Psalm 33:4 kjv
For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
Psalm 33:4 nkjv
For the word of the LORD is right, And all His work is done in truth.
Psalm 33:4 niv
For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.
Psalm 33:4 esv
For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.
Psalm 33:4 nlt
For the word of the LORD holds true,
and we can trust everything he does.
Psalm 33 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Truthfulness/Reliability of God's Word | ||
| Num 23:19 | God is not a man, that He should lie... Has He said, and will He not do it? | God's immutable truthfulness; He always fulfills. |
| Deut 32:4 | The Rock, His work is perfect... A God of faithfulness... just and upright. | God's faithfulness in action and character. |
| Ps 12:6 | The words of the LORD are pure words... | God's word is tested and purified. |
| Ps 19:7 | The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul... | God's law (word) is perfect and beneficial. |
| Ps 119:89 | Forever, O LORD, Your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. | God's word is eternally established. |
| Prov 30:5 | Every word of God proves true... | God's word is absolutely dependable. |
| Isa 40:8 | The grass withers... but the word of our God will stand forever. | God's word is eternal and unwavering. |
| Matt 5:18 | For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota... | The unchanging nature of God's revealed word. |
| Luke 21:33 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. | Christ's words share God's eternal reliability. |
| Titus 1:2 | in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised... | God's nature is incapable of lying. |
| Heb 6:18 | it is impossible for God to lie... | God's very nature guarantees His truthfulness. |
| Faithfulness/Justice of God's Works | ||
| Gen 1:3 | And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. | God's word as a creative and effective work. |
| Ps 9:8 | He judges the world with righteousness... | God's judgments are just and upright. |
| Ps 25:10 | All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness... | God's dealings are consistently merciful and true. |
| Ps 111:7 | The works of His hands are faithful and just... | God's actions reflect His character of integrity. |
| Isa 45:23 | By myself I have sworn; from My mouth has gone out in righteousness a word... | God's decrees (word) are carried out righteously. |
| Lam 3:22-23 | The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end... | God's unending faithfulness and mercy in action. |
| Rom 3:3-4 | What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify God's faithfulness? | God's faithfulness endures despite human unfaithfulness. |
| Rom 8:28 | And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good... | God's sovereign work aligns with His faithful purpose. |
| Rev 15:3 | Great and amazing are Your deeds, O Lord God the Almighty! Just and true are Your ways... | God's deeds and ways are righteous and true. |
| God's Immutable Character (Upright, Faithful, Just) | ||
| Deut 32:4 | The Rock, His work is perfect... A God of faithfulness... just and upright. | God is characterized by perfection, faithfulness, and uprightness. |
| 1 Sam 15:29 | the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man... | God is unchangeable in His nature and purpose. |
| Ps 92:15 | The LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. | God is completely righteous with no injustice. |
| Mal 3:6 | For I the LORD do not change... | God's unchanging nature guarantees His faithfulness. |
Psalm 33 verses
Psalm 33 4 Meaning
Psalm 33:4 declares two foundational truths about God: His verbal revelation, "the word of the LORD," is inherently true, just, and without flaw; and His actions, "all His work," are carried out with perfect steadfastness, reliability, and fidelity. This verse underpins the absolute trustworthiness and moral integrity of God, demonstrating a seamless coherence between what He says and what He does, inviting complete confidence and unwavering trust from His creation.
Psalm 33 4 Context
Psalm 33 is a psalm of praise that celebrates God's sovereignty over creation, His providential rule over the nations, and His faithful care for those who fear Him. The opening verses (Ps 33:1-3) issue a vibrant call for the righteous to express joyful praise to the LORD. Verse 4 then provides the fundamental reason or foundation for this rejoicing: the dependable and upright character of God as revealed in His word and His works. The psalm subsequently elaborates on God's creative power (Ps 33:6-9), His control over human affairs (Ps 33:10-11), His all-seeing gaze (Ps 33:13-15), His unique ability to save (Ps 33:16-19), and concludes with a declaration of trust and hope in Him (Ps 33:20-22). Historically, the psalm may have been used in public worship or during national celebrations, serving to remind Israel of Yahweh's distinct supremacy over all other deities and their often arbitrary or fallible natures. It functions as a polemic against the polytheistic and often unreliable pantheons of the surrounding cultures, highlighting Yahweh's absolute integrity.
