Psalm 77 14

Psalm 77:14 kjv

Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.

Psalm 77:14 nkjv

You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.

Psalm 77:14 niv

You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

Psalm 77:14 esv

You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.

Psalm 77:14 nlt

You are the God of great wonders!
You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.

Psalm 77 verses

Psalm 77 14 Meaning

Psalm 77:14 is a profound declaration of God's unique nature and active sovereignty. It proclaims that God alone is the performer of extraordinary, supernatural acts of wonder, demonstrating His divine power and presence. Furthermore, it asserts that God has made His immense strength clearly known, not just to a select few, but publicly among the nations and peoples of the world. This verse marks a crucial shift in the psalmist's reflection, moving from lament and questioning to a reaffirmation of God's unchanging might and miraculous character.

Psalm 77 14 Context

Psalm 77 belongs to the collection of "Asaph Psalms" (Psalms 73-83). Asaph was a choirmaster appointed by King David, and the psalms attributed to him often feature strong theological reflection, national lament, and a focus on God's mighty acts in history.

The immediate context of Psalm 77 is a deeply personal lament and struggle of faith. The psalmist (Asaph) begins in profound distress (vv. 1-6), crying out to God and recalling past afflictions. He questions God's faithfulness and enduring love, asking if God has forgotten to be gracious or has cut off His mercy forever (vv. 7-9). This dark night of the soul represents a crisis of belief regarding God's power and willingness to act.

However, the tone dramatically shifts from verse 10 onwards. Asaph resolves to "remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old" (v. 11). He intentionally recalls God's historic interventions, particularly the Exodus event (vv. 16-19), as proof of God's unchanging nature and power.

Psalm 77:14 is the crescendo of this remembrance, a firm declaration emerging from his reflection. It counters the earlier doubts by asserting God's perpetual ability and willingness to perform wonders and publicly demonstrate His strength. This declaration is pivotal, reinforcing the truth that God is indeed powerful and still intervenes, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise. The "peoples" ('ammiym or "nations") likely refers not only to Israel but also to the surrounding Gentile nations who would witness God's unique display of power, serving as an indirect polemic against the impotence of their pagan deities.

Psalm 77 14 Word analysis

• Thou art (Atah) - Hebrew for "You (are)". This is an emphatic second-person singular pronoun, directly addressing God and setting Him apart. It establishes a direct, personal statement of truth about His being.

• the God (ha-El) - Hebrew אֵל ('El). While El can be a generic term for "god," the definite article "the" and the context of Israel's monotheism confirm it refers to Yahweh, the one true God. It denotes His supreme deity and singular identity.

• that doest ('oseh) - Hebrew for "one who does" or "the doer of." It is an active participle, emphasizing God's continuous and inherent action, not just a past event but a perpetual characteristic.

• wonders (pele') - Hebrew פֶלֶא (peleh). This term denotes something extraordinary, unique, and awe-inspiring, often beyond human explanation or power. It specifically refers to miraculous or supernatural acts that reveal God's divine power and presence, inspiring wonder, awe, and often fear. These are not merely surprising events, but acts that manifest divine intervention.

• thou hast declared (hodha'tah) - Hebrew הוֹדַעְתָּ (from yada', "to know" or "to make known"). The hiphil conjugation here means "You have caused to be known" or "You have made clear." It implies a public and unmistakable revelation, not a secret or hidden action. It denotes making manifest or demonstrating.

• thy strength ('oz) - Hebrew עֹז ('oz). This refers to powerful might, absolute power, and firm control. It speaks of divine vigor, dominion, and effective capability. Often associated with victory, protection, or the exercise of judgment.

• among the people (ba-ammiym) - Hebrewבָּעַמִּים` (literally "among the peoples" or "among the nations"). This signifies a public and widespread display, not limited to Israel but witnessed or perceivable by various ethnic groups and nations. It emphasizes the universal reach of God's revelatory actions, underscoring His sovereignty over all humanity, not just His chosen people.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Thou art the God that doest wonders": This phrase highlights God's unique attribute as the sole source of truly miraculous events. It sets Him apart from all other beings or deities, proclaiming His omnipotent nature that transcends natural laws. It's a statement of theological truth and incomparable divine power.
  • "thou hast declared thy strength": This emphasizes God's active self-revelation. His strength is not hidden but actively made known and demonstrated. This declaration is a purposeful act, meant to educate and impact those who witness it.
  • "among the people/nations": This broadens the scope of God's actions beyond Israel, implying a universal reach to His divine manifestations. It suggests that His power is evident to all humanity, providing a foundation for all people to know Him and acknowledge His might, and implicitly standing in contrast to the limited powers of other nations' idols.

Psalm 77 14 Bonus section

The "wonders" (pele') of God are never arbitrary acts but are purposeful, revealing His character, power, and often His redemptive plan. In the Old Testament, these "wonders" are particularly seen in the Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea, the provision in the wilderness, and the conquest of Canaan, all acts foundational to Israel's understanding of God. In the New Testament, Jesus' miracles are described with similar terminology (dunamis, teras, semeion), testifying to His divine nature and fulfilling prophecy. The ultimate wonder is God's salvific work through Christ, culminating in the resurrection, which is the declaration of God's ultimate strength over sin and death, to be known by all peoples.

Psalm 77 14 Commentary

Psalm 77:14 serves as the theological linchpin in the psalmist's journey from despair to renewed faith. It encapsulates the core truth that banishes doubt: God is fundamentally a God who acts and whose actions are uniquely miraculous. His "wonders" are not mere coincidences or human achievements, but clear, supernatural interventions that underscore His unique divine power. Moreover, this power is not latent or confined but actively "declared" or manifested "among the people" – openly revealed for all to witness.

This verse teaches that remembering God's past demonstrations of power and wonders is crucial for navigating present trials and crises of faith. It transforms a questioning spirit into a spirit of worship and confidence. It counters any suggestion that God might be too distant, too weak, or too uncaring to intervene, affirming His constant and active sovereignty. The declaration of God's strength "among the nations" implies a universal theological message: God's power is supreme over all other powers, visible to all who are willing to see, inviting them to recognize His authority and worship Him. It reminds believers that God's power is always sufficient, and He delights in making it known for His glory and for the redemption of His creation.