What Does Psalm 111:4 Mean in the King James?
He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
The LORD’s wonders become a memorial of his nature: favor and compassion.
THE MEANING
The LORD’s wondrous works are made into a remembrance that is present to you now. The nature revealed in them is favor and compassion.
THE ROOT
זֵכֶר
zeker
GROWS FROM
זכר
zakar
To remember or call to mind; remembrance.
“remembered” in this verse is zeker. The Hebrew uses a word for remembrance alongside “made,” picturing the wonders as made into a memorial. This root names both the act of remembering and what keeps something in remembrance, joining the works to their continuing presence.
ALSO GROWS
zakar: To remember or call to mind.
זָכַר
The verb shows the action held within the remembrance made by the LORD’s works.
zikkaron: Memorial or remembrance.
זִכָּרוֹן
This noun makes clear how an act or event can be carried forward as a memorial.
חַנּוּן
chanun
GROWS FROM
חנן
chanan
To show favor.
The root links the LORD’s gracious character with the act of showing favor. The verse places this favor beside the wonders made into remembrance, connecting what is remembered with the nature those works reveal.
ALSO GROWS
chen: Favor.
חֵן
This noun names the favor that the LORD’s graciousness expresses.
chanan: To show favor or be gracious.
חָנַן
This verb connects the LORD’s character to favor expressed in action.
רַחוּם
rachum
GROWS FROM
רחם
racham
To show compassion or tender care.
This root links the LORD’s compassionate nature with רַחֲמִים, compassion, and רֶחֶם, womb. It carries a sense of deep tenderness, held here alongside the LORD’s favor.
ALSO GROWS
rachamim: Compassion.
רַחֲמִים
This noun names the compassion expressed by the LORD’s nature.
rechem: Womb.
רֶחֶם
This word from the same root family gives compassion an image of intimate, sheltering care.
THE PATTERN
What the LORD does is carried forward through remembrance.
And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.THE THREAD
I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.“Remember” in this psalm and “remembrance” in Psalm 111:4 share the Hebrew root זכר. One names the act of remembering; the other shows the LORD’s wonders made into a memorial.
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