Psalms 111:2

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 111:2 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The works of Jehovah are great, Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The works of Jehovah are great, Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.
Psalms 111:2 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 111

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
2The works of Jehovah are great, Sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The works of the Lord are great, etc.] His works of creation are great, being made out of nothing, are the effects of great power, and the produce of great wisdom, and which greatly display the glory of their Maker; the works of providence are great, which are daily wrought, especially such as concern the church and people of God, for whom he does great things, whereof they have reason to be glad and praise his name; the miracles of Christ he wrought here on earth were surprisingly great, some of them such as had not keen known from the creation of the world; and yet greater things were shown him, and done by him, particularly the work of redemption, a work which angels and men were unequal…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The works of the Lord are great - They are great in number; great in magnitude; great in wisdom; great in goodness. This language was appropriate in the time of the psalmist, when people looked upon the heavens with the naked eye alone, and when they had very imperfect views of the real magnitude of the universe as it is now disclosed by the telescope. It is entirely appropriate now, and conveys a more solemn and sublime impression than it would in the time of the psalmist. It will still be appropriate under the larger views which may yet be obtained of the universe by more perfect instruments, by more accurate observation, and by more profound study. And it will be appropriate when people…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Sought - Diligently meditated upon. Psalms 111:3”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“works: Psa 92:5, Psa 104:24, Psa 139:14; Job 5:9, Job 9:10, Job 26:12-14, 38:1-41, 41:1-34; Isa 40:12; Jer 32:17-19; Dan 4:3; Eph 1:19, Eph 2:7-10; Rev 15:3 sought: Psa 77:11, Psa 77:12, Psa 104:24, Psa 104:34, Psa 107:43, Psa 143:5; Job 37:7; Ecc 3:11; Pe1 1:10-12 that have: Psa 92:4; Pro 17:16, Pro 18:1, Pro 18:2, Pro 24:14; Rom 1:28, Rom 8:6 Psalms 111:3”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification