Psalms 66:5

KJV

Come and see the works of God: [he is] terrible [in his] doing toward the children of men.

KJV (with Strong's)

Come {H3212}{H8798)} and see {H7200}{H8798)} the works {H4659} of God {H430}: he is terrible {H3372}{H8737)} in his doing {H5949} toward the children {H1121} of men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Come and see what God has done, his awesome dealings with humankind.

Berean Standard Bible

Come and see the works of God; how awesome are His deeds toward mankind.

American Standard Version

Come, and see the works of God; He is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 66:5 serves as a profound, universal invitation to all humanity to observe and contemplate the magnificent and awe-inspiring deeds of God. It beckons every individual to witness the overwhelming power, holiness, and sovereignty of the Almighty as He actively intervenes in the world, demonstrating His character through both acts of judgment and deliverance concerning the children of men. This verse encapsulates a call to profound reverence and acknowledgment of God's active presence and formidable might throughout history and in the present.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 66 is a communal psalm of thanksgiving, likely following a significant national deliverance. It begins with a universal call to worship (vv. 1-4), emphasizing God's global sovereignty and power and inviting "all the earth" to make a joyful noise to Him. Verse 5 acts as a pivotal invitation, shifting from a general declaration of God's greatness to a specific exhortation to "come and see" His works. This sets the stage for the psalm's historical recounting of God's mighty acts, particularly the Exodus and wilderness journey (vv. 6-7), before transitioning to a more personal testimony of deliverance (vv. 8-20). Thus, verse 5 serves as the bridge, inviting the audience to engage with the historical evidence of God's "terrible" (awe-inspiring) dealings with humanity, preparing them for the specific examples that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite worship often involved recounting God's historical interventions, particularly the Exodus and the conquest of Canaan, as foundational acts of salvation and judgment. Psalms 66, likely composed for temple worship or a national celebration of deliverance, would have resonated deeply with a people whose identity was shaped by these divine "doings." The concept of God being "terrible" (awe-inspiring or dreadful) in His actions was not a negative attribute but a recognition of His transcendent power and holiness, often associated with His covenant faithfulness and His ability to both save and judge. This perspective would have been understood within a culture that revered a God who actively intervened in human affairs, unlike the often capricious or limited deities of surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 66 and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights **Divine Revelation Through Action**, asserting that God's character and power are not merely abstract concepts but are demonstrably revealed through His observable "works" and "doing." This encourages an active engagement with history and personal experience to discern God's hand, echoing the call to remember the mighty acts of the Lord throughout [Israel's history](/deuteronomy/4-34 "Deuteronomy 4:34 - God's Mighty Acts"). Furthermore, the verse underscores **God's Awesome Power and Sovereignty**, particularly through the KJV word "terrible" (Hebrew: *nora'*), which signifies profound awe, reverence, and holy dread, rather than modern fear. It speaks to God's immense majesty and the solemnity of His judgments and deliverances, demonstrating that His actions are overwhelming and beyond human comprehension, as seen in the [fear of the Lord](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord"). Finally, the phrase "Come and see" embodies a **Universal Invitation to Witness**, extending the call beyond Israel to all "children of men" to acknowledge and marvel at God's undeniable might and active presence, similar to the psalmist's invitation in [Psalm 46:8](/psalms/46-8 "Psalms 46:8 - Beholding the Works of the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Works (Hebrew, _maʿăśeh'_):** This term refers to deeds, actions, or accomplishments. In biblical context, when applied to God, it often denotes His creative acts (e.g., [the works of creation](/psalms/19-1 "Psalms 19:1 - The Works of God in Creation")), His acts of salvation (e.g., [the Exodus](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - God's Awesome Deeds at the Exodus")), or His judgments. It emphasizes God's active engagement in the world, shaping history and revealing His character through tangible events.
