Psalms 86:8
Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.
Original Language Analysis
בָאֱלֹהִ֥ים׀
Among the gods
H430
בָאֱלֹהִ֥ים׀
Among the gods
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 6
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֲדֹנָ֗י
there is none like unto thee O Lord
H136
אֲדֹנָ֗י
there is none like unto thee O Lord
Strong's:
H136
Word #:
4 of 6
the lord (used as a proper name of god only)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
כְּֽמַעֲשֶֽׂיךָ׃
neither are there any works like unto thy works
H4639
כְּֽמַעֲשֶֽׂיךָ׃
neither are there any works like unto thy works
Strong's:
H4639
Word #:
6 of 6
an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property
Cross References
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 3:24O 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 89:6For who in the heaven can be compared unto the LORD? who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto the LORD?Psalms 89:8O LORD God of hosts, who is a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?Daniel 3:29Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, 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.Jeremiah 10:16The 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.Deuteronomy 4:34Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?Isaiah 40:18To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?Isaiah 40:25To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One.Psalms 136:4To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern polytheism surrounded Israel, with nations ascribing various powers to different deities. Israel's strict monotheism—one God who alone created all things and rules all nations—stood in radical contrast. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4) and prophetic polemic against idols (Isaiah 40-48) reinforced this distinctive theology. David's declaration functioned apologetically, contrasting Yahweh's demonstrated power with pagan gods' impotence.
Questions for Reflection
- What functional 'gods' (money, success, relationships, security) compete with the Lord in your actual daily devotion?
- How do God's 'works'—creation, providence, redemption through Christ—provide evidence of His incomparability?
- How should God's absolute uniqueness affect your prayer life, worship, and ethical decisions?
Analysis & Commentary
Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. David's declaration of God's incomparability uses elohim (אֱלֹהִים, gods) to reference pagan deities—supernatural powers Israel's neighbors worshiped. The emphatic assertion none like unto thee establishes absolute uniqueness—qualitative difference, not merely quantitative superiority.
The parallel claim regarding thy works (ma'asekha, מַעֲשֶׂיךָ) points to creation, providence, and redemptive acts as evidence of uniqueness. Israel's God acts in history, accomplishing what no idol can—delivering from Egypt, providing in wilderness, establishing His people in the land. These mighty acts prove Yahweh's exclusive claim to deity.
This verse articulates foundational biblical monotheism, anticipating Isaiah's repeated declarations: "I am God, and there is no other" (Isaiah 45:5-6, 22; 46:9). In Christian theology, this incomparability finds ultimate demonstration in the incarnation—no god besides Yahweh could become flesh to redeem His people. Christ's resurrection proves decisively that the God of Israel is incomparably supreme.