Psalms 107:1

What does Psalms 107:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 107:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 107:1 means

This verse is a direct call to worship, urging the audience to express gratitude to Yahweh, the covenantal name of God. The primary reason for this thanksgiving is twofold: His inherent goodness and His enduring loving kindness, also translated as "steadfast love" or "mercy." "Goodness" speaks to God's character as beneficent, providing all that is right and beneficial. "Loving kindness" (Hebrew: *hesed*) refers to God's loyal, faithful, and compassionate love, especially within the context of His covenant relationship with His people. The phrase "endures forever" emphasizes the eternal and unwavering nature of these divine attributes, providing a perpetual basis for praise and trust.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

O give praise to the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`Give ye thanks to Jehovah, For good, for to the age <FI>is<Fi> His kindness:'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

A canticle of a psalm for David himself.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Give ye thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; for his loving-kindness [endureth] for ever.

Context

Psalm 107 largely focuses on God's steadfast love and redemptive power, particularly as experienced by those in various forms of distress. This opening verse serves as a foundational exhortation, setting the tone for the entire psalm. It invites the reader or worshiper to acknowledge God's unchanging character before the psalm goes on to detail specific instances of His deliverance. The subsequent verses illustrate this *hesed* by recounting the experiences of wanderers, prisoners, the sick, and those in storms, all of whom cry out to God and are delivered. Thus, verse 1 is a thematic overture, introducing the consistent divine attribute that will be demonstrated throughout the chapter.

v.1This passage

v.2Let the redeemed of Jehovah sayso, Whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the adversary,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Psalms 100:5

    For Jehovah is good; his lovingkindness endureth for ever, And his faithfulness unto all generations.

  • Matthew 19:17

    And he said unto him, Why askest thou me concerning that which is good? One there is who is good: but if thou wouldest enter into life, keep the commandments.

  • Luke 1:50

    And his mercy is unto generations and generations On them that fear him.

  • Psalms 105:1

    Oh give thanks unto Jehovah, call upon his name; Make known among the peoples his doings.

  • Psalms 103:17

    But the lovingkindness of Jehovah is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, And his righteousness unto children’s children;

  • Psalms 106:1

    Praise ye Jehovah. Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

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