Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. New Living Translation Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes. English Standard Version Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases. Berean Standard Bible Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. King James Bible But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. New King James Version But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. New American Standard Bible But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. NASB 1995 But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. NASB 1977 But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. Legacy Standard Bible But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases. Amplified Bible But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Christian Standard Bible Our God is in heaven and does whatever he pleases. Holman Christian Standard Bible Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases. American Standard Version But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever he pleased. Contemporary English Version Our God is in the heavens, doing as he chooses. English Revised Version But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he pleased. GOD'S WORD® Translation Our God is in heaven. He does whatever he wants. Good News Translation Our God is in heaven; he does whatever he wishes. International Standard Version when our God is in the heavens and he does whatever he desires? NET Bible Our God is in heaven! He does whatever he pleases! New Heart English Bible But our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases. Webster's Bible Translation But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatever he pleased. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOur God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. World English Bible But our God is in the heavens. He does whatever he pleases. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd our God [is] in the heavens, "" All that He has pleased He has done. Young's Literal Translation And our God is in the heavens, All that He hath pleased He hath done. Smith's Literal Translation And our God is in the heavens; did all that he delighted in. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut our God is in heaven: he hath done all things whatsoever he would. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Our God is in heaven and does whatever he wills. New Revised Standard Version Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut our God is in the heavens; he has done whatever he pleased. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Our God is in Heaven and he has done all that he pleased. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But our God is in the heavens; Whatsoever pleased Him He hath done. Brenton Septuagint Translation But our God has done in heaven and on earth, whatsoever he has pleased. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context To Your Name Be the Glory…2Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases. 4Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.… Cross References Daniel 4:35 All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” Isaiah 46:10 I declare the end from the beginning, and from ancient times what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ Job 42:2 “I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted. Isaiah 14:24 The LORD of Hosts has sworn: “Surely, as I have planned, so will it be; as I have purposed, so will it stand. Ephesians 1:11 In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will, Proverbs 19:21 Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail. Isaiah 55:11 so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. Romans 9:19-21 One of you will say to me, “Then why does God still find fault? For who can resist His will?” / But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” / Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Jeremiah 32:17 “Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You! Isaiah 40:13-14 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, or informed Him as His counselor? / Whom did He consult to enlighten Him, and who taught Him the paths of justice? Who imparted knowledge to Him and showed Him the way of understanding? Psalm 135:6 The LORD does all that pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and in all their depths. Genesis 18:14 Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” Luke 1:37 For no word from God will ever fail.” Acts 17:24-25 The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. / Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. Treasury of Scripture But our God is in the heavens: he has done whatever he has pleased. but our Psalm 2:4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision. Psalm 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him. Psalm 123:1 A Song of degrees. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. he hath Psalm 135:6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, that did he in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places. Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Daniel 4:35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? Jump to Previous Heaven Heavens Pleased Pleases Pleasing Whatever WhatsoeverJump to Next Heaven Heavens Pleased Pleases Pleasing Whatever WhatsoeverPsalm 115 1. Because God is truly glorious4. And idols are vanity 9. He exhorts to confidence in God 12. God is to be blessed for his blessing Our God is in heaven; This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty and transcendence of God. In biblical context, heaven is often depicted as the dwelling place of God, signifying His authority and power over all creation. The idea of God being in heaven contrasts with the idols mentioned earlier in the psalm, which are earthly and powerless. