Psalms 136:1
Psalms 136:1 in Multiple Translations
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.
O give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
Thank the Lord, because he is good! For his trustworthy love lasts forever.
Praise ye the Lord, because he is good: for his mercie endureth for euer.
Give ye thanks to Jehovah, For good, for to the age [is] His kindness.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
O give thanks to the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Upon the rivers of Babylon, there we sat and wept: when we remembered Sion:
Thank Yahweh, because he does good things for us; his faithful love for us endures forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 136:1
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 136:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הוֹד֣וּ
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
כִּי
ט֑וֹב
כִּ֖י
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
הוֹד֣וּ
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 136:1
הוֹד֣וּ
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
לַ/יהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
כִּי
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.
ט֑וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
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 136:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 136:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:1
- Sermons on Psalms 136:1
Context — His Loving Devotion Endures Forever
1Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.
2Give thanks to the God of gods. His loving devotion endures forever. 3Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His loving devotion endures forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 16:34 | Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 2 | Psalms 118:1 | Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 16:41 | With them were Heman, Jeduthun, and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, for “His loving devotion endures forever.” |
| 4 | Psalms 107:1 | Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 5 | Psalms 106:1 | Hallelujah! Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 6 | 2 Chronicles 20:21 | Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 7:3 | When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the LORD above the temple, they bowed down on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD: “For He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” |
| 8 | Ezra 3:11 | And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid. |
| 9 | Luke 1:50 | His mercy extends to those who fear Him, from generation to generation. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 33:11 | the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those bringing thank offerings into the house of the LORD, saying: ‘Give thanks to the LORD of Hosts, for the LORD is good; His loving devotion endures forever.’ For I will restore the land from captivity as in former times, says the LORD. |
Psalms 136:1 Summary
[This verse is saying that we should thank God because He is good and loves us very much. His love for us will never end, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3. We can trust Him and be thankful for all the good things He does in our lives, even when things are hard, because we know He is working everything together for our good, as seen in Romans 8:28. By giving thanks to God, we are expressing our love and gratitude towards Him, and that's what this verse is all about.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is good?
The goodness of God refers to His perfect character, which is full of love, mercy, and kindness, as seen in Psalms 103:8, where it says God is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.
How does God's loving devotion endure forever?
God's loving devotion endures forever because He is an eternal God, as stated in Psalms 90:2, and His love for us is not limited by time or circumstances, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3, where it says God has loved us with an everlasting love.
Why should we give thanks to the Lord?
We should give thanks to the Lord because of His goodness and loving devotion towards us, as stated in Psalms 136:1, and also because it is a way to express our gratitude and worship to Him, as seen in Psalms 100:4-5, where it says we enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
We can apply this verse to our daily lives by making thanksgiving a habit, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, where it says we should give thanks in every circumstance, and by trusting in God's loving devotion towards us, even in difficult times, as seen in Romans 8:28, where it says God works all things together for our good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can express my gratitude to God for His goodness in my life?
- How does the fact that God's loving devotion endures forever impact my trust in Him during difficult times?
- What are some circumstances in my life where I can choose to give thanks to God, even when it's hard?
- How can I make thanksgiving a regular part of my daily prayer life, as seen in Psalms 136:1?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's loving devotion, and how can I apply that trust to my everyday life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:1
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he [is] good,.... In himself, and to all his creatures; and especially to his chosen people, who therefore should give thanks to him daily in the name of Christ, for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:1
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Psalms 136:1-26.-The repetition "for His mercy endureth forever" is the pervading idea.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:1
Psalms 136:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.Ver. 1. O give thanks unto the Lord] This psalm is by the Jews called Hillel gadol, the great gratulatory. See Psalms 106:1; Psalms 107:1; Psalms 118:1. For his mercy endureth for ever] His covenant mercy, that precious Church privilege; this is perpetual to his people, and should perpetually shine as a picture in our hearts. For which purpose this psalm was appointed to be daily sung in the old church, by the Levites, 1 Chronicles 16:41.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:1
PSALM CXXXVI An exhortation to give thanks to God for various mercies granted to all men, 1-9; particularly to the Israelites in Egypt, 10-12; at the Red Sea, 13-15; in the wilderness, 16-20; and in the promised land, 21, 22; for the redemption of the captives from Babylon, 23, 24; and for his providential mercies to all, 25, 26. NOTES ON PSALM CXXXVI This Psalm is little else than a repetition of the preceding, with the burden, כי לעולם חסדו ki leolam chasdo, "because his mercy endureth for ever," at the end of every verse. See below. It seems to have been a responsive song: the first part of the verse sung by the Levites, the burden by the people. It has no title in the Hebrew, nor in any of the Versions. It was doubtless written after the captivity. The author is unknown. Verse 1. O give thanks unto the Lord: for he is good] This sentiment often occurs: the goodness of the Divine nature, both as a ground of confidence and of thanksgiving. For his mercy endureth for ever] These words, which are the burden of every verse, כי לעולם חסדו ki leolam chasdo, might be translated: "For his tender mercy is to the coming age:" meaning, probably, if the Psalm be prophetic, that peculiar display of his compassion, the redemption of the world by the Lord Jesus.
These very words were prescribed by David as an acknowledgment, to be used continually in the Divine worship, see 1 Chronicles 16:41: also by Solomon, 2 Chronicles 7:3; 2 Chronicles 7:6, and observed by Jehoshaphat, 2 Chronicles 20:21; all acknowledging that, however rich in mercy God was to them, the most extensive displays of his goodness were reserved for the age to come; see 1 Peter 1:10-12: "Of which salvation the prophets have inquired, and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, - unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us, they did minister the things which are now reported unto you by them that preached the Gospel unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven," &c.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:1
1–3. A call to thanksgiving.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:1
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good - This whole verse is the same as Psalms 106:1, except that that is introduced by a Hallelujah. See the notes at that verse.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:1
1. A common and favourite form of praise. Psalms 118:1. For his mercy endureth for ever—A popular refrain, probably given by the congregation. See above in introduction.
Sermons on Psalms 136:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 2): God's Abundant Mercy by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a man who wanted to look presentable before going to a fine place. However, he was rejected because the artist wanted him as he wa |
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Faith in Perfection by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the importance of the cross as the watchword for believers. It emphasizes that the strength in battle and the boast in victory come from the cross. |
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The Secret to Prayer by Jon Courson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and parading to His will. He references a story from the Bible where King Jehoshaphat and his people faced a g |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 136-150 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the greatness of God and His infinite understanding. He emphasizes the idea of exalting the meek and encourages singing praises to the Lord wi |
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Gwh-Ladies Missionary Seminar-1985 Verses to Cope With Crises by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark chapter 4, verses 35 to 41. He emphasizes that it is common for believers to feel like their bo |
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Give Thanksgiving to God Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith teaches on the importance of giving thanks to God. He begins by discussing Psalm 136, which is an antiphonal Psalm meant to be sung back and fort |
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Praying for Revival by Byron Paulus | In this sermon, the speaker shares two stories that illustrate the power of obedience and surrender to God. The first story is about a man who noticed a police car stationed at the |