Psalm 118 23

Psalm 118:23 kjv

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23 nkjv

This was the LORD's doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23 niv

the LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23 esv

This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23 nlt

This is the LORD's doing,
and it is wonderful to see.

Psalm 118 verses

Psalm 118 23 Meaning

Psalm 118:23 declares that the remarkable and unexpected turn of events—specifically, the rejected stone becoming the chief cornerstone (verse 22)—is entirely orchestrated by the Lord. This divine intervention is so profound and contrary to human expectation that it evokes wonder and awe in those who witness or understand it, appearing marvelous in their perception.

Psalm 118 23 Context

Psalm 118 is the last of the Egyptian Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were traditionally sung by Israel during the great pilgrimage festivals, particularly Passover. It is a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's deliverance and faithful love (hesed). The immediate preceding verse, Psalm 118:22, introduces the image of "The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone." This verse speaks to a profound reversal where something dismissed or scorned by human wisdom becomes divinely elevated to the most crucial position. Historically, this could refer to Israel herself being a 'rejected' nation chosen by God, or perhaps specific leaders or events where human opposition was overcome by God's will. For the original audience, particularly at Passover, it affirmed God's past miraculous deliverances (e.g., from Egypt) and fostered trust in His ongoing power to save.

Psalm 118 23 Word analysis

• This (Hebrew: זֹאת, zōʼt): A demonstrative pronoun, pointing to "this thing" or "this very one." In context, it directly refers to the outcome described in the preceding verse – the transformation of the rejected stone into the cornerstone. It signifies a specific event or outcome, rather than a general concept.
• is the LORD’s (Hebrew: מֵאֵת יְהוָה, mēʾēṯ YHWH):
  • mēʾēṯ: A prepositional phrase meaning "from" or "from the hand of," denoting source and agency.
  • YHWH (Yahweh/LORD): The Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God. This emphasizes that the action is not from generic divinity, but from the faithful, sovereign God of Israel who makes and keeps promises. It speaks to His character and unique authority as the creator and sustainer.
• doing (Implied from the structure "from the LORD it was" - הָיְתָה): The Hebrew uses the verb hāyĕṯāh (הָיְתָה), meaning "it was" or "it happened." While "doing" is an interpretive translation, the implication is clear: the event or fact itself is sourced directly from God. It highlights divine action and initiation, not human effort.
• it is marvelous (Hebrew: נִפְלָאִת, niphlāʾth):
  • From the root pālāʾ (פלא): To be distinct, wonderful, extraordinary, or miraculous; beyond normal human comprehension or power. This term often describes divine actions that defy natural laws or human expectations, evoking awe and wonder. It denotes something that evokes astonishment due to its inexplicable nature, given human limitations.
• in our eyes (Hebrew: בְּעֵינֵינוּ, bəʿêynênū): "In the sight of us," or "from our perspective." This phrase grounds the "marvelous" quality in human experience and perception. It acknowledges that from a human viewpoint, limited in power and foresight, God's work appears astonishing and awe-inspiring, a stark contrast to initial human dismissal.

Words-group analysis:

• "This is the LORD's doing": This phrase asserts divine authorship and ultimate sovereignty over the events. It removes any credit from human ingenuity or strength and firmly attributes the outcome to God's direct, personal, and intentional action. It implies a counter-intuitive reversal where what was rejected by human builders becomes honored by God Himself.
• "it is marvelous in our eyes": This second clause is the human response to God's undeniable work. It captures the astonishment and awe evoked when humans witness something clearly divine, beyond their own capabilities or expectations. It contrasts God's profound wisdom and power with human fallibility, which initially misjudged the "stone," now compelled to marvel at its divine elevation.

Psalm 118 23 Bonus section

Psalm 118:23 is often interpreted messianically due to its application by Jesus and the Apostles, transforming the rejected "stone" into a theological anchor for the identity and work of Christ. The verse not only celebrates God's surprising sovereignty but also validates the experience of being overlooked or undervalued, demonstrating that divine vindication can elevate the scorned to a position of ultimate importance. Its place in the Hallel psalms during Passover reinforces the theme of deliverance and new beginnings brought about by God's powerful hand, ultimately finding its fulfillment in the ultimate Passover Lamb, Christ Jesus, who through His rejection and subsequent glorification became the "doing" of the Lord, marvelous to all who believe. It's a reminder that God's perspective on value and significance often radically differs from human perspectives.

Psalm 118 23 Commentary

Psalm 118:23 encapsulates the profound paradox of God's work in salvation and history. What appears rejected, insignificant, or foolish in human estimation is often chosen and exalted by God to accomplish His greatest purposes. The "stone rejected by the builders" (verse 22) becoming the chief cornerstone is the specific event attributed to God's doing. This is no mere accident or fortunate turn of events; it is a deliberate, direct, and powerful act of Yahweh. The term "marvelous" (niphlāʾth) emphasizes the miraculous, extraordinary, and awe-inspiring nature of this divine intervention. It signifies something beyond natural explanation or human capability, demanding a response of wonder from observers. "In our eyes" indicates that while this work is inherently marvelous, its wonder is perceived by humans who stand astonished before it. The New Testament writers directly apply this verse to Jesus Christ: rejected by His own people, crucified, yet resurrected and made the foundational cornerstone of the church, revealing God’s glorious and unexpected plan of salvation. This highlights that God often works through counter-intuitive means, demonstrating His omnipotence and wisdom precisely where human wisdom fails or rejects.

• Examples:
  • The birth of Jesus to humble parents, in a stable, rejected by many, yet recognized as King of kings.
  • The gospel message appearing as "foolishness to those who are perishing," yet being the power of God for salvation.
  • God using weak or humble individuals to achieve mighty spiritual purposes.