Psalm 86 8

Psalm 86:8 kjv

Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works.

Psalm 86:8 nkjv

Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works.

Psalm 86:8 niv

Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.

Psalm 86:8 esv

There is none like you among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like yours.

Psalm 86:8 nlt

No pagan god is like you, O Lord.
None can do what you do!

Psalm 86 verses

Psalm 86 8 Meaning

Psalm 86:8 is a profound declaration of God's unparalleled sovereignty and omnipotence. It asserts that among all "gods" – referring either to pagan deities or any other beings or powers conceived as divine – there is absolutely none like the Lord (Yahweh). This uniqueness extends not only to His very being but also to His actions; there are no works or deeds that can be compared to His, demonstrating His singular creative, redemptive, and sustaining power in the universe. It is a powerful affirmation of absolute monotheism and God's complete preeminence.

Psalm 86 8 Context

Psalm 86 is identified as "A Prayer of David," typically categorized as an individual lament. However, it quickly moves beyond personal distress to deep expressions of trust and declarations of God's character. David, facing affliction, pours out his heart to God (v. 1-7), appealing to God's steadfast love and mercy. Verse 8 marks a shift from petition to doxology and theological affirmation, where David articulates the fundamental reason why he trusts God implicitly and believes his prayers will be heard: God's absolute uniqueness and unparalleled power among all beings. Historically, this Psalm emerged from a time when the surrounding nations worshipped numerous deities, each with specific domains and limited powers. David's declaration serves as a strong counter-statement, affirming Israel's God as the one true, incomparably supreme being.

Psalm 86 8 Word analysis

• Among the gods (בָאֵלִים - ba’elīm):

  • "Gods" here is the Hebrew plural noun 'elīm, a form of 'el (god). It can refer to divine beings in general, but in this context, contrasting them with YHWH (the Lord), it primarily signifies pagan deities worshipped by surrounding nations.
  • Significance: This phrase highlights the polytheistic environment of the ancient Near East. The psalmist is directly challenging the prevalent belief systems, asserting the superiority of Yahweh over all rival deities. This is a clear polemic, not a concession to their existence as truly divine, but an affirmation of their absolute inferiority and non-being compared to the Lord.

• there is none like You (אֵין כָּמוֹךָ - ein kāmōkhā):

  • Ein is a strong negation, "there is not" or "no." Kāmōkhā means "like You."
  • Significance: This asserts God's absolute uniqueness, incomparability, and singularity. No other entity, power, or supposed god shares His essence, character, or might. He stands utterly alone as the supreme Being.

• O Lord (אֲדֹנָי - ’Ăḏōnāy):

  • This is one of the most common titles for God in the Old Testament, often translated "Lord" or "Master." It conveys the sense of absolute authority, ownership, and supreme rule.
  • Significance: Its use here underscores God's sovereignty and His rightful position as the ultimate object of worship, distinct from any false or limited "gods." It emphasizes the personal relationship between the worshipper (David) and his sovereign God.

• nor are there any works like Yours (וְאֵין כְּמַעֲשֶׂיךָ - wə'ein kəma‘ăśeyḵā):

  • "Nor are there" (וְאֵין - wə'ein) again employs the strong negation, extending the incomparability. "Works" (מַעֲשֶׂיךָ - ma‘ăśeyḵā) refers to God's deeds, actions, or creations.
  • Significance: This clause ties God's unique nature directly to His unique actions. His works, whether in creation, salvation history (like the Exodus), or ongoing providence, are unparalleled and demonstrate His infinite power, wisdom, and righteousness. Unlike the "works" attributed to idols, which are inert or non-existent, God's deeds are powerful, real, and evident.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Among the gods there is none like You": This phrase functions as a definitive theological statement challenging polytheism. It asserts not only God's preeminence over other divine claims but effectively dismisses the very substance and power of such claims, rendering all others as non-gods in comparison to the unique, singular Lord. This truth is foundational to Israelite faith.
  • "O Lord; nor are there any works like Yours": This forms the conclusion, linking God's inherent nature (His being, the "who He is") to His active demonstrations of power (the "what He does"). The divine uniqueness is not abstract but tangibly demonstrated through His unparalleled creation, providential care, miraculous interventions, and sovereign rule throughout history. His actions validate His identity as the One True God.

Psalm 86 8 Bonus section

The emphatic double negative ("there is none like You" and "nor are there any works like Yours") strengthens the declaration of God's absolute uniqueness, leaving no room for any rival or parallel. This structure reinforces the Hebrew concept of the functional incomparability of God – meaning He is not merely theoretically unique, but practically unique because His deeds prove it. The immediate context of this verse in Psalm 86 (preceded by David's plea for mercy and goodness and followed by the prophecy of all nations coming to worship God) demonstrates that God's unique power and nature are intimately connected to His merciful character and His ultimate redemptive plan for all peoples. His might is wielded with grace.

Psalm 86 8 Commentary

Psalm 86:8 is a pivotal verse, forming the theological backbone of David's prayer. It articulates a fundamental truth of biblical faith: the absolute uniqueness and incomparability of Yahweh, the God of Israel. This declaration is a powerful and direct refutation of the polytheism prevalent in the ancient world, where various nations attributed specific powers and domains to their multiple deities. David, enlightened by divine revelation, confidently states that no human-made idol, no celestial being, and no pagan god can stand in comparison to the true Lord. His supremacy is not merely titular; it is demonstrable through His "works." These "works" encompass the entirety of His creative acts, His historical interventions on behalf of His people (like the Exodus), His ongoing providence, and His ultimate judgments. Unlike the inert or false claims of pagan deities, God's actions bear witness to His reality, His omnipotence, and His absolute control over all things. This verse thus establishes God as the sole worthy recipient of worship, praise, and trust, providing the foundation for the psalmist's appeal for help.

• When facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, reflecting on "nor are there any works like Yours" reminds us of God's limitless ability to act beyond human capacity.
• In moments of doubt about God's presence, remembering "among the gods there is none like You, O Lord" reaffirms that our hope is placed in the only truly effective power.