Psalms 150:2

KJV

Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

KJV (with Strong's)

Praise {H1984} him for his mighty acts {H1369}: praise {H1984} him according to his excellent {H7230} greatness {H1433}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Praise him for his mighty deeds! Praise him for his surpassing greatness!

Berean Standard Bible

Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him for His excellent greatness.

American Standard Version

Praise him for his mighty acts: Praise him according to his excellent greatness.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 150:2 serves as a fervent double exhortation to worship, providing two profound, complementary reasons for offering praise to the Almighty. It calls believers to laud God both for His powerful interventions and demonstrations of strength throughout history, and for the boundless, inherent majesty and perfect character that define His very being. This verse, nestled within the climactic final psalm, encapsulates the comprehensive nature of worship, grounding it in both God's dynamic action and His eternal, unchanging essence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 150 stands as the magnificent doxological conclusion to the entire book of Psalms, forming the grand finale of the fifth and final book (Psalms 107-150). It is the culmination of a series of five "Hallelujah Psalms" (Psalms 146-150), each beginning and ending with the Hebrew phrase "Hallelujah" ("Praise the Lord"). This final psalm is a universal and unrestrained call to worship, summoning all creation and every instrument to join in a symphony of praise. Verse 2 specifically elaborates on the *reasons* for this praise, building upon the general command to praise God in His sanctuary and firmament found in [Psalm 150:1](/psalms/150-1 "Psalm 150:1 - Universal Call to Praise"). It moves from the *where* and *how* of praise to the *why*, providing the theological bedrock for the entire psalm's exuberant command.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, including Psalm 150, were integral to Israelite worship, used in both temple liturgy and personal devotion. The call to praise God for "mighty acts" would have resonated deeply with the historical memory of Israel, recalling foundational events like the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Departure"), the [crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea"), and the [conquest of Canaan](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan River"). The emphasis on musical instruments in the broader psalm reflects the rich tradition of temple worship established by King David, where music played a central role in expressing devotion and celebrating God's presence. The concept of God's "excellent greatness" points to a theological understanding of Yahweh as utterly unique and supreme among all gods, a truth foundational to Israel's monotheistic faith in contrast to the polytheistic cultures surrounding them (cf. [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates two core themes: God's **Sovereign Action** and His **Transcendent Nature**. "His mighty acts" (גְּבוּרוֹת, _gᵉbûwrâh_) highlight God's dynamic power at work in the world—His interventions, His deliverance, His judgment, and His ongoing sustenance of creation. This theme underscores God's active involvement in human history and His faithfulness to His covenant people. "His excellent greatness" (רֹב גֹּדְלוֹ, _rôb gôdel_) points to God's inherent, immeasurable attributes—His holiness, omnipotence, omniscience, wisdom, and infinite majesty. It emphasizes that God is worthy of praise not just for what He *does*, but for who He *is*. This dual emphasis ensures a comprehensive worship that acknowledges both God's saving deeds and His intrinsic, unparalleled worthiness, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - God's Greatness and Worthiness of Praise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** This primitive root means "to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causatively, to celebrate; also to stultify." In the context of worship, it signifies a fervent, often boisterous, and public declaration of God's worth. It's not a quiet admiration but an enthusiastic, resounding acclamation, often involving shouting, singing, and dancing, reflecting the exuberant nature of the entire psalm.
* **Mighty acts (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** Derived from a root signifying "force," this feminine passive participle denotes "force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory; force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength." When applied to God, it refers to His powerful deeds, His demonstrations of strength, and His interventions in history, particularly those that reveal His saving power and sovereignty. These are the tangible evidences of God's active presence and power in the world.
* **Greatness (Hebrew, _gôdel'_):** From a root meaning "to be great," this noun signifies "magnitude (literally or figuratively); greatness, stout(-ness)." It refers to the immeasurable, inherent vastness and majesty of God's being. It encompasses His infinite attributes—His holiness, wisdom, omnipotence, and transcendence—which are beyond human comprehension and worthy of ultimate adoration. This term emphasizes God's intrinsic worth and unparalleled glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Praise him for his mighty acts":** This clause directs worshipers to acknowledge and celebrate God's powerful deeds throughout history and in their personal lives. It calls for praise that is rooted in the concrete, observable evidence of God's intervention, His strength displayed in creation, redemption, and providence. This is a praise born of remembrance and gratitude for what God has done.
* **"praise him according to his excellent greatness."** This second clause expands the scope of praise beyond God's actions to His very nature and character. The phrase "excellent greatness" (literally "abundance of His greatness") signifies that God's inherent majesty, His infinite perfections, and His immeasurable being are themselves sufficient and boundless reasons for worship. Our praise, the verse implies, should strive to be commensurate with, though it can never fully encompass, the infinite scope of His glory. This is a praise born of awe and adoration for who He intrinsically is.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 150:2 employs several powerful literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated command "Praise him," which serves to emphasize the central theme and create a sense of urgency and insistence. This repetition also contributes to the **parallelism** of the verse, where the two clauses offer complementary reasons for praise. Specifically, it is a form of **synthetic parallelism**, where the second line adds to or develops the thought of the first, moving from God's external actions ("mighty acts") to His internal, inherent nature ("excellent greatness"). The use of **hyperbole** is implicit in the phrase "according to his excellent greatness," suggesting that God's greatness is so immense that our praise can only ever aspire to match it, implying an unending and ever-increasing call to worship that can never fully exhaust His worthiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 150:2 provides a profound theological framework for worship, distinguishing between praising God for what He *does* and praising Him for who He *is*. This duality ensures that worship is neither merely a response to blessings (which can be fickle) nor solely an abstract appreciation of divine attributes (which can lack personal connection). Instead, it calls for a holistic worship that is both historically grounded in God's redemptive acts and eternally rooted in His immutable character. God's "mighty acts" reveal His active involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His power, faithfulness, and love, while His "excellent greatness" points to His transcendent holiness, wisdom, and omnipotence, inviting a deep reverence for His intrinsic worth. This comprehensive understanding of praise acknowledges God as both the sovereign actor in history and the infinitely glorious Creator and Sustainer of all things.

