Psalms 86:10
For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
גָד֣וֹל
For thou art great
H1419
גָד֣וֹל
For thou art great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
2 of 8
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וְעֹשֵׂ֣ה
and doest
H6213
וְעֹשֵׂ֣ה
and doest
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
4 of 8
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
נִפְלָא֑וֹת
wondrous things
H6381
נִפְלָא֑וֹת
wondrous things
Strong's:
H6381
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
Cross References
Mark 12:29And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:Isaiah 37:16O 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.Psalms 72:18Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.1 Corinthians 8:4As 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 15:11Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?Deuteronomy 32:39See 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 37:20Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.Ephesians 4:6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.Acts 4:30By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.Psalms 86:8Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
Historical Context
This affirmation echoes Moses's declaration after the Red Sea crossing: "Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods?" (Exodus 15:11) and anticipates Isaiah's prophetic emphasis on God's exclusive deity during the exile (Isaiah 43:10-11, 44:6, 45:5-6). The early church's proclamation of Jesus as Lord confronted Roman polytheism with this radical monotheism, insisting Christ's deity didn't compromise but revealed the one true God's nature.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'wondrous things' has God done in your life that testify to His greatness and uniqueness?
- How does confessing 'thou art God alone' challenge idolatrous devotion to created things or human institutions?
- How can you maintain biblical monotheism while explaining the Trinity to those unfamiliar with Christian theology?
Analysis & Commentary
For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. This doxological conclusion grounds the previous verse's prophetic vision in God's nature. Thou art great (gadol attah, גָּדוֹל אַתָּה) affirms incomparable magnitude—not merely large but infinitely surpassing all created things. Divine greatness encompasses power, wisdom, holiness, and all perfections existing without limit.
The phrase doest wondrous things (oseh nifla'ot, עֹשֵׂה נִפְלָאוֹת) references miraculous works—acts that inspire awe, transcending natural explanation. These nifla'ot include creation, exodus deliverance, provision in wilderness, victories over enemies, and ultimately the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ—the supreme wonder of God's redemptive work.
The climactic declaration thou art God alone (attah Elohim levadekha, אַתָּה אֱלֹהִים לְבַדֶּךָ) asserts absolute monotheism—no other being shares deity with Yahweh. This exclusivity grounds missionary urgency: if God alone is truly God, all peoples must acknowledge Him. The New Testament maintains this monotheism while revealing God's triune nature—Father, Son, and Spirit as one God performing wondrous redemption.