Psalms 136:4

KJV

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

To him who alone doeth {H6213} great {H1419} wonders {H6381}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to him who alone has done great wonders, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

He alone does great wonders. His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

To him who alone doeth great wonders; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:4 proclaims the unique and unparalleled power of God, who alone performs magnificent wonders, emphasizing that these awe-inspiring acts are perpetually rooted in His steadfast, eternal mercy. This verse, a pivotal declaration within a psalm of thanksgiving, serves as a foundational affirmation of divine omnipotence and enduring covenantal love, setting the stage for a historical recounting of God's mighty deeds.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is a distinctive hymn of praise, often referred to as the "Great Hallel" (Psalms 113-118 and 136), frequently recited during Passover and other Jewish festivals. Its most striking feature is its antiphonal structure, where each declaration of God's mighty acts is met with the congregational refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." Verse 4 transitions from the opening general call to praise the "God of gods" and "Lord of lords" (Psalms 136:2-3) to a specific attribute of God: His exclusive ability to perform great wonders. This verse acts as a bridge, moving from the universal praise of God's supremacy to the subsequent enumeration of His specific acts in creation (Psalms 136:5-9) and salvation history, particularly the Exodus (Psalms 136:10-24), culminating in His provision for all living things.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely for public worship, Psalm 136 would have been used in temple services, fostering corporate remembrance and praise. The antiphonal nature suggests a responsive liturgy, deeply embedding the truths of God's character and history into the collective memory of the Israelite community. In a polytheistic ancient Near Eastern world, the declaration that God "alone doeth great wonders" was a radical assertion of monotheism, directly challenging the claims of surrounding pagan deities. The "wonders" (Hebrew: *nifla'ot*) would have evoked specific memories of the miraculous signs and judgments God performed in Egypt and during the Exodus, demonstrating His power over all natural and supernatural forces, as recounted in texts like [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7-12 - The Plagues of Egypt"). This historical recounting served not only as a reminder of past deliverance but also as a basis for present trust and future hope in God's unchanging character.

* **Key Themes:** The verse encapsulates several profound theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **God's Exclusive Sovereignty and Omnipotence**. The phrase "who alone doeth great wonders" underscores that truly miraculous, awe-inspiring acts are solely within God's domain, setting Him apart from all creation and any false gods. This emphasizes His unique divine nature and absolute power over all things, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 44:24](/isaiah/44-24 "Isaiah 44:24 - God, the Creator and Redeemer"). Secondly, the enduring refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," introduces the theme of **Divine Mercy and Faithfulness**. The Hebrew word for "mercy" (*hesed*) denotes a loyal, steadfast, and covenantal love that is unfailing and eternal. This signifies that God's immense power is always exercised within the framework of His unchanging compassion and commitment to His people, providing a secure foundation for their trust, as celebrated in [Psalms 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalms 100:5 - God's Goodness and Enduring Mercy"). Finally, the psalm as a whole, and this verse within it, serves as a **Call to Worship and Remembrance**, urging the community to recall God's past interventions and mighty deeds, fostering gratitude and strengthening faith in His trustworthiness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **doeth (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** This primitive root signifies to "do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." In the context of God performing "wonders," it denotes active, intentional, and effective execution of His will. It implies not merely passive existence but dynamic action, bringing about extraordinary events that transcend natural capabilities.
* **great (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_):** This adjective means "great in any sense," encompassing magnitude, importance, and awe-inspiring quality. When coupled with "wonders," it emphasizes the immense, unparalleled, and majestic nature of God's miraculous deeds, distinguishing them from anything lesser or humanly achievable.
* **wonders (Hebrew, _pâlâ'_):** This primitive root means to "separate, i.e., distinguish," and by implication, "to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful." It refers to acts that are extraordinary, miraculous, or astonishing, often evoking awe and reverence. These are not coincidences but divine interventions that reveal God's supernatural power and unique character.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** This profound term denotes "kindness," "loving-kindness," or "steadfast love." It is a covenantal term, signifying God's loyal, unfailing, and compassionate commitment to His people, rooted in His covenant promises. It implies a deep, enduring, and active benevolence that motivates His actions.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This word properly means "concealed," referring to the vanishing point, and generally denotes "time out of mind (past or future), i.e., eternity." When applied to God's mercy, it underscores its perpetual, unending, and unchanging nature, assuring believers of its eternal duration and reliability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To him who alone doeth great wonders":** This clause directs praise to God, specifically highlighting His exclusive capacity to perform acts that are truly miraculous and awe-inspiring. The word "alone" (Hebrew: *levaddoh*) profoundly emphasizes God's singularity and uniqueness, asserting that He is the sole source of such extraordinary power and intervention, setting Him apart from all created beings and false deities. His "great wonders" are not mere impressive feats but supernatural manifestations of His omnipotence that evoke profound reverence.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever":** This refrain, repeated throughout the psalm, provides the theological rationale and the enduring context for God's mighty acts. It declares that God's power is not arbitrary or capricious but is always exercised through the lens of His unchanging, steadfast, and covenantal love (*hesed*). This "mercy" is eternal, meaning it is perpetual, unfailing, and without end, assuring the worshiper that God's mighty deeds are consistently rooted in His unwavering commitment to His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 136:4, like the entire psalm, prominently features **Antiphonal Structure**, designed for responsive worship where a leader declares a truth about God and the congregation responds with the **Refrain**, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This repetitive structure serves to deeply embed the message of God's enduring *hesed* into the hearts and minds of the worshipers. The phrase "who **alone** doeth great wonders" employs **Hyperbole** and **Exclusivity**, emphasizing God's unparalleled and singular power, setting Him apart from all other beings or claimed deities. This is not merely a statement of fact but a declaration of divine uniqueness, designed to evoke awe and undivided allegiance. The entire verse also exhibits **Parallelism** between God's mighty acts and His eternal mercy, suggesting that His power is always tempered and motivated by His compassion, creating a balanced and profound theological statement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 136:4 profoundly connects God's sovereign power to His unchanging character of mercy. It teaches that the God who performs extraordinary, supernatural "wonders" is not a distant, arbitrary force, but a personal, covenant-keeping God whose every action, however mighty, is undergirded by an eternal, steadfast love (*hesed*). This fusion of omnipotence and unwavering compassion provides immense comfort and a solid foundation for faith, assuring believers that God's power is always wielded for their ultimate good, in accordance with His eternal promises. This truth invites a response of deep trust and continuous praise, recognizing that His greatness is always tied to His goodness.

