O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep.

PSALMS 92:5KJV
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Psalms 92:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 92:5 mean?

Psalms 92:5 expresses amazement at the greatness of the LORD’s works and the depth of His thoughts. The verse highlights both the visible actions of God and the profound wisdom behind them, inviting the reader to recognize that God’s ways are far beyond human understanding.

In this psalm, the writer is speaking directly to the LORD (H3068), reflecting on God’s creative power and wisdom. The setting is one of praise, as the psalmist considers the world and God’s actions in it. The verse draws attention not just to what God does (“works”) but also to the deep, thoughtful intentions (“thoughts”) behind everything, suggesting that God’s plans are carefully considered and beyond what people can fully grasp.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 92:5

  • LORD (יְהוָה, Yahweh): This is the personal name for God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a direct and covenant relationship.
  • great (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means “to be large” or “to be great,” stressing the vastness and significance of God’s works, not just their number but their impact and scope.
  • works (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma’aseh): This refers to God’s deeds or actions, which in the context of the psalm, often points to creation, providence, and acts of deliverance.
  • thoughts (מַחֲשָׁבָה, machashavah): This word means “plans” or “intentions,” highlighting that God’s actions are not random but come from deep, purposeful thinking.
  • very (מְאֹד, me’od): This intensifies the description, showing that God’s thoughts are not just deep but exceedingly so.
  • deep (עָמֹק, amoq): This word means “unfathomable” or “profound,” suggesting that God’s wisdom is beyond human reach or full understanding.

Why Psalms 92:5 matters

  • The verse helps clear up any idea that God acts without purpose; it emphasizes that every work of God is rooted in deep, thoughtful intention.
  • By pairing “great works” with “deep thoughts,” the psalmist shows that God’s actions are both powerful and wise, not just impressive but also meaningful.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of Psalms 92, which is a song for the Sabbath, reminding worshipers to reflect on God’s wisdom and power as they rest and remember His goodness.

Where else these words appear

“deep” Hebrew H6009 · used in 9 verses

  • Isaiah 7:11 Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above.
  • Isaiah 30:33 For Tophet is ordained of old; yea, for the king it is prepared; he hath made it deep and large: the pile thereof is fire and much wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of brimstone, doth kindle it.
  • Jeremiah 49:30 Flee, get you far off, dwell deep, O ye inhabitants of Hazor, saith the LORD; for Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon hath taken counsel against you, and hath conceived a purpose against you.

“thoughts” Hebrew H4284 · used in 52 verses

  • Genesis 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
  • Psalms 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.
  • Jeremiah 4:14 O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?

“great” 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.