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of divine hierarchy, where the gods were often associated with specific locations or natural phenomena. The biblical portrayal of God as being in heaven underscores His supremacy and independence from the physical world. This concept is echoed in other scriptures, such as Isaiah 66:1, where God declares, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool," highlighting His dominion over all. He does as He pleases. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, emphasizing His sovereignty and authority over all creation. 2. Heaven The dwelling place of God, symbolizing His transcendence and supreme power. 3. Psalmist The author of the psalm, traditionally attributed to the community of Israel, expressing trust and confidence in God's sovereignty. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of all things, and His plans are perfect and unchangeable. Trust in God's wisdom and timing, even when circumstances are challenging or unclear. Heavenly Perspective Understand that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His perspective is eternal. Seek to align our desires and actions with God's will, as revealed in Scripture. Faith and Trust Develop a deeper faith in God's ability to accomplish His purposes, regardless of human limitations. Encourage others to find peace and assurance in God's sovereign rule over their lives. Prayer and Submission Approach prayer with a heart of submission, seeking God's will above our own desires. Use prayer as a means to align our hearts with God's purposes and to seek His guidance. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 115:3?2. How does Psalm 115:3 affirm God's sovereignty in our daily lives? 3. What does "He does as He pleases" reveal about God's authority? 4. How can Psalm 115:3 strengthen our trust in God's plans? 5. Connect Psalm 115:3 with Romans 8:28 regarding God's will and purpose. 6. How should God's sovereignty in Psalm 115:3 influence our prayer life? 7. How does Psalm 115:3 affirm God's sovereignty over human affairs? 8. Why does Psalm 115:3 emphasize God's ability to do as He pleases? 9. How does Psalm 115:3 challenge the concept of free will? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 115? 11. Is Calvinism considered heretical by some Christians? 12. What does "God is in control" mean? 13. What is the permissive will of God? 14. Is God in complete control? What Does Psalm 115:3 Mean Our God- The psalmist begins with ownership and relationship: “Our God.” • He is not an impersonal force but the God who called Israel His own (Exodus 3:15). • By saying “our,” the faithful confess loyalty that excludes idols (Joshua 24:15; 1 Kings 18:21). • This declaration anchors every other truth in the Psalm—He is ours, and we are His (Psalm 100:3). Is in heaven - Location reveals authority. • Heaven is God’s throne (Isaiah 66:1), far above the schemes of earth (Psalm 2:4). • Jesus teaches us to pray, “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9), rooting confidence in His exalted position. • Because He reigns from heaven, nothing escapes His sight or His rule (2 Chronicles 16:9; Hebrews 4:13). He does - God is active, not passive. • Psalm 135:6 echoes, “The LORD does whatever pleases Him, in the heavens and on the earth.” • Daniel 4:35 records that no one can stay His hand; His deeds shape kingdoms and hearts alike. • History is the unfolding of His purposeful works (Ephesians 1:11; Proverbs 19:21). As He pleases - Final word on His sovereignty. • His pleasure is always righteous; His character forbids evil (Habakkuk 1:13; James 1:17). • Isaiah 46:10—He declares the end from the beginning and accomplishes all His good pleasure. • Job 42:2 affirms no plan of His can be thwarted, bringing comfort to believers and warning to rebels (Romans 9:18-21). summary Psalm 115:3 packs a universe of theology into one verse: the God who belongs to His people reigns from heaven, acts decisively, and accomplishes all He wills. Because He is both ours and sovereign, we rest in His power, trust His purposes, and reject every rival claim to authority. Verse 3. - But - rather, and - as though he would say, "and all the while, as the heathen scorn and question" - our God is in the heavens; in his place, where he always is, watching over us. He hath done what soever he hath pleased. He has the will to help us, and he has the power to do whatsoever he pleases.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Our Godוֵֽאלֹהֵ֥ינוּ (wê·lō·hê·nū) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative is in heaven בַשָּׁמָ֑יִם (ḇaš·šā·mā·yim) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8064: Heaven, sky and does עָשָֽׂה׃ (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make as כֹּ֭ל (kōl) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every He pleases. חָפֵ֣ץ (ḥā·p̄êṣ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire Links Psalm 115:3 NIVPsalm 115:3 NLT Psalm 115:3 ESV Psalm 115:3 NASB Psalm 115:3 KJV Psalm 115:3 BibleApps.com Psalm 115:3 Biblia Paralela Psalm 115:3 Chinese Bible Psalm 115:3 French Bible Psalm 115:3 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 115:3 But our God is in the heavens (Psalm Ps Psa.) |