Psalms 138:8

KJV

The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} will perfect {H1584} that which concerneth me: thy mercy {H2617}, O LORD {H3068}, endureth for ever {H5769}: forsake {H7503} not the works {H4639} of thine own hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI will fulfill his purpose for me. Your grace, ADONAI, continues forever. Don't abandon the work of your hands!

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me. O LORD, Your loving devotion endures forever— do not abandon the works of Your hands.

American Standard Version

Jehovah will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy lovingkindness, O Jehovah, endureth for ever; Forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 138:8 stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith and a fervent prayer, encapsulating the psalmist's deep confidence in God's steadfast faithfulness and eternal mercy. It articulates the divine commitment to bring to completion all that pertains to the believer's life, firmly rooted in the immutable character of God. This verse serves as both an affirmation of divine providence and a humble plea for God's continued involvement in the life of His creation, assuring the believer that God will not abandon His handiwork.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 138 is a psalm of thanksgiving, attributed to David, expressing profound gratitude for God's personal intervention and answered prayer. It opens with David's vow to praise the LORD "before the gods" (likely referring to earthly rulers or angelic beings), highlighting God's supreme authority and the universal reach of His glory. The preceding verses detail God's attentiveness to the humble, His empowering strength, and His glorious reputation among all kings of the earth who will hear of His ways. Verse 8 acts as a powerful capstone to this expression of trust, affirming God's commitment to His people, even as the psalm transitions to acknowledge future challenges and the need for God's sustaining hand. The declaration of God's enduring mercy in [Psalm 138:8](/psalms/138-8 "Psalm 138:8 - God's Enduring Mercy") echoes a recurring theme throughout the Psalter, often found in psalms of praise and lament.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While specific historical details for Psalm 138 are not explicitly provided, its attribution to David places it within the context of the Israelite monarchy. David, as king, often faced opposition from both internal and external forces, necessitating a deep reliance on divine intervention and a personal relationship with Yahweh. The concept of "works of thine own hands" resonates with the ancient Near Eastern understanding of a deity's personal investment in their creation and chosen people. Kings in this era often boasted of their achievements and power, but David consistently attributes his success, protection, and well-being to the LORD, emphasizing a covenant relationship where God is actively involved in the affairs of His chosen servant and nation. The mention of "kings of the earth" in [Psalm 138:4](/psalms/138-4 "Psalm 138:4 - Kings Praising the LORD") suggests a context where God's reputation extends beyond Israel, impacting the broader geopolitical landscape of the time.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Faithfulness and Providence**, emphasizing God's unwavering commitment to complete what He begins in the lives of His people. This is not merely a passive hope but an active expectation of God's perfect execution of His purposes. Secondly, the declaration of God's **Enduring Mercy (Hesed)** is central, portraying His loyal, covenantal love as the eternal foundation for His faithfulness. This divine attribute is consistently invoked as the basis for Israel's hope and God's continued grace, as seen in numerous psalms like [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Enduring Mercy"). Finally, the plea "forsake not the works of thine own hands" highlights **Humble Dependence and God's Ownership**, acknowledging humanity as God's unique creation and appealing to His vested interest in His handiwork. This theme resonates with the creation accounts in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account") and [Genesis 2](/genesis/2 "Genesis 2 - The Formation of Man"), where humanity is depicted as the pinnacle of God's creative work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **perfect (Hebrew, _gâmar'_):** H1584. This primitive root signifies bringing something to an end, completion, or fulfillment. It implies God's active role in performing or accomplishing His purposes. In this context, it speaks not of human perfection, but of God's divine work being brought to its intended, flawless conclusion. It conveys the idea that God does not leave His work unfinished or abandon His commitments, but rather ensures its full and proper realization.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** H2617. Often translated as "steadfast love," "loving-kindness," or "covenant loyalty," _chesed_ describes God's loyal, unfailing love that is eternally binding. It is a foundational attribute of God's character, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant people despite their failings. Its enduring nature ("for ever") provides the ultimate assurance for the psalmist's confidence in God's completion of His work, signifying an unchanging and reliable divine benevolence.
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027. While literally referring to the physical hand, _yad_ is used extensively in scripture to denote power, agency, means, and creative ability. When referring to God's "hands," it powerfully symbolizes His direct involvement, sovereign power, and personal craftsmanship in creation and in the lives of individuals. To be "the works of thine own hands" signifies a profound relationship of ownership and intimate care, implying that God has a vested interest in sustaining and completing what He has initiated and personally formed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me":** This opening clause is a bold declaration of faith, expressing the psalmist's absolute confidence in Yahweh's active and sovereign involvement in his life. The verb "perfect" (gamar) conveys the idea of bringing to completion, fulfilling, or accomplishing. It signifies that God will not leave any matter pertaining to the psalmist's life unfinished or unresolved according to His divine purpose. This is a statement of divine providence, assuring the believer that God is committed to seeing His plans and purposes for them through to their ultimate, perfect conclusion, regardless of present difficulties or apparent incompleteness.
* **"thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever":** This phrase provides the theological bedrock for the preceding declaration. The psalmist grounds his confidence in God's eternal attribute of _chesed_ (mercy/steadfast love). This is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring, covenantal loyalty that is foundational to God's character and His relationship with His people. The phrase "for ever" (olam) emphasizes the perpetual, unchanging nature of this divine love, ensuring that God's commitment to perfect His work is not subject to temporal limitations or human failings. It is an eternal guarantee, providing an unshakeable basis for trust.
* **"forsake not the works of thine own hands":** This concluding clause transitions from a declaration of faith to a humble, yet fervent, prayer. It is an appeal to God's character as Creator and Sustainer. By referring to himself as "the works of thine own hands," the psalmist acknowledges God's ultimate ownership and personal investment in his life. The plea "forsake not" is not born of doubt in God's ability, but of a deep understanding of human frailty and a humble reliance on God's continued grace and active presence. It's a recognition that without God's ongoing sustaining power, even His "perfecting" work might seem to falter from a human perspective. It is a prayer for perseverance, divine commitment, and a continued intimate relationship with the Creator.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 138:8 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. The primary device is **Declaration of Trust**, where the psalmist boldly asserts God's future action ("The LORD will perfect") as a certainty, not a mere hope. This is immediately followed by a **Statement of Divine Attribute** ("thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever"), which serves as the theological foundation and justification for the preceding trust. This juxtaposition creates a powerful logical flow, grounding human confidence in divine character. The concluding phrase, "forsake not the works of thine own hands," functions as a poignant **Apostrophe** (addressing God directly) and a humble **Plea**, simultaneously acknowledging God's creative ownership and appealing to His faithfulness. This phrase also contains **Metonymy**, where "hands" represents God's creative power, personal involvement, and sovereign craftsmanship. The entire verse is structured as a subtle **Chiasm** in its thematic movement: A (God's perfecting work for the psalmist), B (God's eternal mercy), A' (God's continued care for His handiwork), reinforcing the interconnectedness of God's character and His actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 138:8 articulates a profound theological truth: God is faithful to complete the work He has begun. This concept of divine perseverance is not limited to the individual but extends to God's redemptive plan for humanity and creation. The psalmist's confidence is rooted in God's unchanging nature, particularly His eternal _chesed_ (steadfast love). This divine attribute guarantees that God's purposes will never be thwarted and that His commitment to His people is unwavering. The verse also underscores the biblical understanding of humanity as God's handiwork, implying a divine responsibility and vested interest in the well-being and ultimate destiny of His creation. This relationship of Creator to created forms the basis for the psalmist's humble plea, recognizing that human flourishing is entirely dependent on God's continued grace and active involvement in their lives.

* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")
* [Isaiah 64:8](/isaiah/64-8 "Isaiah 64:8 - God as Potter, We as Clay")
* [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - The LORD's Enduring Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers navigating the complexities of life, Psalm 138:8 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and a template for prayer. It calls us to cultivate an unwavering trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem chaotic or unfinished from our perspective. The promise that "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me" encourages us to surrender our anxieties and uncertainties to His capable hands, knowing that His work is always thorough, purposeful, and ultimately for our good and His glory. This verse reminds us that our hope is not founded on our own strength, merit, or fleeting emotions, but on the immutable character of God – specifically, His eternal _chesed_. When we feel inadequate, broken, or lost, the concluding plea, "forsake not the works of thine own hands," serves as a powerful reminder of our inherent value as God's creation and His deep, personal investment in our lives. It invites us to pray with humble dependence, acknowledging our reliance on His ongoing grace and power to sustain us, guide us, and ultimately bring us to His intended completion. Embracing this truth fosters resilience, peace, and a deeper intimacy with our faithful Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to trust that the LORD will "perfect that which concerneth" you, even when the path ahead is unclear?**
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's "mercy... endureth for ever" provide a solid foundation for your hope and peace in times of uncertainty or personal struggle?**
* **What does it mean to you personally to be "the works of thine own hands," and how does this understanding encourage you to pray for God's continued presence and transformative work in your life?**

