention. It acknowledges that the extraordinary blessings and deliverance they have received are solely the work of the Sovereign Lord, evoking an overwhelming sense of gladness and a public proclamation of His magnificent deeds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 126 is one of the fifteen "Songs of Ascents" (Psalms 120-134), a collection likely sung by pilgrims as they ascended to Jerusalem for the three annual festivals. This psalm stands out as a powerful expression of joy and hope, following psalms that often lament distress or pray for protection. The opening verses of [Psalm 126](/psalms/126 "Psalm 126 - A Song of Ascents") vividly describe the initial, almost unbelievable, return from exile, likening it to a dream and noting the astonishment of surrounding nations who acknowledged the Lord's hand. Verse 3 then serves as the community's internal affirmation of this divine work, echoing the external testimony of [Psalm 126:2](/psalms/126-2 "Psalm 126:2 - The Nations' Testimony"). The psalm then transitions to a prayer for further restoration and a promise of future blessing, showing a movement from past deliverance to present joy and future hope.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The most widely accepted historical context for Psalm 126 is the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylonian captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., [Jeremiah 29:10-14](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10-14 - Prophecy of Return from Exile")). After seventy years of exile, their return to Judah, though challenging, was a profound act of divine mercy and faithfulness. The experience was so overwhelming that it felt "like we were dreaming" ([Psalm 126:1](/psalms/126-1 "Psalm 126:1 - Like a Dream")). This return was not merely a political event but a spiritual restoration, a testament to Yahweh's covenant loyalty. The cultural context involves a people deeply rooted in their identity as God's chosen nation, for whom exile was a profound spiritual and national trauma, and return was the ultimate sign of divine favor and renewed covenant.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Intervention and Providence:** The central and most prominent theme is the absolute sovereignty of the Lord in bringing about deliverance. The repeated phrase "The LORD hath done great things" underscores that human effort was insufficient; only God's mighty hand could accomplish such a monumental restoration. This highlights God's active involvement in history and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, as seen in the broader narrative of salvation history (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea")).
* **Gratitude and Remembrance:** The verse is a profound expression of thankfulness, born from a conscious act of remembering God's past acts of salvation. It encourages believers, both then and now, to reflect on God's faithfulness, fostering a heart of deep appreciation for His tangible blessings and miraculous interventions, a theme echoed in many psalms (e.g., [Psalm 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalm 77:11 - Remembering God's Deeds")).
* **Joy and Gladness:** The natural and overwhelming response to God's goodness is profound joy. The phrase "whereof we are glad" signifies a deep, heartfelt rejoicing that stems directly from experiencing God's mighty works. This joy is not superficial but rooted in the certainty of God's character and actions, providing strength even amidst ongoing challenges ([Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength")).
* **Testimony:** By publicly declaring "The LORD hath done great things for us," the psalm serves as a powerful testimony to God's power and faithfulness, not only within the community but also to the surrounding nations, reinforcing the truth expressed in [Psalm 126:2](/psalms/126-2 "Psalm 126:2 - The Nations' Acknowledgment")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal, relational, and unchanging character. The use of Yahweh here underscores that the "great things" are not random occurrences or the work of generic divine power, but the deliberate, faithful acts of the God who made promises to Abraham, delivered Israel from Egypt, and sustained them through exile. It speaks to His unique sovereignty and covenant loyalty.
* **great things (Hebrew, _gādôl'_):** The Hebrew word _gādôl_ (גָּדֹל) signifies something large, mighty, magnificent, or significant. It denotes actions of extraordinary scale and impact, far beyond human capability or expectation. In this context, it refers to the miraculous restoration from Babylonian captivity, an event so monumental that it felt like a dream. This term emphasizes the overwhelming, awe-inspiring nature of God's intervention, setting His deeds apart from any human achievement.
* **glad (Hebrew, _śāmēaḥ'_):** The Hebrew word _śāmēaḥ_ (שָׂמֵחַ) describes a deep, inner joy and delight, often expressed outwardly through celebration, singing, or laughter. It is a comprehensive gladness that encompasses the spirit, soul, and body, arising from a profound sense of well-being, security, and God's favor. It's not a fleeting emotion but a settled state of rejoicing rooted in the certainty of God's powerful and benevolent actions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD hath done great things for us":** This opening clause immediately attributes the miraculous deliverance and restoration directly to Yahweh. The past tense "hath done" (or "has done") emphasizes the completed, undeniable nature of His powerful intervention. The "great things" are the extraordinary acts of bringing the exiles back from Babylon, re-establishing their presence in their homeland, and demonstrating His faithfulness to His covenant promises. The phrase "for us" personalizes this divine action, highlighting the beneficiaries of God's specific, intentional, and gracious work.
* **"whereof we are glad":** This second clause expresses the natural, overwhelming, and appropriate human response to God's magnificent deeds. The "whereof" points back directly to the "great things" God has done. The "we are glad" signifies a deep, communal joy and profound satisfaction. This gladness is not a superficial happiness but a spiritual rejoicing rooted in the recognition of God's power, love, and faithfulness. It is a joy that stems from experiencing His saving hand and seeing His promises fulfilled.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is **Declaration**, serving as a direct and emphatic statement of truth, reinforcing the certainty of God's actions and the community's response. The use of the divine name **Yahweh** (LORD) functions as a specific **Referent**, grounding the "great things" in the character and covenant faithfulness of Israel's God. The phrase "great things" itself is an example of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, underscoring the extraordinary, almost unbelievable, scale of God's intervention, particularly the return from exile, which felt "like we were dreaming" ([Psalm 126:1](/psalms/126-1 "Psalm 126:1 - Like a Dream")). Finally, the verse exhibits **Cause and Effect**, where God's action ("hath done great things for us") is the direct cause of the people's emotional state ("whereof we are glad"), illustrating the profound impact of divine grace on human experience.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 126:3 powerfully articulates a foundational theological truth: God is the primary actor in the history of salvation. The "great things" He performs are not merely historical events but demonstrations of His unchanging character—His sovereignty, faithfulness, and benevolent power. This verse connects deeply with the biblical narrative of a God who intervenes decisively on behalf of His people, from the Exodus to the return from exile, and ultimately, in the person and work of Christ. It establishes a pattern of divine initiative followed by human response of joy and worship, teaching us that true gladness is rooted in acknowledging God's active presence and mighty deeds in our lives and in the world. This recognition fosters a spirit of gratitude that transforms perspective and strengthens faith, even when current circumstances might seem bleak.

