Psalms 111:4 — Word Study
WLCזֵ֣כֶר עָ֭שָׂה לְנִפְלְאֹתָ֑יו חַנּ֖וּן וְרַח֣וּם יְהוָֽה׃
BSAHe has causedʻâsâh■ [made to be remembered, established] His wonderspâlâʼ [wonderful works, miraculous deeds] ◂to be rememberedzêker [kept in mind, commemorated] the LORDYᵉhôvâh [Yehovah, the self-existent God] is graciouschannûwn [full of pity, merciful] and compassionaterachûwm [merciful, full of sympathy]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| זֵ֣כֶר | remembrance | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| עָ֭שָׂה | he has appointed | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| לְנִפְלְאֹתָ֑יו | of wonders his | Preposition, verb niphal participle (active) feminine plural common, suffix |
| חַנּ֖וּן | [is] gracious | Adj |
| וְרַח֣וּם | and compassionate | Conjunction |
| יְהוָֽה׃ | Yahweh | Noun proper |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate. |
| KJV | He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. |
| ASV | He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful. |
| YLT | A memorial He hath made of His wonders, Gracious and merciful [is] Jehovah. |
| WEB | He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. Yahweh is gracious and merciful. |
| BBE | Certain for ever is the memory of his wonders: the Lord is full of pity and mercy. |
Where they part company is חַנּ֖וּן — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by a descriptive phrase, emphasizing God's actions and attributes.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectיהוה
verbעָשָׂה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 111:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Celebration of God's Worksgenerated
Psalms 111:4 is part of a psalm that praises the works of the LORD, highlighting His righteousness and the enduring nature of His actions. The psalmist reflects on God's miraculous deeds and His character, which is both gracious and compassionate, as seen in the surrounding verses that affirm His majesty and provision for His people.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 78:4–8 | We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed. |
| 2 | Exodus 12:26–27 | When your children ask you, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ |
| 3 | Exodus 13:14–15 | In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 4:9 | Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen, and so that they do not slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and grandchildren. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 31:19–30 | Now therefore, write down for yourselves this song and teach it to the Israelites; have them recite it, so that it may be a witness for Me against them. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 18 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — זֵכֶר, Ze.khergenerated
The noun זֵכֶר (Ze.kher) refers to remembrance or memorial, derived from the root meaning to remember. It encompasses the idea of keeping something significant in mind, often used in contexts that invoke God's deeds and the importance of recalling them.
In this verse, it emphasizes that God's wonders are not just acts of power but are meant to be remembered and commemorated, highlighting the significance of His miraculous deeds in the lives of His people.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against. The BSB has caused His wonders to be remembered, which aligns with the KJV and ASV, both of which maintain the concept of remembrance.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb עָשָׂה ('A.sah), meaning 'he has appointed', governs the main clause. The structure includes a prepositional phrase that specifies what is being remembered, followed by a noun phrase that identifies the subject — the LORD — and an adjective phrase that describes His nature.
The order emphasizes the action of God in establishing remembrance, with the subject and its attributes following to highlight His character as gracious and compassionate.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates זֵכֶר as μνείαν (mneian), which also means remembrance. This choice reflects a consistent understanding of the importance of remembering God's deeds, aligning with the Hebrew text's intent.
The Greek word ἐλεήμων (eleēmōn) for חַנּ֖וּן emphasizes mercy, reinforcing the compassionate nature of God as presented in the original Hebrew.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 111:4 tells us that God has made His wonderful works to be remembered, showing that He is gracious and compassionate. This verse highlights the importance of recalling God's miraculous deeds and His loving nature towards humanity.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that God wants His miraculous deeds to be acknowledged and kept in mind by His people, serving as a reminder of His power and grace.
The verse describes God as gracious and compassionate, indicating His merciful nature and His care for humanity.
Remembrance is vital as it helps people reflect on God's past actions, reinforcing their faith and trust in Him for the future.
Examples include the creation of the world, the miracles performed during the Exodus, and the various acts of deliverance and provision throughout Israel's history.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I remember and acknowledge the wonders of God in my life?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's gracious and compassionate nature?
- What are some specific examples of God's miraculous deeds that I can share with others?
- How does remembering God's past actions impact my faith and trust in Him today?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Christian writers, such as Augustine of Hippo, referenced this verse to discuss God's works and their significance.
