Psalm 135:6 kjv
Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
Psalm 135:6 nkjv
Whatever the LORD pleases He does, In heaven and in earth, In the seas and in all deep places.
Psalm 135:6 niv
The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.
Psalm 135:6 esv
Whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps.
Psalm 135:6 nlt
The LORD does whatever pleases him
throughout all heaven and earth,
and on the seas and in their depths.
Psalm 135 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ps 115:3 | But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. | Direct parallel on God's absolute will. |
| Dan 4:35 | All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and He does according to His will... | God's sovereignty over earthly inhabitants. |
| Isa 46:10 | declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,’ | God's unchangeable purpose and omnipotence. |
| Eph 1:11 | In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things after the counsel of His own will, | God's sovereignty working through all things. |
| Job 23:13 | But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him back? What He desires, that He does. | God's unwavering and efficacious will. |
| Prov 19:21 | Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. | Human will versus God's prevailing purpose. |
| Lam 3:37-38 | Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? From the mouth of the Most High, do not both bad and good proceed? | Nothing occurs without God's decree. |
| Ps 33:10-11 | The LORD brings the counsel of the nations to nothing... The counsel of the LORD stands forever... | God frustrates human plans, His counsel endures. |
| Gen 1:1 | In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. | God as Creator of all realms. |
| Neh 9:6 | You are the LORD, you alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens... the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. | God as sole Creator of all comprehensive realms. |
| Ps 103:19 | The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. | God's dominion established in heaven, rules everywhere. |
| Ps 24:1 | The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. | God's ownership of earth and its inhabitants. |
| Jonah 1:9 | He said to them, “I am a Hebrew, and I fear the LORD, the God of heaven who made the sea and the dry land.” | God as Maker of sea and dry land. |
| Amos 9:2-3, 5-6 | “Though they dig into Sheol, from there My hand shall take them... Though they hide themselves... I will search... The Lord GOD of hosts... who builds His upper chambers in the heavens... who calls for the waters of the sea...” | God's omnipresent power in all dimensions. |
| Matt 28:18 | And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me..." | Christ's received authority mirroring divine dominion. |
| Col 1:16-17 | For by Him all things were created... all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. | Christ as active agent in creation and sustenance. |
| Heb 1:3 | He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power... | Christ upholding the cosmos by divine power. |
| Luke 1:37 | For nothing will be impossible with God. | Statement of God's absolute capability. |
| Jer 32:17 | Ah, Lord GOD! It is You who have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for You. | God's omnipotent creative and executive power. |
| Ps 135:15-18 | The idols of the nations are silver and gold... they have mouths, but do not speak... | Contrast with idols, who can do nothing. |
| Isa 44:6-8 | Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel... I am the first and I am the last; besides Me there is no God... | God as the only true God, contrasting idol claims. |
| Jer 10:10-13 | But the LORD is the true God... at His wrath the earth trembles... He makes the mists rise... | YHWH's active power vs. lifeless idols. |
Psalm 135 verses
Psalm 135 6 Meaning
Psalm 135:6 declares the absolute sovereignty and universal dominion of the Living God, Yahweh. It asserts that everything the LORD purposes or desires, He unfailingly brings to pass, without exception, throughout all the known realms of existence: the celestial (heaven), the terrestrial (earth), the aquatic (seas), and the subterranean (all deeps). This verse emphasizes God's irresistible will and effective power over every part of creation, demonstrating His supreme and unchallengeable authority.
Psalm 135 6 Context
Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, part of a collection (Psalms 120-136) often sung during pilgrimage festivals. This psalm particularly highlights God's character as the unique, all-powerful Sovereign, especially in contrast to the lifeless idols of the nations. It begins with a call to praise YHWH, the God of Israel (v. 1-3), then recounts His election of Israel (v. 4), His superior power manifested in creation and mighty acts (v. 5-12), and His eternal fame (v. 13-14). Verse 6 specifically undergirds the historical mighty acts of God (such as the Exodus events described later in v. 8-12) by asserting His universal authority. The psalm concludes with a direct polemic against idols and another call to praise the LORD (v. 15-21). Historically, it reflects a post-exilic or late monarchical period, reinforcing exclusive monotheistic worship amidst prevalent polytheism.
Psalm 135 6 Word analysis
- Whatever (כֹּל, kol): This Hebrew word signifies "all," "every," or "whatever." It emphasizes the absolute comprehensiveness and totality of God's reach. There is nothing outside the scope of His will.
