Psalms 86:8

KJV

¶ Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.

KJV (with Strong's)

Among the gods {H430} there is none like unto thee, O Lord {H136}; neither are there any works like unto thy works {H4639}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There is none like you among the gods, Adonai; no deeds compare with yours.

Berean Standard Bible

O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours.

American Standard Version

There is none like unto thee among the gods, O Lord; Neitherare there any workslike unto thy works.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 86:8 is a profound declaration embedded within a fervent prayer of David, asserting the absolute incomparability of the Lord God. It boldly proclaims that among all entities worshipped as divine, none possesses the essence or performs the deeds that can rival the one true God, Yahweh. This verse stands as a powerful affirmation of divine singularity, emphasizing God's unique nature and His unparalleled actions in creation, providence, and salvation, setting Him apart from all other purported deities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 86 is a deeply personal prayer of David, categorized as a psalm of individual lament and petition, yet it is richly interwoven with expressions of trust, praise, and theological affirmations. David, facing distress and in desperate need (as indicated by his plea in [Psalm 86:1](/psalms/86-1 "Psalm 86:1 - David's Plea for Mercy")), turns to God, acknowledging His mercy, goodness, and immense power. Within this heartfelt cry for help, verse 8 emerges as a foundational theological statement, serving as the bedrock for David's confidence in God's ability and willingness to deliver. It immediately precedes a prophetic declaration that all nations shall come and worship the Lord, acknowledging His unique greatness ([Psalm 86:9](/psalms/86-9 "Psalm 86:9 - All Nations Worship God")). Thus, the assertion of God's incomparability provides the theological warrant for the universal worship that is to come.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ancient Near East, the milieu in which David lived and wrote, was a landscape saturated with polytheism. Numerous gods and goddesses, often associated with natural phenomena, fertility, warfare, or specific city-states, were worshipped across various cultures (e.g., Baal, Asherah, Dagon, Marduk). These deities were typically anthropomorphic, limited in power, and often engaged in conflicts or rivalries among themselves. In stark contrast, the faith of Israel, as revealed through Moses and affirmed by figures like David, was fundamentally monotheistic, centered on the worship of Yahweh, the one true God. Psalms 86:8 directly confronts this prevailing polytheistic worldview, asserting the absolute singularity and unrivaled majesty of the God of Israel. It is a polemic against the false claims of pagan deities, declaring their utter impotence and non-existence in comparison to the sovereign Lord. This declaration would have been a radical and counter-cultural statement in David's time, reinforcing Israel's distinct identity as the people of the one true God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core theological themes central to Israelite faith and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **God's Uniqueness and Supremacy**, unequivocally stating that the Lord stands alone in His divine being and authority; no other deity, real or imagined, can compare to Him. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, forming the bedrock of Israel's monotheism, famously articulated in the [Shema](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel"). Closely related is the theme of **God's Incomparable Works**. Not only is God unique in His essence, but His actions—His creation of the cosmos, His providential care, His acts of salvation, and His interventions in history—are also unparalleled, demonstrating His omnipotence, wisdom, and righteousness ([Psalm 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalm 145:4 - Declaring God's Mighty Acts")). Finally, the verse strongly asserts **Monotheism**, setting the faith of Israel apart from the surrounding pagan religions. It emphasizes the absolute singularity of Yahweh as the only true and living God, a truth consistently affirmed from [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - God is the only One") to [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - There is no God besides Me").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **gods (Hebrew, _ʾĕlōhîm'_):** This plural Hebrew term can have a range of meanings, including powerful beings (like angels or human rulers/judges), or, as in this context, pagan deities. When contrasted with "thee, O Lord" (Yahweh), it unequivocally refers to the false gods worshipped by surrounding nations. The psalmist's declaration is not that Yahweh is merely the greatest among many gods, but that these "gods" are utterly incomparable to Him, implying their ultimate non-existence or impotence in the face of the one true God.
* **Lord (Hebrew, _Yahweh'_):** This is the personal, covenant name of God, revealed to Moses (cf. [Exodus 3:14-15](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14-15 - I AM WHO I AM")). It signifies God's self-existence, eternal nature, and His faithful relationship with His people. The use of "Yahweh" here emphasizes that it is the God of Israel, the covenant-keeping God, who is being declared as utterly unique and supreme.
* **works (Hebrew, _maʿăśeyḵā'_):** This term refers to God's deeds, actions, and accomplishments. It encompasses everything from the act of creation ([Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare God's Glory")) to His acts of redemption, judgment, and providence throughout history. The declaration that there are "no works like unto thy works" highlights the unparalleled nature of God's power, wisdom, and righteousness as demonstrated through His active involvement in the world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord;":** This initial clause is a direct and forceful assertion of God's absolute uniqueness and supremacy. It sets the Lord (Yahweh) apart from all other "gods" – whether they are understood as pagan deities, spiritual powers, or even human constructs of divinity. The statement is not merely a comparative claim (e.g., God is better than other gods) but an exclusionary one: there is no one *like* Him, implying that other "gods" are ultimately nothing in comparison, lacking true divine essence or power. This is a foundational monotheistic declaration.
* **"neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.":** This second clause extends the declaration of God's incomparability from His being to His actions. It asserts that just as there is no one like God in essence, so there is no one who can perform deeds or accomplish works that can rival His. This refers to the entirety of God's active involvement in the world: His creation of the universe, His sustaining providence, His miraculous interventions in history (e.g., the Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea), His acts of judgment, and His ongoing work of salvation. These "works" are unique in their scope, power, wisdom, and moral perfection, further demonstrating His unrivaled sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 86:8 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The primary device is **Contrast**, setting the incomparable Lord against the "gods," thereby highlighting His absolute singularity and the impotence of all other supposed deities. This contrast is a form of **Polemic**, directly refuting the polytheistic beliefs prevalent in the ancient world and asserting the exclusive sovereignty of Yahweh. The statement "none like unto thee" and "neither are there any works like unto thy works" uses **Hyperbole** to emphasize the extreme and absolute nature of God's uniqueness; it is not merely that God is superior, but that there is an infinite qualitative difference. This hyperbole serves as a powerful **Affirmation** or **Declaration**, a bold theological statement of faith that undergirds David's prayer and provides a basis for trust and worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration in Psalms 86:8 resonates deeply with the core biblical understanding of God's nature. It speaks to His transcendence, His absolute otherness, and His sovereign power over all creation. This verse underscores that God is not merely the greatest among many, but rather the *only* true God, whose being and actions are utterly unique and unparalleled. This truth establishes the foundation for exclusive worship and unwavering trust in Him alone. It challenges any form of idolatry, whether ancient paganism or modern-day devotion to wealth, power, or self, by asserting that nothing in creation can compare to the Creator. God's incomparable works demonstrate His omnipotence and wisdom, proving His faithfulness and ability to act on behalf of His people.