* **Terrible (Hebrew, _nora'_):** Derived from the verb *yare'* (to fear), *nora'* signifies that which inspires awe, dread, reverence, or profound respect due to its immense power, majesty, or holiness. In modern English, "terrible" often implies something negative or dreadful, but in the KJV and biblical Hebrew, it conveys a sense of overwhelming grandeur and solemnity. It describes God's presence at [Mount Sinai](/deuteronomy/10-21 "Deuteronomy 10:21 - God's Awesome Deeds") and His mighty deeds that evoke a holy fear, not a cowering terror, but a reverential awe that acknowledges His incomparable sovereignty and power.
* **Doing (Hebrew, _ʿălîlâ'_):** This word refers to an act, deed, or exploit, often with an emphasis on the outcome or consequence. While *maʿăśeh* (works) can be more general, *ʿălîlâ* often points to specific, notable actions, particularly those that demonstrate power or judgment. Here, it complements "works" by highlighting the impactful and decisive nature of God's interventions, especially "toward the children of men," implying His direct and consequential dealings with humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Come and see the works of God:"** This imperative invitation is a direct address, urging active observation and contemplation. "Come and see" is a common biblical idiom inviting people to witness and understand a profound truth or event (e.g., [John 1:46](/john/1-46 "John 1:46 - Philip's Invitation to Nathanael")). The "works of God" encompass His entire unfolding plan in creation, providence, salvation history, and judgment, inviting humanity to discern His active hand in all things.
* **"[he is] terrible [in his] doing"** This clause describes the *nature* of God's actions. "Terrible" (nora') conveys that His deeds are not merely powerful but are awe-inspiring, majestic, and evoke a profound sense of holy dread and reverence. His "doing" (ʿălîlâ) refers to His specific, impactful interventions, emphasizing that His actions are decisive and carry immense weight, demonstrating His sovereign authority over all creation and human affairs.
* **"toward the children of men."** This phrase specifies the recipients and beneficiaries (or subjects) of God's "terrible doing." It underscores the universal scope of God's active involvement in human history and individual lives. God's actions are not arbitrary or distant; they are purposeful and directly affect humanity, whether through acts of deliverance, judgment, or the unfolding of His redemptive plan for all people.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The opening phrase "Come and see" is a direct command, an **imperative mood**, which serves as a powerful and urgent invitation. It compels the audience to actively engage their senses and intellect in observing God's actions, rather than passively hearing about them. This direct address creates a sense of immediacy and personal involvement. Furthermore, the use of "terrible" (nora') to describe God's "doing" functions as an **intensification** or even a form of **hyperbole** (in its ancient sense of magnifying truth), emphasizing the overwhelming and incomparable nature of divine power. It elevates God's actions beyond mere human capability or comprehension, instilling a sense of profound awe and reverence. Finally, the phrase "toward the children of men" employs **universalism**, broadening the scope of God's revelation and action beyond Israel to all humanity. This highlights God's sovereignty over all nations and His desire for all people to witness and acknowledge His mighty deeds, reinforcing the psalm's opening universal call to worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 66:5 powerfully articulates the biblical truth that God is not a distant, inactive deity but an ever-present, sovereign being who actively intervenes in the affairs of humanity. His "works" and "doing" are not random occurrences but purposeful demonstrations of His character—His power, justice, mercy, and faithfulness. This verse invites a theological posture of awe and contemplation, urging believers to discern God's hand in both the grand sweep of redemptive history (e.g., the Exodus, the Incarnation) and the intricate details of personal experience. It underscores the concept of divine revelation through action, asserting that God makes Himself known not only through His word but also through His observable deeds, which demand a response of worship and reverence from all people.

