Psalms Chapter 111 · Verse 7

Authorized King James Version

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The works of his hands are verity and judgment; all his commandments are sure.

Original Language Analysis

מַעֲשֵׂ֣י The works H4639
מַעֲשֵׂ֣י The works
Strong's: H4639
Word #: 1 of 7
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
יָ֭דָיו of his hands H3027
יָ֭דָיו of his hands
Strong's: H3027
Word #: 2 of 7
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֱמֶ֣ת are verity H571
אֱמֶ֣ת are verity
Strong's: H571
Word #: 3 of 7
stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness
וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט and judgment H4941
וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט and judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 4 of 7
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
נֶ֝אֱמָנִ֗ים are sure H539
נֶ֝אֱמָנִ֗ים are sure
Strong's: H539
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
פִּקּוּדָֽיו׃ all his commandments H6490
פִּקּוּדָֽיו׃ all his commandments
Strong's: H6490
Word #: 7 of 7
properly, appointed, i.e., a mandate (of god; plural only, collectively, for the law)

Analysis & Commentary

Ma'asei yadav emet u'mishpat (The works of His hands are truth and justice). Yad (hand) indicates direct action. Emet (truth/faithfulness/reliability); mishpat (justice/judgment). Everything God does reflects perfect truth and justice. Ne'emanim kol pikkudav (faithful/reliable are all His precepts). Aman (be faithful/trustworthy); pikkud (precept). God's works and words alike are utterly reliable. His deeds reflect His character; His commands reflect His wisdom. Both deserve absolute trust.

Historical Context

Throughout history, human rulers issued decrees that proved unjust, unwise, or self-serving. Divine precepts, by contrast, are perfectly just and wise. Torah's laws demonstrated superior justice to surrounding legal codes. Prophets condemned rulers who perverted justice while calling Israel back to God's righteous standards. Jesus perfectly embodied truth (John 14:6) and justice. His death satisfied both—justice demanded by sin's penalty, mercy extended through substitution. God's works and words never contradict—both manifest His perfect character.

Questions for Reflection