Psalms 86:10 (KJV)

What does Psalms 86:10 mean?

Psalms 86:10 declares that God alone is truly great and the only one who performs wondrous, awe-inspiring deeds. The verse emphasizes the uniqueness of God, setting Him apart from all others as the sole, powerful God.

In this psalm, David is speaking directly to God in prayer, expressing awe at God’s power and uniqueness. David’s words come in the middle of a heartfelt plea for help, and this verse serves as a strong reminder that the God he is calling on is not just any deity, but the one true God who alone can do marvelous things.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 86:10

• great (גָּדוֹל, gadol): This word points to God’s unmatched greatness, not just in size or power, but in importance and majesty. David is highlighting that no one else compares to God’s stature.
• doest (עָשָׂה, asah): This verb means “to do” or “to make,” and here it refers to God as the active one who brings about these wonders, not just passively existing.
• things (פָּלָא, pala’): This word is often used for things that are extraordinary or miraculous—events that are beyond human ability or understanding. David is saying that God’s actions are truly beyond what anyone else can do.
• God (אֱלֹהִים, elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, sometimes used for other gods in the Old Testament, but here it is clear from the context and the word “alone” that David is speaking of the one true God, not just any deity.

Why Psalms 86:10 matters

• Psalms 86:10 clears up any idea that God is just one among many; David is making a strong claim that God is unique and alone in His greatness and power.
• The verse emphasizes that the wonders God does are not ordinary, but things that set Him apart from all others—He alone can do what no one else can.
• This declaration connects to the rest of the psalm, where David is seeking help; it shows that his confidence comes from knowing he is praying to the only God who is truly able to help.