Psalms 145:17

KJV

The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3068} is righteous {H6662} in all his ways {H1870}, and holy {H2623} in all his works {H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI is righteous in all his ways, full of grace in all he does.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is righteous in all his ways, And gracious in all his works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:17 stands as a majestic declaration of God's perfect moral character, asserting that the LORD's entire being and every action are intrinsically aligned with absolute justice and purity. This verse, nestled within a psalm of praise, offers profound assurance to believers, affirming that divine righteousness and holiness are not merely attributes God possesses, but rather the very essence of His nature, consistently manifested in all His interactions with creation and humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 is a magnificent acrostic psalm, with each successive verse (or pair of verses in some traditions) beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, a literary device that emphasizes the comprehensive and orderly nature of God's praise. Attributed to King David, this psalm is a grand hymn of adoration, systematically extolling God's greatness, power, mercy, and faithfulness across all generations. Verses 14-20 specifically focus on God's compassionate care and unwavering support for all His creation, particularly those who call upon Him in truth. Within this section, verse 17 serves as a foundational theological statement, grounding all of God's benevolent and powerful actions in His unchanging, perfect character. It echoes and reinforces the themes of divine goodness and mercy introduced earlier, such as in [Psalm 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalm 145:9 - The LORD is good to all").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the concepts of "righteousness" (צֶדֶק, *tsedeq*) and "holiness" (קֹדֶשׁ, *qodesh*) were central to understanding God's character and His covenant relationship with His people. Righteousness implied adherence to a divine standard of justice and moral uprightness, particularly in judgment and governance, reflecting the ideal of a just king or judge. Holiness, on the other hand, signified God's absolute distinctness, His separation from all that is common or sinful, and His moral perfection. These attributes were not abstract philosophical ideas but were understood as actively demonstrated in God's historical interventions, His laws (like those given in [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy "The Book of Deuteronomy - The Law and Covenant")), and His dealings with Israel. The declaration in Psalms 145:17 would have resonated deeply with a people who understood the importance of a just and pure sovereign.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 145:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **unwavering righteousness of God**, asserting that His moral integrity is absolute and uncompromised in every facet of His being and action. Secondly, it highlights God's **transcendent holiness**, emphasizing His perfect purity and separation from all evil, which is the source of His steadfast love and faithfulness. Thirdly, the phrases "in all his ways" and "in all his works" emphasize God's **divine consistency and universality**. This means God's character is not compartmentalized or situational; His righteousness and holiness permeate every decision, every creation, and every interaction throughout history, providing immense comfort and an unshakable basis for trust, as seen in [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Work and Justice"). This consistency assures the worshiper that God's goodness and justice are perpetually reliable.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred, covenantal name of God, indicating "the self-Existent or Eternal." It emphasizes God's sovereign, unchanging, and personal nature, the One who is, who was, and who is to come. When the psalmist declares the LORD's righteousness and holiness, it is this eternal, self-sufficient God whose character is being affirmed.
* **righteous (Hebrew, _tsaddîyq'_):** Derived from the root meaning "to be just," this term describes God as inherently just, morally upright, and in conformity with a perfect standard. It implies that all of God's judgments, laws, and actions are fair, equitable, and perfectly aligned with His divine nature, making Him the ultimate standard of justice.
* **ways (Hebrew, _derek'_):** Figuratively, this word refers to a course of life, a mode of action, or a path. In the context of God, "all His ways" encompasses His character, His principles, His methods of governance, and the paths He takes in His dealings with humanity and creation. It signifies the entirety of His moral and operational conduct.
* **holy (Hebrew, _châçîyd'_):** While often translated as "pious" or "merciful," in this context, _châçîyd_ speaks to God's absolute purity, moral perfection, and distinctness. It signifies His unwavering faithfulness and steadfast love, which are integral aspects of His set-apart, divine nature. This holiness undergirds His righteousness, ensuring His actions are always pure and good.
* **works (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** This term refers to an action, deed, transaction, or product. "All His works" encompasses God's specific deeds, His acts of creation, His interventions in history, His providential care, and all the tangible expressions of His will in the world. It signifies the totality of His active engagement with His creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD is righteous in all his ways":** This clause declares that the very character and operational principles of God, the eternal and self-existent One, are perfectly just and morally upright. It emphasizes that every path He chooses, every method He employs, and every principle by which He governs is inherently righteous, never deviating from His perfect standard of justice.
* **"and holy in all his works":** This parallel clause affirms that all of God's specific actions, deeds, and creations are characterized by absolute purity, moral perfection, and faithfulness. It highlights that everything God does, from the grandest act of creation to the most minute detail of providence, is an outflow of His sacred, set-apart nature, untainted by evil or imperfection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where the two clauses "righteous in all his ways" and "holy in all his works" mirror and reinforce each other. This specific type is often called **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second line reiterates or elaborates on the first, deepening the meaning. "Ways" (God's character and principles) and "works" (His specific deeds) are complementary aspects of His being, while "righteous" and "holy" are intertwined attributes of His moral perfection. This parallelism provides a comprehensive and emphatic affirmation of God's consistent moral excellence. Additionally, the phrase "all his ways" and "all his works" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and universal scope of God's righteousness and holiness, leaving no aspect of His being or activity outside this perfect standard.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:17 is a cornerstone for understanding the immutable character of God. It assures us that God's actions are never arbitrary, capricious, or unjust, but are always rooted in His perfect nature. This consistency provides the bedrock for faith, allowing believers to trust God even when His purposes are unclear or His dealings seem difficult. The verse underscores divine sovereignty, revealing a God whose power is always exercised with integrity and whose love is always pure. This truth serves as a profound comfort, reminding us that even in suffering or confusion, God's ultimate design is good and righteous, reflecting His unchanging attributes. It also sets a divine standard for humanity, calling us to reflect His righteousness and holiness in our own lives and actions.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Work and Justice")
* [Isaiah 5:16](/isaiah/5-16 "Isaiah 5:16 - God's Holiness and Righteousness Exalted")
* [Revelation 15:3](/revelation/15-3 "Revelation 15:3 - The Song of Moses and the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound truth of Psalms 145:17 offers an unshakable foundation for our trust in God, especially in a world often marked by injustice and moral ambiguity. When we encounter trials, suffering, or seemingly inexplicable circumstances, this verse reminds us that God's character remains perfectly righteous and holy. We can rest in the assurance that His plans, though sometimes mysterious to us, are always aligned with His perfect nature and ultimately aim for our good and His glory. This understanding inspires not only trust but also deep worship, as we recognize a God who is utterly faultless and worthy of all adoration. Furthermore, this verse serves as a powerful call to personal transformation. As image-bearers of God and followers of Christ, we are exhorted to pursue righteousness and holiness in our own "ways" and "works," striving to reflect His character in our daily lives, decisions, and interactions. This pursuit is not born of a need to earn favor, but out of a grateful response to the One who is perfectly just and pure.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's unwavering righteousness and holiness impact your ability to trust Him during difficult or confusing times?**
* **In what specific "ways" (character, principles) and "works" (actions, deeds) can you strive to reflect God's righteousness and holiness in your daily life?**
* **How does understanding God's consistent moral perfection deepen your worship and adoration of Him?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repetition of "all" in "all his ways" and "all his works"?**