### FAQ
**Does "perfect" in this verse mean I will become sinless in this life?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word "gamar" (H1584) translated as "perfect" here primarily means to bring to an end, complete, or fulfill. It refers to God's divine work being brought to its intended conclusion, not necessarily human sinless perfection in this earthly life. While God does work to sanctify believers, the context here emphasizes God's faithfulness to accomplish His purposes and plans concerning the psalmist's life and destiny, rather than an immediate state of moral flawlessness. It speaks to God's commitment to finish what He starts, aligning with the New Testament idea that [He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus](/philippians/1-6 "God's Work Completed").

**What is the significance of God's "mercy" enduring forever?**

Answer: The enduring nature of God's "mercy" (Hebrew _chesed_, H2617) is absolutely foundational to the psalmist's confidence. _Chesed_ denotes God's steadfast, covenantal love and loyalty. Its eternal quality means God's commitment to His people is unwavering, not subject to change, human failing, or the passage of time. This eternal mercy is the guarantee that God will indeed "perfect that which concerneth me" and "forsake not the works of thine own hands." It assures us that God's faithfulness is rooted in His very character, providing an unshakeable basis for trust, as frequently affirmed in scripture, such as in [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "God's Enduring Mercy").

**How can I be sure God won't "forsake the works of His own hands" in my life?**

Answer: The assurance that God will not forsake the works of His own hands is rooted in His character and His covenant faithfulness, supremely demonstrated in Jesus Christ. As the Creator, God has a vested interest in His handiwork. The New Testament reinforces this by revealing God's ultimate commitment through Jesus Christ. If God did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? (See [Romans 8:32](/romans/8-32 "God's Ultimate Gift")). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit indwells believers, serving as a seal and a guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it (See [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13 "The Seal of the Holy Spirit")). God's commitment is not based on our perfection, but on His perfect love and sovereign plan for those He has called and redeemed, ensuring He will never abandon those He has purchased by the blood of His Son.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 138:8 is a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness in the Old Testament, its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "perfecting" work of God, which concerns believers, culminates in our redemption and sanctification through Christ. He is the one who perfectly accomplished the will of the Father, bringing to completion God's plan for salvation, declaring "It is finished" on the cross (cf. [John 19:30](/john/19-30 "It is Finished")). The "mercy" (_chesed_) of the LORD, which endures forever, is most vividly demonstrated in God's willingness to send His Son to die for a fallen humanity, proving His love for us while we were still sinners (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God's Love Demonstrated")). Jesus Himself is the ultimate "work of God's own hands," the unique Son, perfectly reflecting the Father's glory and carrying out His purposes (cf. [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "The Radiance of God's Glory")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ ensures that God will never forsake those who are "in Christ," for they are now new creations, God's "workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works" (cf. [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "God's Workmanship")). Thus, the psalmist's trust finds its secure anchor in the finished work of Jesus, who guarantees God's enduring faithfulness to bring His children to their glorious, eternal completion.

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

Philippians 1:6

Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

Psalms 57:2

I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it].

Isaiah 26:12

¶ LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us.

Psalms 136:1

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Jeremiah 32:39

And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

Jeremiah 32:40

And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.