Psalms 86:10

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

For thou art great {H1419}, and doest {H6213}{H8802)} wondrous things {H6381}{H8737)}: thou art God {H430} alone.

Complete Jewish Bible

For you are great, and you do wonders; you alone are God.

Berean Standard Bible

For You are great and perform wonders; You alone are God.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:10 is a profound declaration embedded within a prayer of lament, serving as a theological anchor for David's petition. It succinctly articulates God's inherent nature as supremely great, His active power demonstrated through miraculous deeds, and His exclusive status as the one true God. This verse provides a foundational statement for trust, worship, and the distinct identity of the God of Israel, affirming His incomparable sovereignty and unique divinity amidst a world of false gods.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 86 is a deeply personal "Prayer of David," categorized as a lament or petition, where the psalmist cries out to God for help, mercy, and deliverance from distress. The psalm opens with an earnest plea for God to hear and preserve him (vv. 1-7), grounded in David's dependence and God's character. Verse 10, "For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone," functions as a powerful theological affirmation that undergirds David's requests. It is a burst of praise and confident declaration that interrupts the petition, explaining *why* God is worthy of such fervent prayer and trust. It immediately precedes further declarations of God's uniqueness among the gods (v. 8) and the future worship of all nations (v. 9), before returning to a renewed plea for guidance and a sign of God's favor (vv. 11-17). This strategic placement highlights that David's plea is not based on his own merit, but on the unassailable character and power of the God to whom he prays.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, this psalm reflects the spiritual landscape of ancient Israel, where the worship of Yahweh, the one true God, often stood in stark contrast to the prevalent polytheism of surrounding nations. In the ancient Near East, various deities were worshipped, each associated with specific domains or powers. David's declaration "thou art God alone" is a direct polemic against such polytheistic beliefs, asserting the singular, unrivaled supremacy of Yahweh. This was not merely a theological point but a defining aspect of Israel's national and religious identity, often reinforced through God's mighty acts of deliverance, such as the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Departure from Egypt") and the [conquest of Canaan](/joshua/1 "Joshua 1 - God's Charge to Joshua"). The psalmist's distress, though unspecified, would have been understood within a cultural framework where divine intervention was sought for both personal and national well-being, making the affirmation of God's unique power all the more significant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core theological themes prevalent throughout the Psalms and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it underscores **God's inherent greatness and majesty**, a theme echoed in passages like [Psalm 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - God's Greatness and Praiseworthiness") which declares, "Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable." Secondly, it highlights **God's active demonstration of His power through "wondrous things,"** referring to His mighty acts in creation, history, and salvation. These miraculous interventions serve as irrefutable evidence of His sovereignty, as seen in the [miracles of the wilderness](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail") or the [deliverance from enemies](/2_samuel/22 "2 Samuel 22 - David's Song of Deliverance"). Thirdly, and most emphatically, it proclaims **God's singular and unrivaled divinity**, asserting a radical monotheism. This truth is foundational to biblical faith, distinguishing Yahweh from all other gods and idols, as powerfully articulated in [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Exclusive Divinity"): "I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me." These themes collectively establish God as the sole object of worship and the ultimate source of help and hope.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Great (Hebrew, _gadol'_):** This word signifies far more than mere size; it denotes immense power, magnificent stature, supreme importance, and inherent majesty. When applied to God, it speaks to His infinite nature, boundless wisdom, and unsearchable might, indicating that He is beyond all human comprehension and comparison. It is the quality that makes Him worthy of ultimate reverence and awe.
* **Wondrous things (Hebrew, _pele'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be distinct, extraordinary, difficult," _pele_ refers to acts that are miraculous, marvelous, or astounding—things that are beyond human capability or expectation. These are God's supernatural interventions in the natural world and human history, serving as undeniable demonstrations of His unique power and sovereignty, often evoking wonder and fear.
* **God alone (Hebrew, _Elohim levaddekha'_):** This powerful phrase literally translates to "God, You by Yourself" or "God, You exclusively." It is a profound declaration of absolute monotheism, asserting God's singular and unrivaled divinity. It distinguishes Yahweh from all other deities and idols, emphasizing that He is the sole, true, and living God, with no equal or competitor in power, authority, or existence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou [art] great":** This clause establishes the foundational premise for David's trust and worship. It declares God's inherent nature as supremely majestic and powerful, not merely in a comparative sense but in an absolute, infinite way. God's greatness is His very essence, making Him intrinsically worthy of all adoration and capable of all things.
* **"and doest wondrous things":** This part of the verse shifts from God's inherent nature to His active demonstration of that nature. His greatness is not static; it is revealed through His mighty and miraculous deeds. These "wondrous things" are the tangible evidence of His power and sovereignty, validating His claim to greatness and providing concrete reasons for faith and praise.
* **"thou [art] God alone":** This concluding, emphatic declaration underscores God's exclusive divinity. It is a powerful polemic against polytheism, asserting that Yahweh is the only true God. This truth means there is no other deity comparable to Him, no other source of ultimate power or authority, and no other worthy recipient of worship. It defines the unique relationship between Israel and their God, setting Him apart from all creation and all false gods.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 86:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is **Declaration/Affirmation**, where the psalmist directly states fundamental truths about God's character, providing a confident and unwavering theological assertion. This is reinforced by a strong **Monotheistic Polemic**, implicitly contrasting Yahweh's unique and singular nature with the multiplicity of false gods worshipped by surrounding nations. The verse also exhibits a form of **Syntactic Parallelism**, where the clauses build upon each other: God's "greatness" is the basis for His "wondrous things," and both culminate in the emphatic statement that He is "God alone," reinforcing His incomparable nature. The use of the conjunction "For" at the beginning signals a **Reason/Grounding**, indicating that the subsequent declarations about God's character are the underlying justification for David's prayer and trust expressed elsewhere in the psalm. Finally, the verse functions as an act of **Exaltation**, elevating God to His rightful supreme position above all else.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 86:10 stands as a cornerstone of biblical theology, articulating the foundational truths of God's character that permeate the entire biblical narrative. It speaks directly to God's **omnipotence** (His greatness and ability to do wondrous things) and His **uniqueness** (being God alone). This verse affirms the radical monotheism that defines Israel's faith, distinguishing Yahweh from all other deities and establishing Him as the sole object of worship and ultimate authority. It underscores that God's power is not merely theoretical but actively demonstrated through His intervention in creation and history, providing a firm basis for trust and hope in times of distress. The psalmist's declaration is not a detached theological statement but a heartfelt confession of faith that grounds his petition, reminding both himself and the reader that the God to whom he prays is supremely capable and utterly unrivaled.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - God's Exclusive Divinity")
* [Jeremiah 10:6-7](/jeremiah/10-6 "Jeremiah 10:6-7 - God's Incomparable Greatness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:10 offers profound encouragement and a clear directive for believers today. In a world often characterized by uncertainty, competing allegiances, and the allure of false idols (whether material possessions, power, or self-reliance), this verse calls us back to the singular truth of God's incomparable nature. Remembering that our God is "great" provides an unshakable foundation for trust, assuring us that no challenge is too vast for His power, and no problem too complex for His wisdom. Acknowledging that He "doest wondrous things" invites us to look for His active hand in our lives and in the world, fostering a spirit of expectation and gratitude for His miraculous interventions, both grand and subtle. Finally, the declaration "thou art God alone" compels us to re-evaluate our priorities, ensuring that our worship, allegiance, and ultimate hope are directed solely to Him, freeing us from the futility of seeking fulfillment in anything less than the one true God. This truth should inspire profound humility, awe, and unwavering devotion, transforming our prayers from mere requests into acts of worship grounded in His majestic reality.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God's greatness impact your perspective on personal challenges and seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced or witnessed God doing "wondrous things" in your life or in the world around you?**
* **How does the truth that God is "God alone" shape your daily priorities, allegiances, and the way you resist the "gods" of contemporary culture?**
* **What practical steps can you take to deepen your worship and trust in God, based on the understanding of His unique and incomparable nature?**