"He has made His wonderful works to be remembered" [Psalms 111:4]: by abasing this man, exalting that.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 111 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 111:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleHe hath made his wonderful works to be remembered,.... All his works are marvellous ones; his works of creation, that they should rise out of nothing at a word of command; his works of providence,
Read John Gill on Psalms 111 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryHe hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered - i:e., such as to be worthy of remembrance.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 111 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleTo be remembered; either, 1. By those memorials which he hath left of them in his word; or rather, 2. By their own wonderful nature, and the lasting effects and benefits flowing from them, which are such as cannot easily be forgotten. Is gracious and full of compassion towards his people, as appears from his works and carriage towards us, in sparing, and pardoning, and restoring, and preserving us when we have deserved to be utterly destroyed.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 111 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 111:4 He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD [is] gracious and full of compassion.Ver. 4. He hath made his wonderful, &c.] Memorabilia reddidit mirabilia sua clemens et misericors Iehova.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 111 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(4) He hath made . . .—Literally, He hath made a memorial for His wonderful works, as in Joshua 4:7, &c.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 111 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 4. He hath made his wonderful works] He who seeks them out will never forget them; and every thing of God's framing is done in such a way, as to strike the imagination, interest the senses, and charm and edify the intellect. But the psalmist may here intend principally the works of God in behalf of the Jewish people; and particularly in their deliverance from the Babylonish captivity, which this Psalm is supposed to celebrate.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 111 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered] Lit. made a memorial for his wonderful works, particularly the deliverance of His people from Egypt, by the continuous tradition which they were charged to hand on from one generation to another (Psalms 78:3; Exodus 12:26; &c.), and by the festivals and ordinances which commemorated that deliverance, especially the Passover (Exodus 12:14). But the words may also be rendered, He hath made (himself) a memorial by his wonderful works, won for Himself honour by them[70]. Cp. Nehemiah 9:10, “So thou didst get thee a name”; Exodus 14:4; Exodus 14:17. [70] Zçker, ‘memorial,’ is nearly equivalent to ‘name’ (Psalms 135:13, and often).gracious and…
Read Cambridge on Psalms 111 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleHe hath made his wonderful works - In heaven and in earth. To be remembered - literally, “Memory hath he made for his wonderful works.” “They” are so made, that man may remember them; the memory of
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 111 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
He does amazing things that will be remembered; the Lord is merciful and compassionate.
Tyndale line
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful.
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
He hath made his wonderfull workes to be had in remembrance: the Lord is mercifull and full of compassion.
Strictly literal
He hath made his wonders to be remembered: Jehovah is gracious and merciful.
A memorial He hath made of His wonders, Gracious and merciful [is] Jehovah.
He has made a memorial of His wonders, || YHWH [is] gracious and merciful.
He hath made a memorial for his wonderful works: gracious and merciful is the Lord.
He does wonderful things that will be remembered; Yahweh is gracious and merciful.
From the Latin
To the righteous a light is risen up in darkness: he is merciful, and compassionate and just.
Simplified
He wants the wonderful things he has done to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and kind.
Certain for ever is the memory of his wonders: the Lord is full of pity and mercy.
Word by word, the decisions they made
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text states זֵ֣כֶר עָ֭שָׂה לְנִפְלְאֹתָ֑יו חַנּ֖וּן וְרַח֣וּם יְהוָֽה׃, and the Septuagint matches 5 of the 6 words, confirming the essential meaning of the verse while differing in word order.
זֵ֣כֶר עָ֭שָׂה לְנִפְלְאֹתָ֑יו חַנּ֖וּן וְרַח֣וּם יְהוָֽה׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 111:4
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
זֵ֫כֶר (zeker) refers to concepts of remembrance and memorial. It is derived from the root meaning to remember and encompasses meanings such as memory and commemoration. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts related to memorials and recollections.
זֵ֫כֶר n.m. remembrance, memorial
base
H2143 זֵ֫כֶר remembrance, memorial
2143 zeker zay'-ker
or zeker {zeh'-ker}; from 2142; a memento, abstr.
recollection (rarely if ever); by implication,
commemoration:--memorial, memory, remembrance, scent.
see HEBREW for 02142
זֵ֫כֶר (ze.kher) — memorial.
