Psalm 66 5

Psalm 66:5 kjv

Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men.

Psalm 66:5 nkjv

Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.

Psalm 66:5 niv

Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind!

Psalm 66:5 esv

Come and see what God has done: he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.

Psalm 66:5 nlt

Come and see what our God has done,
what awesome miracles he performs for people!

Psalm 66 verses

Psalm 66 5 Meaning

Psalm 66:5 is a direct invitation for humanity to consider and contemplate the magnificent acts of God. It declares that God's works are awe-inspiring and formidable, especially in how He interacts with and carries out His purposes among mankind. The verse encourages a deliberate observation of God's deeds, leading to a profound sense of reverence and wonder at His power and sovereignty in the world.

Psalm 66 5 Context

Psalm 66 is a psalm of communal thanksgiving. It opens with a universal call to worship God (vv. 1-4), then invites observers to specifically behold God's mighty acts, particularly His historical deliverances for Israel (vv. 5-7). The historical context largely points to events like the Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea, and leading His people through the wilderness, which served as foundational testimonies of His power and faithfulness. This specific verse (v. 5) bridges the universal praise with the particular testimony, serving as an invitation to witness the concrete evidence of God's power among people. It transitions from general acclamation to specific reflection, preparing for the historical narrative that follows, before moving to a personal testimony of answered prayer in the latter half of the Psalm.

Psalm 66 5 Word analysis

• Come and see:
  • This phrase (לְכוּ וּרְאוּ - Lekhu u-re'u) is an imperative, an active invitation. It implies a deliberate and personal engagement, not passive observation.
  • It calls for both physical approach ("come") and cognitive, perhaps even spiritual, discernment ("see," to perceive, understand, and contemplate).
  • It signifies an open demonstration by God, making His works accessible to human perception.
• the works (מַפְעֲלֵי - maf’aley):
  • Refers to the deeds, operations, achievements, and products of God's power. It's a comprehensive term for all His active expressions in creation and history.
  • These are not random events but deliberate acts, evidencing divine intentionality and purpose.
  • In this context, it primarily highlights God's historical interventions, especially in deliverance and judgment, demonstrating His active rule in the world.
• of God (אֱלֹהִים - Elohim):
  • This is the general Hebrew term for God, emphasizing His power as Creator and Sovereign, suitable for a universal call.
  • It underscores that these powerful acts originate from the one true divine being, contrasting implicitly with the impotent works of human-made idols or other supposed deities.
• He is awesome (נוֹרָא - nora):
  • Derived from the root יָרֵא (yare), meaning to fear, be awed. This describes God's inherent nature and the effect of His actions.
  • It means "terrible," "fear-inspiring," "majestic," "formidable," "awe-inspiring." It denotes profound reverence and dread evoked by His immense power and holiness.
  • It captures both the glorious and the potentially fearful aspects of divine power.
• in His doing / His dealings (עֲלִילָה - alilah):
  • Refers to His "dealings," "conduct," "actions," or "deeds." It speaks to the manner and character of His activity.
  • Often used in connection with great, mighty, or even terrible deeds (as in Deut 2:25). It is His active governance.
• toward (עַל - al) the sons of men (בְּנֵי אָדָם - b’ney adam):
  • "Sons of men" signifies humanity in general, stressing the universal reach and impact of God's awesome deeds.
  • God's works are not confined to heaven or abstract concepts but directly involve and impact human experience and history.
  • The phrase highlights God's condescension and active engagement with His created beings.

• "Come and see the works of God": This phrase functions as a clarion call, inviting observation of specific, tangible acts of God rather than mere philosophical reflection on His existence. It's an evangelistic imperative within the psalm, encouraging others to witness divine intervention.
• "He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men": This grouping articulates the nature of God's actions—they are powerful, inspiring reverence and holy fear. It clarifies where these awesome actions are displayed—specifically in His interaction with human history and individual lives, making them deeply relevant to every person. This testifies to both God's transcendence and His immanence.

Psalm 66 5 Bonus section

The "come and see" invitation carries a prophetic echo. Throughout biblical history, God continually performs works that call for observation and recognition. In the New Testament, this phrase is notably echoed by Philip to Nathanael concerning Jesus (Jn 1:46), inviting direct encounter with the embodiment of God's awesome work in human form. This suggests that the ultimate "works of God" toward the sons of men culminated in Christ Jesus—His life, death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers. Thus, Psalm 66:5 not only calls us to observe historical acts but points towards God's greatest intervention in human history. The "awe" (נוֹרָא - nora) associated with God often includes His judgments and disciplinary actions alongside His deliverances, signifying His holy justice as well as His saving power. Therefore, recognizing His works also implies an understanding of His righteous governance over all mankind, calling for both praise and humble submission.

Psalm 66 5 Commentary

Psalm 66:5 stands as a profound summons to spiritual observation and contemplation. The psalmist is not merely reporting God's greatness, but actively inviting others—"come and see"—to personally witness the undeniable evidence of His power and glory. This call emphasizes an experiential knowledge of God, derived from observing His "works," which encompass both His magnificent acts of creation and His sovereign interventions in history, particularly on behalf of His people. The declaration that God is "awesome in His doing toward the sons of men" underscores that His mighty acts are not arbitrary or distant; they are performed specifically within the realm of human affairs and for humanity's sake. This awesomeness evokes not just admiration but also a deep, reverential fear, recognizing His supreme authority and irresistible power. It teaches that the visible dealings of God with humanity are potent demonstrations of His divine nature, leading any earnest observer to worship and acknowledge Him alone as the true and living God.

• For personal worship: Reflect on recent events in your life or around the world and identify God's fingerprints, realizing His awesome work is ongoing.
• For evangelism: When sharing the faith, invite others to "come and see" what God has done or is doing, rather than just debating concepts. Point to real-life testimonies and historical evidence of His character and power.