* [Deuteronomy 10:21](/deuteronomy/10-21 "Deuteronomy 10:21 - God is Your Praise and Mighty Acts")
* [Psalm 145:4-6](/psalms/145-4-6 "Psalm 145:4-6 - Generations Declare God's Mighty Acts and Greatness")
* [Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "Jeremiah 32:17 - God's Great Power and Outstretched Arm")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 150:2 challenges us to expand the scope and depth of our worship, moving beyond a superficial or transactional form of praise. It calls us to cultivate a posture of constant adoration, recognizing God's hand in both the grand narratives of history and the intimate details of our daily lives. When we praise God for His "mighty acts," we recall His faithfulness in delivering us from sin, providing for our needs, and intervening on our behalf. This encourages a spirit of gratitude and remembrance, prompting us to recount His goodness. Simultaneously, praising Him "according to His excellent greatness" compels us to gaze upon His inherent majesty—His holiness, justice, love, and omnipotence—which transcends all circumstances. This aspect of praise fosters humility, awe, and a profound sense of His worthiness, regardless of our immediate circumstances. Integrating both aspects ensures our worship is robust, resilient, and deeply rooted in both God's character and His ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "mighty acts" of God, both in biblical history and in your personal life, come to mind that prompt you to praise Him?**
* **How does reflecting on God's "excellent greatness"—His inherent attributes and infinite majesty—deepen your worship beyond merely thanking Him for what He does?**
* **In what practical ways can you integrate both aspects of praise (for His acts and for His nature) into your daily life and corporate worship?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between praising God for His "mighty acts" and His "excellent greatness" in this verse?**

Answer: The distinction lies in the focus of our praise. Praising God for His "mighty acts" (Hebrew: _gᵉbûwrâh_) means acknowledging and celebrating His powerful interventions and deeds in creation, history, and our personal lives. This includes acts of deliverance, provision, judgment, and salvation, such as the [Exodus](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea") or the [resurrection of Christ](/1_corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - Christ's Death and Resurrection"). It's praise for what God *does*. In contrast, praising Him "according to His excellent greatness" (Hebrew: _rôb gôdel_) focuses on His inherent character and infinite attributes—His holiness, wisdom, omnipotence, omnipresence, and perfect love. It's praise for who God *is*, recognizing His intrinsic worth and boundless majesty, which transcends all His actions. Both are essential for comprehensive and balanced worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 150:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "mighty acts" of God culminate in the person and work of Christ. His incarnation, perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection are the supreme demonstrations of God's power and redemptive activity, far surpassing even the [Exodus](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Departure") in their salvific impact (cf. [Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Redemption Through Christ")). Through Christ, God performed the mightiest act of all: conquering sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe (cf. [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Furthermore, the "excellent greatness" of God is perfectly embodied in Jesus Christ. As the [radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory"), Christ reveals the full measure of God's inherent majesty, wisdom, and holiness. In Him, we see the infinite attributes of God made tangible and accessible. Therefore, our praise for God's "mighty acts" and "excellent greatness" is most fully and rightly directed to Christ, who is both the supreme revelation of God's power in action and the perfect manifestation of God's infinite being (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")).

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 3:24

O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God [is there] in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might?

Jeremiah 32:17

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:

Jeremiah 32:19

Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

Psalms 145:5

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

Psalms 145:6

And [men] shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.

Psalms 145:3

Great [is] the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness [is] unsearchable.

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.