Psalms 147:5
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.
Psalms 147:5
“Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” This verse continues the creation-facing theme of 147:4, praising God for power and wisdom beyond measure. The psalmist asserts that God’s power is not arbitrary; it is matched by infinite understanding. In a world where human knowledge is limited and often fallible, the verse points to the divine source of wisdom that governs all things. The setting of the psalm—Israelite worship that recognizes God’s care for creation and national restoration—frames God’s power as the means by which mercy and judgment are accomplished. The line also anchors faithful trust: even when human plans fail or complexities overwhelm, God’s wisdom remains perfect. The emphasis on infinitude highlights the sufficiency of God for all situations, encouraging humility in human striving and confidence in divine guidance.
This verse foregrounds the relationship between God’s power and wisdom. Theology here is twofold: God’s omnipotence and his omniscience are united for redemptive purposes. It reassures believers that God’s actions are informed by perfect understanding, not reactionary whim. In Christian interpretation, this foreshadows the wisdom of Christ, who embodies divine wisdom and whose reign demonstrates what perfect knowledge and power look like in action. Theologically, it invites trust that God’s plans account for every detail, a motif echoed in Romans 11:33–36, where Paul celebrates the depths of God’s wisdom and knowledge. The infinite nature of God’s understanding also corrects human presumption—our finite minds cannot exhaust God’s purposes.
Practically, this verse invites humility and dependence on God’s wisdom in decision-making. When facing complex problems—family matters, career decisions, or relational conflicts—seek wisdom through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel, trusting that God’s understanding is infinite. It also invites gratitude for the ways God reveals truth through creation, Scripture, and community wisdom. In leadership, it calls for humility: acknowledge limits, seek perspective, and rely on divine wisdom to guide plans. For educators and students, it reinforces the value of lifelong learning, acknowledging that human knowledge is fallible while God’s wisdom is perfect.
Cross-References: Isaiah 40:28; Romans 11:33; James 1:5; Proverbs 3:5–6; Job 28:12–28