Psalm 33 4 Word analysis
For (כִּי - ki): This conjunction acts as a causal "because" or "indeed." It grounds the preceding call to joyous praise in the immutable character of God, providing the ultimate reason why the righteous should worship Him.
the word (דְּבַר - davar): More than a mere utterance, davar encompasses a declarative act, a decree, a divine wisdom, and the effective, creative power that accomplishes what it says. It refers to God's revealed will, commands, promises, and direct communications. It is dynamic and performs what it speaks into existence (e.g., creation in Gen 1).
of the LORD (יְהוָה - Yahweh): This refers to the personal, covenantal, and self-existent name of God. Attributing the word to Yahweh emphasizes its supreme authority, reliability, and connection to His eternal, unchanging nature as the God who keeps His covenant promises.
is upright (יָשָׁר - yashar): Signifies moral rectitude, straightforwardness, and absence of distortion or deviation. God's word is perfectly just, ethically pure, consistently true, and free from any deceit, error, or unrighteousness. It is always aligned with perfect truth and justice.
and all His work (וְכָל מַעֲשֵׂהוּ - v'khol ma'asehu): "All" emphasizes the comprehensive nature; every single deed of God without exception. "Work" (ma'asehu) denotes God's actions, deeds, accomplishments, including creation, providence, judgment, redemption, and His ongoing activity in the world. It encompasses the tangible manifestation of His will.
is done in faithfulness (בֶּאֱמוּנָה - be'emunah): The preposition "in" or "with" (בֶּ) indicates the manner or character of the execution. "Faithfulness" (emunah) is derived from the root 'aman (to be firm, stable, trustworthy). It means steadfastness, reliability, constancy, truthfulness, and unwavering loyalty. God performs all His works with absolute dependability and adherence to His character and promises. His actions are never arbitrary or capricious but always consistent with His righteous nature.
the word of the LORD is upright: This phrase highlights the intrinsic moral perfection and veracity of God's communication and revelation. What God says is intrinsically righteous, true, and consistently aligned with His just character. This establishes the divine standard of truth.
and all His work is done in faithfulness: This phrase complements the first, emphasizing that God's actions are as dependable and trustworthy as His words. Every deed God performs is executed with unfailing constancy and reliability, perfectly matching His declared will and righteous nature. This guarantees that His purposes will be fully and steadfastly accomplished. The combination implies a seamless consistency between God's character, His communication, and His actions.
Psalm 33 4 Bonus section
The juxtaposition of "word" and "work" in this verse is significant. It underlines the Hebrew concept that God's davar (word) is not merely auditory but is efficacious, actively shaping reality and bringing things into being. Therefore, God's word is, in itself, a "work." This strong link reinforces His sovereign power – He speaks, and it is done (Ps 33:9). This verse serves as a crucial theological principle that informs the entirety of biblical narrative: from creation ex nihilo (Gen 1) by His word, to the fulfillment of prophecies and promises (e.g., Abrahamic covenant, Isa 55:11), and ultimately to the Incarnation of the Word (John 1:1, 14) and His perfect works on earth (John 17:4). The truth and reliability articulated here are essential for comprehending God's immutability, omniscience, and omnipotence.
Psalm 33 4 Commentary
Psalm 33:4 forms the theological bedrock for trusting God implicitly. It proclaims an essential aspect of divine character: God's words are intrinsically and unequivocally true, free from error, and perfectly righteous. This integrity means that whatever God declares—whether commands, promises, or prophecies—is absolutely reliable and aligns with His perfect nature. Furthermore, all of God's deeds, from the grand act of creation to His intricate providential care and ultimate judgment, are carried out with unfailing fidelity and steadfastness. There is no discrepancy between God's intentions as expressed in His word and their execution in His works. This perfect coherence ensures His unwavering commitment to His covenant and His absolute dependability in fulfilling His divine purposes. Thus, believers can confidently rely on every utterance and every action of God. For instance, knowing His word is upright empowers one to trust His promises for salvation (Eph 2:8-9), and understanding His work is done in faithfulness allows believers to rest in His consistent provision (Phil 4:19) and justice.