* [Deuteronomy 10:21](/deuteronomy/10-21 "Deuteronomy 10:21 - God's Great and Awesome Deeds")
* [Psalm 71:19](/psalms/71-19 "Psalm 71:19 - God's Greatness and Righteousness")
* [Isaiah 12:5](/isaiah/12-5 "Isaiah 12:5 - Sing Praises to the Lord for His Great Deeds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 126:3 offers timeless encouragement and a profound call to remembrance and gratitude for believers today. In a world often consumed by anxieties and challenges, this verse invites us to pause and intentionally recall the "great things" the Lord has done—both in the grand sweep of redemptive history and in the intimate details of our personal lives. Whether it's deliverance from a difficult situation, provision in a time of need, spiritual growth, or simply the daily mercies we often overlook, God's hand is continually at work. Cultivating a habit of remembering and declaring His faithfulness transforms our perspective, shifting our focus from what is lacking to the abundance of His grace. This grateful remembrance is not passive; it fuels a deep, abiding joy that transcends circumstances, empowering us to face future trials with hope and confidence, knowing that the God who has acted powerfully in the past remains faithful to act again. Our gladness becomes a testimony, both to ourselves and to a watching world, of the living God who continues to do great things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "great things" has the Lord done in your life, individually or corporately, that you need to intentionally remember and declare today?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness strengthen your hope and joy in present difficulties or uncertainties?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a more consistent practice of gratitude for God's interventions, both big and small?**
* **How might your personal or communal declaration of God's "great things" serve as a powerful testimony to others?**

### FAQ
**Why is it important to declare that "The LORD hath done great things for us" rather than just thinking it?**

Answer: Declaring God's great deeds, as seen in Psalms 126:3, is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it solidifies our own faith and remembrance; speaking truth reinforces it in our hearts and minds. Secondly, it serves as a powerful communal act of worship and thanksgiving, uniting believers in shared gratitude and strengthening their collective identity in God. Thirdly, it acts as a public testimony to the world, demonstrating God's active presence and power, as noted in [Psalm 126:2](/psalms/126-2 "Psalm 126:2 - The Nations' Acknowledgment"). This public proclamation brings glory to God and can inspire faith in others, fulfilling the call to be His witnesses ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses")).

**How does the "gladness" mentioned in this verse differ from worldly happiness?**

Answer: The "gladness" (_śāmēaḥ_) in Psalms 126:3 is a deep, spiritual joy rooted in the recognition of God's mighty and faithful acts, particularly His deliverance and restoration. Unlike fleeting worldly happiness, which is often dependent on external circumstances or material possessions, this biblical gladness is an inner state of rejoicing that stems from a secure relationship with God and an understanding of His unchanging character. It is a joy that can persist even amidst trials, knowing that God is sovereign and good. This is echoed in [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength"), where the joy of the Lord is presented as a source of strength, not merely an emotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 126:3 celebrates God's "great things" in the context of Israel's return from Babylonian exile, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The greatest "great thing" the Lord has done for humanity is the redemption accomplished through Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Through Him, God has delivered us from the ultimate captivity of sin and death, bringing us into a new covenant of grace and eternal life ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin and the Gift of God")). The joy and gladness expressed by the exiles returning to Jerusalem foreshadow the immeasurable joy of those who are reconciled to God through faith in Christ, becoming citizens of His heavenly kingdom ([Philippians 3:20](/philippians/3-20 "Philippians 3:20 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Just as the return from exile was a new beginning for Israel, Christ's resurrection inaugurates a new creation, offering spiritual restoration and a living hope to all who believe ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ")). Therefore, our declaration, "The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad," finds its fullest and most glorious meaning in the Gospel, celebrating the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and promises a future where all tears will be wiped away ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")).

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

Luke 1:49

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy [is] his name.

Isaiah 66:14

And when ye see [this], your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and [his] indignation toward his enemies.

Isaiah 12:4

¶ And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

Isaiah 12:6

Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.

Isaiah 51:9

¶ Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. [Art] thou not it that hath cut Rahab, [and] wounded the dragon?

Isaiah 51:11

Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy [shall be] upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; [and] sorrow and mourning shall flee away.

Ephesians 1:18

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,