Answer: The repetition of "all" (כָּל, *kol*) is crucial for emphasizing the absolute and comprehensive nature of God's righteousness and holiness. It signifies that these attributes are not partial, occasional, or limited to certain aspects of His being or activity. Instead, they permeate every single decision, action, principle, and interaction of God. This universality provides immense assurance, as it means there is no situation or circumstance where God acts outside of His perfect justice and purity. It underscores His unwavering consistency and reliability, a theme often found in scripture, such as in [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God's Unchanging Nature").

**How does Psalms 145:17 relate to the problem of evil or suffering in the world?**

Answer: While Psalms 145:17 does not directly explain the origin of evil or suffering, it provides a foundational theological framework for understanding God's posture towards it. By declaring God as "righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works," the verse assures us that God is never the author of evil, nor does He act unjustly or maliciously. Any suffering or evil in the world does not contradict His perfect character. Instead, this verse implies that God, in His righteousness and holiness, is actively working to bring about justice and redemption, even amidst brokenness. It encourages us to trust His ultimate purposes, knowing that His character remains untainted and His actions are always just, even when His methods are beyond our full comprehension, as seen in the broader narrative of [Job](/job "The Book of Job - Suffering and God's Sovereignty").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the incarnate Son of God, Jesus perfectly embodied the righteousness and holiness of the Father in "all His ways" and "all His works." His earthly life was a flawless demonstration of divine justice and moral purity, from His teachings that exposed sin and called for repentance, to His compassionate acts of healing and deliverance. Every word He spoke and every deed He performed was perfectly aligned with God's righteous character, revealing the Father to humanity (as declared in [John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Jesus, the Revelation of the Father")). The pinnacle of this fulfillment is seen in His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Here, God's righteousness was both demanded and satisfied: sin, which violates God's holy standard, was justly condemned, while God's holiness was upheld through the perfect, sinless offering of Christ. This act of redemption, where the righteous died for the unrighteous, perfectly reconciles divine justice with divine mercy, demonstrating that God is both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Righteousness Revealed in Christ")). Thus, in Christ, we see the living embodiment of Psalms 145:17, the One whose entire being and redemptive mission flawlessly declare the LORD to be righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works.

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

Deuteronomy 32:4

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

Zephaniah 3:5

The just LORD [is] in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame.

Isaiah 45:21

Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me.

Psalms 103:6

¶ The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.

Romans 3:25

Whom God hath set forth [to be] a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Romans 3:26

To declare, [I say], at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

Psalms 99:3

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; [for] it [is] holy.