* [Deuteronomy 4:35](/deuteronomy/4-35 "Deuteronomy 4:35 - The LORD is God; there is none else")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - I am the LORD, and there is none else")
* [Psalm 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalm 145:4 - Generations Declare Your Works")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 86:8 serves as a profound anchor for faith, reminding us of the magnificent character of the God we worship. In a world that constantly presents competing "gods"—whether they are ideologies, material possessions, personal achievements, or even self-worship—this verse calls us to exclusive devotion to the one true Lord. Knowing that there is no one like Him, either in His being or in His works, should inspire absolute trust and unwavering confidence. When we face trials, uncertainties, or overwhelming circumstances, the truth that we serve a God whose power and wisdom are unparalleled provides immense comfort and assurance. He is capable of anything, His plans are perfect, and His faithfulness is absolute. This truth liberates us from anxiety and the pursuit of fleeting idols, enabling us to fix our gaze on the only One worthy of all praise, honor, and obedience. It compels us to live lives that reflect His unique glory, seeking to align our will with His incomparable works.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gods" or idols, subtle or overt, might be competing for your ultimate allegiance in today's world?**
* **How does the truth of God's incomparable nature strengthen your faith and trust in Him during times of difficulty or uncertainty?**
* **In what specific ways have you witnessed God's "works" in your own life or in the world around you that demonstrate His unique power and wisdom?**
* **How might acknowledging God's singular greatness transform your approach to worship, prayer, and daily living?**

### FAQ
**Does "gods" in this verse refer to actual divine beings?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _ʾĕlōhîm_ (אֱלֹהִים) can indeed refer to various powerful beings, including pagan deities. However, the biblical worldview consistently asserts that while other nations worshipped many "gods," these were either non-existent idols, demonic entities, or simply human constructs. The emphasis of Psalms 86:8, in line with the broader Old Testament, is that Yahweh, the God of Israel, is the *only* true God. Therefore, "among the gods" is a polemical statement, declaring the utter superiority and unique existence of Yahweh over all false and impotent deities. As [1 Corinthians 8:4-6](/1_corinthians/8-4 "1 Corinthians 8:4-6 - Idols are Nothing") clarifies, "an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one." The psalmist is not affirming the existence of other gods, but rather their absolute inferiority and non-comparability to the one true God.

**How do God's "works" demonstrate His uniqueness?**

Answer: God's "works" demonstrate His uniqueness through their scope, power, wisdom, and moral perfection, which are unmatched by any other entity. These works include the **creation of the universe** ex nihilo ([Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "Genesis 1:1 - In the Beginning")), demonstrating His omnipotence and design. His **providential care** for all creation and His intricate involvement in human history ([Psalm 104](/psalms/104 "Psalm 104 - God's Care for Creation")) reveal His wisdom and sovereignty. Furthermore, His **acts of redemption** (e.g., the Exodus from Egypt, [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea")) and **judgment** are unique in their scale and righteousness. Unlike the limited, often capricious actions attributed to pagan deities, God's works are consistently aligned with His holy character, demonstrating His faithfulness, justice, and love, setting them apart as truly incomparable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 86:8, with its declaration of God's unparalleled being and works, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the visible manifestation of the invisible God, the one through whom the Father's incomparable nature is fully revealed ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - The Son Reveals the Father")). In Christ, we see the very essence of God's uniqueness: He is God incarnate, the "image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")). The "works" of God, declared to be without peer in the Old Testament, culminate in the redemptive work of Christ. His miraculous healings, His calming of storms, His resurrection from the dead, and ultimately His atoning sacrifice on the cross and triumphant resurrection are the most magnificent and incomparable "works" of God ever displayed ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")). Through Christ, God accomplished the greatest work of salvation, reconciling humanity to Himself ([2 Corinthians 5:19](/2_corinthians/5-19 "2 Corinthians 5:19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")). Thus, the psalmist's cry, "none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works," finds its resounding "Amen" in the person and finished work of Jesus, who perfectly embodies and executes the unique, saving power of God.

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

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 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?

Psalms 89:6

For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? [who] among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?

Daniel 3:29

Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

Psalms 89:8

O LORD God of hosts, who [is] a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

Isaiah 40:25

To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.

Jeremiah 10:16

The portion of Jacob [is] not like them: for he [is] the former of all [things]; and Israel [is] the rod of his inheritance: The LORD of hosts [is] his name.