- the LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the sacred, personal, covenant name of God, indicating His self-existent, eternal, and unchanging nature. Its use here identifies the one true God of Israel as the singular possessor of this universal authority, clearly distinguishing Him from pagan deities.
- pleases (חָפֵץ, chaphets): Meaning "to delight in," "to desire," "to be pleased with," or "to will." It denotes God's deliberate, sovereign, and inherently good purpose. His actions are not accidental or coerced but flow from His inherent good pleasure and wise determination. This is not arbitrary caprice but intentional, effective will.
- that He does (הוּא עָשָׂה, hu asah): This phrase means "He makes" or "He does/performs." It signifies the effective and immediate execution of God's will. His desires are not mere intentions; they are concretely actualized. There is no separation between His pleasing and His doing; what He wills, He accomplishes.
- in heaven (בַּשָּׁמַיִם, ba'shamayim): Refers to the celestial sphere, including the sky and the spiritual dwelling place of God's throne (Ps 103:19). This emphasizes His rule over the unseen and the transcendent.
- and on earth (וּבָאָרֶץ, u'va'aretz): Signifies the terrestrial realm, the physical world where humanity and earthly life exist. This highlights His control over all earthly affairs and His creation.
- in the seas (בַּיַּמִּים, bayammim): Denotes the oceans and vast bodies of water. In ancient contexts, the sea was often associated with chaos, mystery, and untamable forces. God's dominion over the seas showcases His supreme power, capable of controlling even the most tumultuous and unpredictable elements (Ps 89:9).
- and all deeps (וּבְכָל תְּהוֹמוֹת, u'v'chol tehomot): This refers to the abyssal depths, subterranean waters, and possibly the primeval cosmic deep (Gen 1:2). It completes the comprehensive scope, indicating God's control extends to the most hidden, mysterious, and inaccessible parts of creation.
- Word Group: "Whatever the LORD pleases, that He does": This clause encapsulates the core doctrine of God's efficacious sovereignty. His will is never thwarted; His desires are always fulfilled. This statement stands as a powerful polemic against the impotence of human-made gods, which can neither please nor act (Ps 135:15-18). It underscores the distinct reality of YHWH as an active, living, and sovereign deity, contrasted with inanimate idols.
- Word Group: "in heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps": This is a powerful literary device known as a merism, where two contrasting or encompassing parts are used to represent the whole. This comprehensive catalogue of realms—from the highest heavens to the lowest depths of the earth and sea—leaves no portion of creation outside God's direct control. It signifies His omnipresent and universal dominion, explicitly rejecting any compartmentalization of His authority, typical of polytheistic pantheons where deities had limited spheres of influence.
Psalm 135 6 Bonus section
- Philosophical implication: This verse asserts divine voluntarism – God's will is the ultimate standard and cause. What pleases God is what is good and what is done.
- Relationship to creation account: It directly echoes Genesis 1:1, extending God's creative authority to ongoing governance and execution of His will across all parts of His creation, signifying both initial formation and continued providential control.
- Theological Foundation: This verse is a bedrock for the doctrine of God's omnipotence and absolute sovereignty, which forms a vital part of Christian theology, affirming His control over all things, visible and invisible.
- Refutation of Fatalism/Chance: It removes any notion that events happen by chance or outside God's knowledge or purpose. What unfolds in the world is, ultimately, aligned with what the LORD pleases to do or permit.
Psalm 135 6 Commentary
Psalm 135:6 serves as a foundational declaration of divine sovereignty within a hymn of praise. It articulates a fundamental truth about God's nature: His will is supreme, effective, and limitless. Unlike any human ruler, whose authority may be contested, or any false deity, who is utterly impotent, the LORD God acts exactly as He desires, always succeeding in His purposes. This attribute is not limited to a specific domain; His dominion spans "heaven and on earth, in the seas and all deeps." This comprehensive description stresses that no realm—whether visible or invisible, calm or chaotic, familiar or mysterious—lies beyond His absolute command.
This verse therefore roots all of God's mighty deeds (historical or personal) in His inherent, unassailable power over creation. When God brought Israel out of Egypt, or performed wonders, it was not merely an isolated act but an expression of His consistent and universal reign. For believers, this truth instills profound confidence and comfort. It assures that God's plans for redemption and His providential care are unshakeable because He is capable of executing all His will without opposition. It fosters deep worship, recognizing the matchless greatness of a God whose purposes are always fulfilled and whose power encompasses all reality. This declaration serves as a constant reminder that we worship a living God who is eternally active, completely in charge, and infinitely powerful.