Psalms 126:3
The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.
Original Language Analysis
הִגְדִּ֣יל
great things
H1431
הִגְדִּ֣יל
great things
Strong's:
H1431
Word #:
1 of 6
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
H3068
יְ֭הוָה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת
hath done
H6213
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת
hath done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
3 of 6
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
עִמָּ֗נוּ
H5973
עִמָּ֗נוּ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Luke 1:49For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.Isaiah 66:14And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like an herb: and the hand of the LORD shall be known toward his servants, and his indignation toward his enemies.Revelation 12:10And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.Psalms 31:19Oh how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!Psalms 18:50Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.
Historical Context
The confessional nature of this verse suggests liturgical use - possibly corporate worship where the community affirmed together what God had accomplished. Such confessions reinforced shared identity as recipients of divine mercy and prevented individuals from forgetting communal deliverance. The pattern of corporate testimony appears throughout Israel's worship (Psalms 105-106; 135-136).
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it important to personally own and confess what God has done rather than just observe it?
- How does the shift from 'them' (v. 2) to 'us' (v. 3) model proper appropriation of God's work?
- What is the relationship between recognizing God's greatness and experiencing gladness?
- How does corporate confession ('we are glad') strengthen individual faith?
- What practices help believers remember and regularly confess God's 'great things'?
Analysis & Commentary
The testimony is owned by God's people: 'The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.' This verse mirrors what the nations said (v. 2), now spoken by Israel themselves. The repetition emphasizes agreement between outside observers and internal experience - both recognize God's greatness. The possessive 'for us' claims the blessing personally and corporately. The phrase 'whereof we are glad' provides the proper response to divine work. The Hebrew 'sameach' (glad) denotes joy, delight, and celebration. Gladness is appropriate, even obligatory, response to God's great acts. The verse models how testimony should move from observation to ownership - from seeing what God did to confessing what God has done 'for us.' This personal appropriation deepens gratitude and solidifies faith.