Psalms 33:4

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 33:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For the word of Jehovah is right; And all his work is [done] in faithfulness.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For the word of Jehovah is right; And all his work is [done] in faithfulness.
Psalms 33:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 33

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4For the word of Jehovah is right; And all his work is [done] in faithfulness.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For the word of the Lord [is] right, etc.] The revealed word of God: the law of God is right; its precepts are holy, just, and good; its sanction or penalty is righteous; it is impartial unto all; it is just in condemning the wicked, and in acquitting believers on the account of Christ’s perfect righteousness, by which it is magnified and made honourable: the Gospel part of the word is right; it publishes right and good things; it directs to the right way, to heaven and happiness; it makes men right when it works effectually in them; it engages them to walk in right ways; and its doctrines are right or plain to them that have a spiritual understanding given them; and all this is matter of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Reasons for praise: first, God's truth, faithfulness, and mercy, generally; then, His creative power which all must honor.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For the word of the Lord is right - The command; the law; the promise of God. Whatever he “says” is right; or, is true. It is worthy of universal belief; and should, therefore, be a reason for praise. The fact that God says a thing is the highest proof that it is true. And all his works are done in truth - Or rather, “in faithfulness.” That is, All that he does is executed faithfully. He does all that he promises, and all that he does is such as to claim universal confidence. Whatever he does is, from the very fact that He does it, worthy of the confidence of all his creatures. None, however they may be affected by what he does, have any reason to doubt that it is perfectly right. God is the…”
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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
“The word - All God's counsels and commands are wise, and just, and good. His works - All his works of providence agree with his word, and are the accomplishment of his promises or threatenings. Psalms 33:5”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“33:4-7 God’s word displays his character and his power.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the word: Psa 12:6, Psa 19:8, Psa 119:75, Psa 119:128; Pro 30:5; Mic 2:7; Rom 7:12 all his: Psa 25:10, Psa 36:5, Psa 36:6, Psa 85:10, Psa 85:11, Psa 96:13; Gen 24:27; Deu 32:4; Dan 4:37; Joh 14:6; Rom 15:8, Rom 15:9; Tit 1:2 Psalms 33:5”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“Now beings the body of the song. The summons to praise God is supported (1) by a setting forth of His praiseworthiness (Note: We have adopted the word "praiseworthiness" for the sake of conciseness of expression, in order to avoid an awkward periphrasis, in the sense of being worthy to be praised. - Tr.) (a) as the God of revelation in the kingdom of Grace. His word is ישׂר, upright in intention, and, without becoming in any way whatever untrue to itself, straightway fulfilling itself. His every act is an act in אמוּנה, truth, which verifies the truth of His word, and one which accomplishes itself. On אהב, equivalent to אהב הוּא, vid., Psa 7:10; Psa 22:29. צדקה is righteousness as conduct;…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification