Question 1

What does Psalms 66:5 mean?

Accepted Answer

Psalms 66:5 invites people to witness the powerful and awe-inspiring actions of God, describing God’s deeds toward humanity as “terrible,” meaning fearsome or impressive rather than cruel. The verse calls attention to God’s extraordinary works that inspire deep respect and wonder among people. In this psalm, the writer (traditionally understood to be David) is addressing a group, encouraging them to come and observe what God has done. The situation is one of public praise, where God’s mighty interventions in human affairs are being highlighted. The verse sets the tone for the rest of the psalm, which recounts specific acts where God’s power was clearly seen.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Psalms 66:5

Accepted Answer

The word “terrible” comes from יָרֵא (yare’, H3372), which means to inspire awe, fear, or reverence. Here, it points to God’s actions being so great that they cause people to stand in respectful fear, not terror. The word “works” is מַעֲשֵׂה (ma’aseh, H4659), meaning deeds or actions. This highlights that the psalm is focusing on what God has actually done, not just what God is like in character. The phrase “children of men” uses בֵּן (ben, H1121) for “children” and אָדָם (adam, H120) for “men,” emphasizing that these deeds are directed toward all humanity, not just a select group.

Question 3

Why Psalms 66:5 matters

Accepted Answer

This verse helps clear up that “terrible” in older English means awe-inspiring or worthy of reverence, not evil or cruel. The invitation to “come and see” shows that God’s works are meant to be noticed and remembered by everyone, not kept private or hidden. By focusing on God’s actions toward all people, the verse connects God’s greatness to the whole human story, not just to Israel or one group.

Psalms 66:5 (KJV)