1) memorial, remembrance
1a) remembrance, memory
1b) memorial
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
עָשָׂה (asah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to do or make, encompassing a wide range of actions such as producing, preparing, and observing. It can refer to both concrete and abstract activities, including making offerings and attending to tasks. The verb also has forms indicating passive meanings, such as being made or offered. Notably, the Piel form refers to pressing or squeezing.
עָשָׂה 2622 vb. do, make
Qal 2524
do (1560 t.)
deal with
oft. in phr. do kindness with
abs. act, act with effect
make (670 t.)
produce, yield
prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
make offering
attend to, put in order
observe, celebrate, religious festival
acquire property of various kinds
appoint priests
bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
use
spend, pass, days of life
Niph.
97be done
be made, of concr. things
be produced from vine
be prepared, of food
be offered
be observed, passover
be used
Pu. I was made
base
[עָשָׂה] vb. Pi. press, squeeze
base
H6213a עָשָׂה do, make .. . do (1560 + t.)
. deal with
. oft. in phr. do kindness with
. abs. act, act with effect
. . make (670 + t.)
. produce, yield
. prepare, esp. of dressing and cooking food
. make offering
. attend to, put in order
. observe, celebrate, religious festival
. acquire property of various kinds
. appoint priests
. bring about of י׳’s effecting a deliverance
. use
. spend, pass, days of life
. . be done
. . be made, of concr. things
. be produced from vine
. be prepared, of food
. be offered
. be observed, passover
. be used
. I was made
H6213b עָשָׂה Pi. press, squeeze
6213 `asah aw-saw'
a primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and
widest application (as follows):--accomplish, advance,
appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth,
bruise, be busy, X certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal
(with), deck, + displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in)
execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, + feast, (fight-)ing man, +
finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go
about, govern, grant, great, + hinder, hold ((a feast)), X
indeed, + be industrious, + journey, keep, labour, maintain,
make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, + officer, pare,
bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure,
provide, put, requite, X sacrifice, serve, set, shew, X sin,
spend, X surely, take, X thoroughly, trim, X very, + vex, be
(warr-)ior, work(-man), yield, use.
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make: do.
: do/perform
1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do, work, make, produce
1a1a) to do
1a1b) to work
1a1c) to deal (with)
1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect
1a2) to make
1a2a) to make
1a2b) to produce
1a2c) to prepare
1a2d) to make (an offering)
1a2e) to attend to, put in order
1a2f) to observe, celebrate
1a2g) to acquire (property)
1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute
1a2i) to bring about
1a2j) to use
1a2k) to spend, pass
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be done
1b2) to be made
1b3) to be produced
1b4) to be offered
1b5) to be observed
1b6) to be used
1c) (Pual) to be made
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to press.
(Piel) to press, squeeze
עָשָׂה (a.sah) — to make.
: make(OBJECT)
1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to do, work, make, produce
1a1a) to do
1a1b) to work
1a1c) to deal (with)
1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect
1a2) to make
1a2a) to make
1a2b) to produce
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
The Hebrew word פָּלָא (pala') is a verb that conveys the idea of being extraordinary or wonderful. It can describe actions that are difficult to perform or understand, as well as marvelous acts of God, particularly in judgment and redemption. The word can also refer to making special offerings or showing oneself in a marvelous way.
[פָּלָא] 71 vb. denom. Niph. etc., be surpassing, extraordinary
Niph.
be beyond one's power, difficult to do
be difficult to understand
be extraordinary, wonderful
as subst., marvellous things
= wonderful acts of י׳ in judgement and redemption
Pi. make a special votive offering
Hiph.
do a hard or difficult thing
make wonderful, do wondrously
of God working wonders in doing
Hithp. thou dost shew thyself marvellous (act inexplicably) against me
base
H6381 פָּלָא vb. denom. Niph. etc., be surpassing, extraordinary . . be beyond one's power, difficult to do
. be difficult to understand
. . be extraordinary, wonderful
. as subst., marvellous things
. = wonderful acts of י׳ in judgement and redemption
. make a special votive offering
. . do a hard or difficult thing
. make wonderful, do wondrously
. of God working wonders in doing
. thou dost shew thyself marvellous (act inexplicably) against me
6381 pala' paw-law'
a primitive root; properly, perhaps to separate, i.e.
distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be
(causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful:--accomplish,
(arise...too, be too) hard, hidden, things too high, (be, do,
do a, shew) marvelous(-ly, -els, things, work), miracles,
perform, separate, make singular, (be, great, make)
wonderful(-ers, -ly, things, works), wondrous (things,
works, -ly).
