I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

PSALMS 77:11KJV
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Psalms 77:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 77:11 mean?

Psalms 77:11 describes a decision to actively recall and reflect on the powerful acts and miracles that the LORD has done in the past. The verse expresses a commitment to remember God’s remarkable deeds and wonders from earlier times.

The speaker here is Asaph, who is addressing God during a time of deep trouble and distress. In the wider context of the psalm, Asaph is struggling with doubt and sorrow, but he chooses to shift his focus by deliberately remembering the LORD’s (H3050) past works (H4611) and wonders (H6382) from of old (H6924). This act of remembering (H2142) is meant to bring hope and reassurance by recalling how God has acted faithfully before.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 77:11

  • "remember" (זָכַר, zakar, H2142): This word means more than just recalling facts; it often carries the sense of bringing something to mind in a way that affects one’s attitude or actions. Here, it shows a purposeful effort to focus on God’s past deeds.
  • "works" (מַעֲלָל, ma'alal, H4611): This word refers to actions or deeds, especially those that are significant or notable. The psalmist is not just recalling any events, but specifically the meaningful acts of God.
  • "wonders" (פֶּלֶא, pele, H6382): This word points to extraordinary, miraculous events that inspire awe. The psalmist is remembering not just ordinary help, but the supernatural interventions of God.
  • "old" (קֶדֶם, qedem, H6924): This word means “ancient times” or “long ago.” The focus is on God’s faithfulness throughout history, not just in recent memory.

Why Psalms 77:11 matters

  • Psalms 77:11 shows that remembering God’s past actions is a deliberate choice, especially in times of trouble or doubt, rather than something that happens automatically.
  • The verse highlights that faith can be strengthened by looking back at concrete examples of God’s power and faithfulness, rather than relying only on present feelings.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this turning point marks a shift from despair to hope, showing how recalling God’s wonders of old can help someone move through spiritual struggle.

Where else these words appear

“wonders” Hebrew H6382 · used in 13 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 88:12 Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
  • Isaiah 25:1 O LORD, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.

“works” Hebrew H4611 · used in 41 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:20 The LORD shall send upon thee cursing, vexation, and rebuke, in all that thou settest thine hand unto for to do, until thou be destroyed, and until thou perish quickly; because of the wickedness of thy doings, whereby thou hast forsaken me.
  • Jeremiah 4:18 Thy way and thy doings have procured these things unto thee; this is thy wickedness, because it is bitter, because it reacheth unto thine heart.
  • Jeremiah 32:19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:

“LORD” Hebrew H3050 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 113:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
  • Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

“old” Hebrew H6924 · used in 83 verses

  • Genesis 2:8 And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
  • Joshua 18:20 And Jordan was the border of it on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the coasts thereof round about, according to their families.
  • Psalms 143:5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.