The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.

PSALMS 126:3KJV
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Psalms 126:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 126:3 mean?

Psalms 126:3 expresses gratitude and joy, recognizing that the LORD has done remarkable things for the people, which fills them with gladness. The verse is a simple declaration of thankfulness for God's actions and the happiness those actions have brought.

The speaker in Psalms 126:3 is part of a group reflecting on a time when God intervened powerfully on their behalf, likely after a period of hardship or exile. This verse sits in a psalm that celebrates restoration and deliverance, with the community openly acknowledging God's role in their renewed happiness. The focus is on the shared experience of God's goodness and the deep sense of joy it brings.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 126:3

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a direct and covenant relationship between God and the people. The use of this name highlights that it is their God, not a distant or generic deity, who has acted for them.
  • done (עָשָׂה, asah): This word means "to do" or "to make," pointing to concrete actions. The verse stresses that God's involvement is not abstract; God has actively accomplished something significant for the people.
  • things (גָּדַל, gadal): This word is often understood as "great" or "magnificent." It underlines the extraordinary nature of what God has done, not just ordinary help but truly impressive deeds.
  • glad (שָׂמֵחַ, sameach): This word means "to rejoice" or "to be glad." It shows that the response to God's actions is genuine happiness, not just relief or contentment.

Why Psalms 126:3 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the joy of the people is directly tied to God's specific actions in their history, not just a general sense of well-being.
  • By using the personal name for God, the verse emphasizes the closeness and faithfulness of God to this particular community.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse highlights a turning point from sorrow to joy, helping the reader see the deep emotional impact of God's deliverance.

Where else these words appear

“glad” Hebrew H8056 · used in 23 verses

  • Deuteronomy 16:15 Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.
  • 2 Chronicles 23:13 And she looked, and, behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entering in, and the princes and the trumpets by the king: and all the people of the land rejoiced, and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with instruments of musick, and such as taught to sing praise. Then Athaliah rent her clothes, and said, Treason, Treason.
  • Proverbs 2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

“things” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.