פָּלָא (pa.la) — to wonder.
1) to be marvellous, be wonderful, be surpassing, be extraordinary, separate by distinguishing action
1a) (Niphal)
1a1) to be beyond one's power, be difficult to do
1a2) to be difficult to understand
1a3) to be wonderful, be extraordinary
1a3a) marvellous (participle)
1b) (Piel) to separate (an offering)
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to do extraordinary or hard or difficult thing
1c2) to make wonderful, do wondrously
1d) (Hithpael) to show oneself wonderful or marvellous
Prep | V-Niphal | Suff — Preposition · verb niphal participle (active) feminine plural common · suffixHR/VNrfpc/Sp3ms
The Hebrew word חַנּוּן (*channuwn*) means 'gracious' and is derived from the root word חָנַן (*chanan*). It is exclusively used as an attribute of God in the Old Testament, emphasizing divine grace.
חַנּוּן adj. gracious, only used as an attribute of God
base
H2587 חַנּוּן gracious
2587 channuwn khan-noon'
from 2603; gracious:--gracious.
see HEBREW for 02603
חַנּוּן (chan.nun) — gracious.
gracious
Adj — AdjHAamsa
gra'-shus (chanan; charis): In general, the word means "to favor," "to show kindness" to an inferior and "to be compassionate." All Old Testament passages are derived from the same root, and yet there are two evident shades of meaning derived from it. (1) As above, "favorable" or, causative, "to cause to be gracious," as "Yahweh make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee" (Nu 6:25); "And the Lord was gracious unto them" (2Ki 13:23 the King James Version); "The Lord is gracious and full of compassion" (Ps 145:8 the King James Version). (2) In a modified sense, "graceful," "winsome" or "attractive," as applied particularly to persons and things. Used thus 3 times in the Old Testament and once in the New…
רַחוּם (rachuwm) means 'compassionate' and is derived from the root word רָחַם (racham), which also relates to mercy. It primarily describes God's nature, indicating He is full of compassion and merciful, with one noted exception in usage.
רַחוּם adj. compassionate
base
H7349 רַחוּם compassionate
7349 rachuwm rakh-oom'
from 7355; compassionate:--full of compassion, merciful.
see HEBREW for 07355
רַחוּם (ra.chum) — compassionate.
1) compassionate
1a) always of God with one possible exception
Conj | Adj — ConjunctionHC/Aamsa
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) is the proper name of the God of Israel, often rendered as Jehovah or the Lord. It signifies the self-existent or eternal nature of God. The name is closely associated with the revelation to Moses in Exodus 3:12-15 and is used in conjunction with other terms to denote sacred places. Some scholars suggest it derives from a root meaning 'to bring into being.'
יהוה c. 6823 i.e. יַהְוֶה n.pr.dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel—(1. MT יְהֹוָה 6518 (Qr אֲדֹנָי), or יֱהֹוִה 305 (Qr אֱלֹהִים) 2. Many recent scholars explain יַהְוֶה as Hiph. of הוה (= היה) the one bringing into being, life-giver)
יהוה is not used by E in Gn, but is given Ex 3:12-15 as the name of the God who revealed Himself to Moses at Horeb
יהוה is used with אלהים and suffixes, especially in D
the phrase † אֲנִי יהוה is noteworthy
יהוה is also used with several predicates, to form sacred names of holy places of Yahweh
base
H3068 יהוה i.e. יַהְוֶה n. pr. dei Yahweh, the proper name of the God of Israel
3068 Yhovah yeh-ho-vaw'
from 1961; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish
national name of God:--Jehovah, the Lord. Compare 3050, 3069.
see HEBREW for 01961
see HEBREW for 03050
see HEBREW for 03069
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — LORD.
Jehovah = "the existing One"
1) the proper name of the one true God
1a) unpronounced except with the vowel pointings of a.do.na (אֲדֹנָי "Lord" H0136)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — The Lord.
Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
יְהֹוָה (ye.ho.vah) — (Jerusalem of) the Lord.
Combined with ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
N-proper — Noun properHNpt