* [Psalms 46:8](/psalms/46-8 "Psalms 46:8 - Beholding the Works of the LORD")
* [Exodus 15:11](/exodus/15-11 "Exodus 15:11 - God's Awesome Deeds at the Red Sea")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Higher Ways")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In our contemporary world, where distractions abound and a sense of divine presence can feel elusive, Psalms 66:5 serves as a vital call to spiritual attentiveness. It encourages us to cultivate a habit of actively "coming and seeing" God's hand at work, both in the grand narrative of salvation history and in the minute details of our daily lives. This involves reflecting on the historical acts of God—from creation to the Exodus, from the giving of the Law to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the church and the world. Furthermore, it challenges us to recognize God's active presence in the present, discerning His providence in our personal circumstances, in global events, and in the beauty and order of creation. Cultivating this awareness fosters a profound sense of awe and reverence for God's power, wisdom, and justice, leading to deeper humility, trust, and worship. When we truly "see" His "terrible" (awe-inspiring) doing, our faith is strengthened, and our perspective is transformed, reminding us that we serve a God who is intimately involved and supremely sovereign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways have you personally "seen the works of God" in your own life or in the world around you recently?**
* **How does understanding God as "terrible in his doing" (awe-inspiring and majestic) impact your sense of worship and reverence?**
* **What historical acts of God (e.g., the Exodus, the Cross, Pentecost) particularly evoke a sense of awe and wonder in you, and why?**

### FAQ
**What does "terrible" mean in Psalms 66:5?**

Answer: In Psalms 66:5, the King James Version's use of "terrible" (from the Hebrew *nora'*) does not carry the modern English connotation of something dreadful or bad. Instead, it signifies something that inspires profound awe, reverence, and holy dread due to its immense power, majesty, and holiness. It describes God's actions as overwhelmingly grand and solemn, evoking a response of deep respect and wonder. This is the same word used to describe the awe-inspiring nature of God's presence at [Mount Sinai](/deuteronomy/10-21 "Deuteronomy 10:21 - God's Awesome Deeds") or His name itself (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28:58](/deuteronomy/28-58 "Deuteronomy 28:58 - The Dreadful Name of the LORD")). Therefore, God is "terrible" in His doing because His actions are so mighty and beyond human comprehension that they command our utmost reverence and awe.

**Is the invitation to "Come and see" only for the ancient Israelites?**

Answer: While Psalm 66 was originally composed within an Israelite context, the invitation "Come and see" and the phrase "toward the children of men" clearly indicate a universal scope. The psalm begins with a call for "all the earth" to make a joyful noise to God (cf. [Psalms 66:1](/psalms/66-1 "Psalms 66:1 - Make a Joyful Noise")). This universal language suggests that God's "works" are intended to be witnessed and acknowledged by all humanity, transcending national or ethnic boundaries. It aligns with the broader biblical theme that God's glory and power are revealed to all peoples, inviting them to worship and recognize His sovereignty, as seen in passages like [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "Romans 1:20 - God's Invisible Attributes Seen in Creation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The ultimate "work of God" and His most "terrible" (awe-inspiring) doing toward the children of men is undeniably found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament psalmist looked back at mighty acts like the Exodus, the New Testament reveals that God's power and wisdom are supremely displayed in the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of His Son. The cross, though seemingly a defeat, is the most profound demonstration of God's terrible justice against sin and His terrible mercy toward sinners, where He "made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The resurrection, likewise, is God's ultimate "doing," demonstrating His power over death and His vindication of Christ, offering new life to all who believe ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - New Life in Christ")). Thus, when we are invited to "come and see the works of God," we are ultimately drawn to behold the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ ([2 Corinthians 4:6](/2_corinthians/4-6 "2 Corinthians 4:6 - The Light of the Knowledge of God's Glory")), 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")), the climactic and most "terrible" (awe-inspiring) act of salvation for all humanity.

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 126:1

¶ A Song of degrees. When the LORD turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream.

Psalms 126:3

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

Numbers 23:23

Surely [there is] no enchantment against Jacob, neither [is there] any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

Psalms 46:8

Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

Psalms 66:16

Come [and] hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.

Psalms 111:2

The works of the LORD [are] great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Psalms 66:3

Say unto God, How terrible [art thou in] thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.