* [Deuteronomy 4:34](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Hand and Wonders")
* [Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "Jeremiah 32:17 - God's Great Power and Outstretched Arm")
* [1 Chronicles 16:34](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks to the Lord, for His Mercy Endures Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 136:4 serves as a powerful anchor for our faith in a world often marked by uncertainty and apparent chaos. It reminds us that behind every miraculous intervention and every consistent blessing lies the hand of a God whose power is limitless and whose love is eternal. This truth calls us to cultivate a posture of constant awe and gratitude, recognizing that the same God who parted the Red Sea and created the cosmos is intimately involved in our lives, always acting out of His unfailing mercy. It challenges us to look beyond immediate circumstances and perceive the "great wonders" He performs, both in the grand tapestry of salvation history and in the quiet, personal moments of our daily existence. Resting in His enduring mercy empowers us to face trials with hope, knowing that His commitment to us is as eternal as His power is vast.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most need to recognize God's "great wonders" at work today?**
* **How does the assurance that God's "mercy endureth for ever" impact your trust in Him during difficult times?**
* **What specific "wonders" of God, past or present, stir your heart to worship and thanksgiving?**
* **How can you more intentionally acknowledge and praise God for His unique power and enduring love in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**What does "alone doeth great wonders" signify about God?**

Answer: The phrase "alone doeth great wonders" is a profound declaration of God's unique and exclusive omnipotence. It signifies that only the God of Israel possesses the inherent power and authority to perform truly miraculous, supernatural acts that transcend natural laws and human capabilities. In a world with many gods, this statement asserted His singular supremacy, distinguishing Him from all false deities and emphasizing His absolute sovereignty over creation and history. It means that His wonders are not merely impressive feats but divine interventions that reveal His incomparable nature.

**What is the significance of the repeated phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever"?**

Answer: The repeated refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" is the theological cornerstone of Psalm 136. The Hebrew word for "mercy" is *hesed*, which denotes a steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love. Its enduring nature ("for ever" or *ʻôwlâm*) signifies that God's love is perpetual, unchanging, and without end. This refrain assures the worshiper that all of God's mighty acts, including His "great wonders," are motivated and sustained by His eternal compassion and faithfulness to His covenant promises. It provides a constant source of comfort and security, affirming that God's character is immutably good and His commitment to His people is unwavering, as seen in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Come to an End").

**How does this verse encourage remembrance and worship?**

Answer: Psalms 136:4, by highlighting God's unique ability to perform "great wonders" and His unending "mercy," actively encourages remembrance and worship. The psalm's structure, which recounts God's historical acts, prompts the worshiper to recall specific instances of divine intervention and provision. This act of remembering God's past faithfulness and power fosters a spirit of gratitude and strengthens trust in His continued care. The constant repetition of the refrain then transforms this remembrance into an act of worship, as the community collectively affirms God's unchanging character and responds with praise for His enduring love, echoing the call to worship found in [Psalms 95:6](/psalms/95-6 "Psalms 95:6 - Come, Let Us Worship and Bow Down").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 136:4, with its declaration of God's exclusive ability to perform "great wonders" and His mercy enduring "for ever," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament recounts God's wonders in creation and the Exodus, the New Testament reveals the greatest wonders performed by God through His Son. Jesus Himself performed "great wonders" (Greek: *dynameis*, often translated as miracles or mighty works) that revealed His divine authority and power over sickness, nature, demons, and even death, as recorded throughout the Gospels (e.g., [Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). The ultimate wonder, however, is not merely His miracles but His incarnation—God becoming flesh (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. These acts are the supreme demonstrations of God's power and His eternal *hesed*, His steadfast love, which is poured out for humanity. Through Christ, God's mercy is not just enduring but is actively extended to all who believe, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life (cf. [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Love")). The New Covenant, established through Christ's blood, is the ultimate expression of God's mercy enduring forever, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to the God who "alone doeth great wonders" (cf. [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")).

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 72:18

¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.

Job 5:9

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

Psalms 86:10

For thou [art] great, and doest wondrous things: thou [art] God alone.

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

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.