### FAQ
**How does this verse relate to the concept of monotheism in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Psalms 86:10 is a powerful and unequivocal declaration of exclusive monotheism, a cornerstone of Old Testament theology. The phrase "thou art God alone" directly asserts that Yahweh is the singular, supreme, and only true deity, distinguishing Him sharply from the polytheistic beliefs and idol worship prevalent in the ancient Near East. This verse reinforces the core Israelite belief, articulated in the [Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4)](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"), that "the LORD our God is one LORD," emphasizing His unique identity and unrivaled power over all creation and all other so-called gods.

**Why does David include this declaration of praise within a prayer of lament?**

Answer: David's inclusion of this declaration of praise within a lament is a common feature of biblical prayers and psalms. It serves as the theological bedrock for his petition. By affirming God's greatness, His ability to do wondrous things, and His singular divinity, David is not merely praising God but also reminding himself and God of *who* God is. This act of faith-filled declaration strengthens his prayer, grounding his hope and expectation for deliverance in God's unchangeable character and power. It's a demonstration that his plea is not based on his own merit or desperation, but on the absolute certainty that the God to whom he cries is supremely capable and utterly reliable, as seen in passages like [Psalm 18:1-3](/psalms/18-1 "Psalm 18:1-3 - David's Song of Deliverance").

**What are some examples of God's "wondrous things" mentioned in Scripture?**

Answer: The "wondrous things" of God refer to His mighty, miraculous, and extraordinary acts that demonstrate His power and sovereignty. Throughout Scripture, these include the [creation of the universe](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account"), the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea") and the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna in the wilderness, the [conquest of Canaan](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - The Crossing of the Jordan"), the raising of the dead by prophets, and countless personal interventions in the lives of His people. Ultimately, the greatest "wondrous thing" is the [redemptive work of Jesus Christ](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation"), culminating in His resurrection, which demonstrates God's ultimate power over sin and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 86:10, with its declaration of God's greatness, wondrous works, and singular divinity, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "greatness" of God, which David praises, is perfectly embodied and revealed in Jesus, who is the [image of the invisible God](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God"). The "wondrous things" God does are supremely manifested in Christ's incarnation, His miraculous life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection. These are the ultimate _pele_—marvelous acts of salvation that transcend all previous demonstrations of divine power. Moreover, the emphatic "thou art God alone" is not undermined but illuminated by Christ. The New Testament consistently affirms the singular Godhead while revealing the triune nature of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Jesus, as the [Word who was with God and was God](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh"), is Himself the very revelation of the "God alone." In Him, the fullness of deity dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9), demonstrating that the one true God has drawn near to humanity. Therefore, to acknowledge the greatness, wondrous works, and singular divinity of God is, in the Christian understanding, to acknowledge them as perfectly and finally revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and by whom all things are sustained (Colossians 1:16-17). He is the ultimate demonstration of God's unique power and the sole path to the one true God (John 14:6).

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

Isaiah 37:16

O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest [between] the cherubims, thou [art] the God, [even] thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.

Mark 12:29

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments [is], Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:

Psalms 72:18

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

1 Corinthians 8:4

¶ As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one.

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?

Deuteronomy 32:39

¶ See now that I, [even] I, [am] he, and [there is] no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither [is there any] that can deliver out of my hand.

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.