What does "God is Great" mean?

Definition and Core Significance

To say “God is Great” encompasses the totality of the Almighty’s attributes, character, and authority. It is an affirmation that the Creator transcends all limitations and displays power, goodness, love, and holiness without measure.

In the Berean Standard Bible, we read, “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable” (Psalm 145:3). This unsearchable greatness implies that, although we can understand aspects of God’s power and character, His fullness extends beyond human comprehension. It expresses not only His unmatched authority but also His boundless worthiness of our honor and trust.

Biblical Foundations of God’s Greatness

The phrase “God is Great” appears in different forms throughout Scripture. Passages such as Deuteronomy 10:17—“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God…”—emphasize His supreme power and unique position over all creation. Similarly, Nehemiah 9:32 speaks of “our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God,” underscoring both His boundless power and His covenantal faithfulness.

From a broad scriptural perspective, God’s greatness can be contemplated through:

• His sovereignty and omnipotence in creation (Genesis 1:1)

• His righteous rule throughout history (Psalm 93:1-2)

• His redemption of humankind (John 3:16)

• His eternal kingship (Revelation 19:6)

Each of these examples points to a consistent scriptural portrait of God as higher, stronger, and holier than human beings or any other entity in existence.

God’s Greatness in Creation

Scripture begins by declaring, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This act is foundational to the claim that God’s glory and greatness are displayed in all we see around us. If He fashioned the universe, He has inherent authority over it.

Many believers propose that geological and scientific observations support a designed, finely-tuned universe. For instance, the precision of universal constants such as gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear forces can be cited as evidence that the cosmos is not a product of random chance but the result of intentional design and order. The Cambrian Explosion in the fossil record, with its sudden proliferation of complex life forms, is frequently highlighted as suggestive of purposeful creation. Such observations align with Romans 1:20, stating that God’s “invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen…so that men are without excuse.”

God’s Greatness in His Nature and Attributes

1. Omnipotence (All-Powerful)

“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made” (Psalm 33:6). Nothing is too difficult for Him (Jeremiah 32:17). This creative power underlines that God’s might surpasses all other strengths.

2. Omniscience (All-Knowing)

God’s knowledge encompasses every detail of the universe. Psalm 147:5 reads, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.” His greatness includes awareness of every thought, intention, and event.

3. Omnipresence (Everywhere Present)

There is no place where God is not (Psalm 139:7-10). His greatness means He is present to rule, comfort, convict, and guide wherever we are.

4. Holiness and Righteousness

God’s greatness is also moral perfection. “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth” (Isaiah 6:3). This purity expresses a moral greatness that underscores His commands and standards.

5. Love and Compassion

The greatness of God’s character extends to His vast capacity for love. “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and this love motivated His plan of salvation for humanity. Such love blends perfectly with His holiness.

God’s Greatness Displayed in Character and Revelation

Through the Scriptures, God reveals Himself with covenant promises and signs, from the rescue of Israel out of Egypt to miraculous provision in times of crisis. Archaeological finds such as the Merneptah Stele, which references Israel as a distinct people group in Canaan, lend historical weight to biblical narratives. Ancient manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls also defend the authenticity of the biblical message, preserving texts remarkably close to our modern translations, demonstrating reliability over time.

God’s greatness in revelation includes both the Old and New Testaments, culminating in the person of Christ, “the exact representation of His nature” (Hebrews 1:3). By sending His Son to dwell among us (John 1:14), God displayed His character in a way humanity can understand—revealing Himself as both just and merciful.

God’s Greatness in Redemption and Salvation

In Christian teaching, the ultimate demonstration of God’s greatness is the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The claim is that through His victory over death, God’s power to save and redeem is proven beyond any earthly boundary. Historical arguments, such as the accounts recorded by the apostles who claimed to have seen the risen Christ, are further bolstered by early preaching in Jerusalem—geographically and chronologically close to the event. This convergence of testimony and transformed lives, from Paul’s conversion in Acts to the consistent message of the early church, asserts that only a truly great God could effect and sustain such a powerful outcome.

Response to God’s Greatness

Because God is great, Scripture calls people to trust, worship, and live in reverential awe of Him. Psalm 31:19 declares, “How abundant is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You.” A fitting response includes:

• Worship and Praise: Bowing before Him in prayer and song (Psalm 95:6).

• Obedience: Aligning our lives with His commands, recognizing that His ways are higher.

• Trust in Hardships: Confidence in His reliability and power even in adversity (Psalm 46:1-2).

• Proclamation: Sharing the message of His greatness and the hope of salvation with others (Matthew 28:19).

Practical Implications of Believing “God is Great”

When we accept that God is truly great, it shapes our understanding of life’s purpose. We live for His glory, recognizing that every achievement or blessing is an outworking of His grace and might.

Believing in His greatness also provides a framework for ethical living. Knowing that a morally perfect Creator oversees the universe helps shape an individual’s morals, choices, and relationships. It introduces accountability while offering comfort that suffering and hardship are neither meaningless nor outside the realm of His sovereign care.

Lastly, embracing God’s greatness fosters humility. As the prophet Micah states, we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). A humble life acknowledges both our dependence on Him and our call to reflect His character to others.

Conclusion

In Scripture and in practice, the declaration “God is Great” lays the cornerstone for understanding His nature, works, and salvation plan. It is a phrase that resounds through biblical narratives, historical evidence, and personal experiences of faith. Each time we declare it, we join a chorus that spans centuries, affirming that the Author of creation, Redeemer of souls, and Ruler of history is worthy of our devotion, trust, and adoration.

As we continue to learn from the biblical record, archaeological findings, and personal testimonies, the depth of God’s greatness becomes increasingly clear and profoundly life-changing. May this hope inspire reflective worship, steadfast submission, and eager proclamation: truly, God is great.