Old Testament

Psalms 147:20

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

He has not dealt so with any nation; and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise the LORD!

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

He hath not dealt so with any nation: and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD.

What Psalms 147:20 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist emphasizes the unique relationship between God and Israel compared to other nations. It highlights that God has not shown His laws and judgments to other nations in the same way He has to Israel. This reflects God's special favor and revelation to His chosen people. The verse concludes with a call to praise the Lord, recognizing His justice and the privilege of knowing His ways. The psalmist is reminding the people of Israel that they have been given a unique understanding of God's character and His expectations, which should inspire gratitude and worship. This acknowledgment of God's special treatment of Israel serves as a reminder of their responsibility to live according to His judgments and to share this knowledge with others, thus fulfilling their role as a light to the nations.

How to apply Psalms 147:20 to your life

This verse encourages believers to appreciate their understanding of God's ways and to live in accordance with His teachings. It serves as a reminder to share this knowledge with others, fostering a sense of responsibility to reflect God's character in our lives and to praise Him for His guidance.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Naomi weeping between her daughters-in-law Ruth and Orpah outside a house in Moab

Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Ruth

Panoramic view across Tel Beer Sheva archaeological site and surrounding landscape.

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Beersheba

Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Psalms 147:20

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Psalms 147:20

At a Glance — the Book of Psalms

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 147:20 mean?

Psalms 147:20 highlights the special relationship between God and Israel, indicating that God has not revealed His laws and judgments to other nations in the same way. This verse emphasizes Israel's unique privilege and responsibility to understand and follow God's ways.

What is the significance of God's judgments in Psalms 147:20?

In this verse, God's judgments represent His laws and expectations, which He has uniquely shared with Israel. This signifies a covenant relationship where Israel is called to live according to these judgments and reflect God's character to the world.

How does Psalms 147:20 relate to praise?

The verse concludes with a call to praise the Lord, recognizing His unique guidance and justice towards Israel. This acknowledgment of God's special treatment inspires gratitude and worship among His people.

How can I apply Psalms 147:20 in my life?

You can apply this verse by appreciating your understanding of God's ways and living according to His teachings. It also encourages you to share this knowledge with others, fulfilling your role in reflecting God's character.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.