Psalms 118:3
Psalms 118:3 in Multiple Translations
Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
Let the house of Aaron now say, That his lovingkindness endureth for ever.
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy is unchanging for ever.
Let Aaron's descendants say, “His trustworthy love lasts forever.”
Let the house of Aaron nowe say, That his mercy endureth for euer.
I pray you, let the house of Aaron say, That, to the age [is] His kindness.
Let the house of Aaron now say that his loving kindness endures forever.
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
For they that work iniquity, have not walked in his ways.
You priests who are descendants of Aaron should repeatedly shout, “He faithfully loves us, his people, forever!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 118:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 118:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֹֽאמְרוּ
נָ֥א
בֵֽית
אַהֲרֹ֑ן
כִּ֖י
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
יֹֽאמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
בֵֽית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
אַהֲרֹ֑ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
Aaron
N-proper
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 118:3
יֹֽאמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Juss-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
נָ֥א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
בֵֽית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אַהֲרֹ֑ן
ʼAhărôwn
H175
"Aaron"
N-proper
Aaron was the brother of Moses and the first high priest of the Israelites. He was a leader in the Exodus from Egypt and played a key role in the early history of the Israelites. His story is told in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.4.14; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Moses (H4872) and Miriam (H4813); married to Elisheba (H0472); father of: Nadab (H5070), Abihu (H0030), Eleazar (H0499) and Ithamar (H0385) Also named: Aarōn (Ἀαρών "Aaron" G0002) § Aaron = "light bringer" brother of Moses, a Levite and the first high priest
Usage: Occurs in 328 OT verses. KJV: Aaron. See also: Exodus 4:14; Exodus 34:31; Numbers 3:39.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 118:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 118:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
- Sermons on Psalms 118:3
Context — The LORD Is on My Side
1Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.
2Let Israel say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”
3Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”
4Let those who fear the LORD say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” 5In my distress I called to the LORD, and He answered and set me free.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 134:1–3 | Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD! May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion. |
| 2 | 1 Peter 2:5 | you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. |
| 3 | Revelation 4:7–11 | The first living creature was like a lion, the second like a calf, the third had a face like a man, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. And each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around and within. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” And whenever the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to the One seated on the throne who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated on the throne, and they worship Him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying: “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and came to be.” |
| 4 | Revelation 5:8–10 | When He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song: “Worthy are You to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” |
| 5 | Revelation 1:6 | who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen. |
Psalms 118:3 Summary
[This verse is calling the house of Aaron, the priestly family, to declare that God's loving devotion will last forever. This is a powerful reminder that God is always faithful and committed to His people, just as He was to the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:2-5. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's loving devotion and sharing our experiences of His faithfulness with others, as encouraged in Psalms 107:2 and Hebrews 10:24-25. By doing so, we can encourage and strengthen one another in our walk with God.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the house of Aaron in Psalms 118:3?
The house of Aaron refers to the priestly family of Aaron, who was appointed by God to serve as high priest in Exodus 4:14 and Leviticus 8:12. As priests, they played a crucial role in Israel's worship and spiritual life, and their testimony of God's loving devotion would have carried significant weight.
What does 'His loving devotion endures forever' mean in this context?
This phrase, also found in Psalms 118:1-2 and Psalms 118:4, emphasizes God's eternal and unwavering commitment to His people, much like His promise to Abraham in Genesis 17:7 and His faithfulness to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Why is it significant that the house of Aaron is specifically called to declare God's loving devotion?
As the priestly family, the house of Aaron would have been intimately familiar with God's covenant promises and commands, such as those found in Exodus 19:5-6 and Numbers 25:12-13. Their declaration of God's loving devotion serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness to His people, and encourages others to trust in Him.
How can I apply this verse to my own life?
Just as the house of Aaron was called to declare God's loving devotion, we too can share our own experiences of God's faithfulness with others, as seen in Psalms 107:2 and Isaiah 43:21. By doing so, we can encourage and strengthen one another in our walk with God, and fulfill the command to 'give thanks to the LORD' found in Psalms 107:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have experienced God's loving devotion in my own life, and how can I share those experiences with others?
- How does the fact that God's loving devotion 'endures forever' impact my perspective on current challenges or difficulties?
- In what ways can I, like the house of Aaron, serve as a spiritual leader or example to others, and declare God's loving devotion to those around me?
- What are some specific ways I can 'give thanks to the LORD' and express my gratitude for His loving devotion, as commanded in Psalms 107:1 and Psalms 118:1?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:3
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:3
Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel ... the house of Aaron ... them now that fear the Lord, say ... The same division as in Psalms 115:9-11, where see note. Compare Psalms 100:4-5.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
The priests and Levites, who were greatly discouraged and oppressed in Saul’ s time, and shall receive great benefits by my government.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
Psalms 118:3 Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever.Ver. 3. Let the house of Aaron now say] Ministers are chieftains, Hebrews 13:7; Hebrews 13:17, and should be as the chief chanters in God’ s praises.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
(1-4) Comp. Psalms 115:9-13, where a similar choral arrangement is found.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
Verse 3. The house of Aaron] The priesthood is still preserved, and the temple worship restored.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:3
1–4. An introductory call to all Israel to join in praising Jehovah for His unfailing goodness.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:3
Let the house of Aaron now say ... - Compare Psalms 115:10. The ministers of religion. They are appointed to serve God; to lead in his worship; to defend his truth; to keep up faith in the truth of religion.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:3
1-4. In this introduction, or joyful call upon all to join in the praises of God, the same enumeration of “Israel,” “the house of Aaron,” and “those who fear God,” is made as in Psalms 115:11, which see.
Sermons on Psalms 118:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.3 & 4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the potter and the clay from the book of Jeremiah. The speaker emphasizes that God does not give up on us even when we fail to re |
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Psalm 134 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the exhortation for the ministers of the sanctuary to bless the Lord, with blessings invoked on the speaker in response. Public worship is emphasized as a |
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Exposition on Psalm 135 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of praising the Lord, highlighting the goodness of God and the privilege of serving Him. He emphasizes the need for gratitude, acknowledgin |
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Standing Firm in the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the Lord, using the imagery of the Tabernacle's boards made of acacia wood that remained standing even when stripped |
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Worship in the Night by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the profound blessing of worshiping God in times of darkness and sorrow, emphasizing that true faith is tested and revealed in the midst of challen |
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Training Below for Service Above, Part 1 by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the eternal life believers will have with the Lord, walking in white as worthy servants in His temple. She emphasizes that the Blessed will serv |
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Jude #6 - Cain, Balaam and Korah by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward degeneration of individuals who profess to be Christians but do not bear fruit. He uses poetic language to describe this degenera |