Psalms 100:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 100:5 mean?

Psalms 100:5 gives the reason for the thanks offered to the LORD: his goodness and mercy are not temporary, and his truth remains dependable for people in every generation. The verse grounds the singers’ praise in what the LORD is like.

The word “For” connects this reason to the call to give thanks in verse 4. The psalm’s singers speak to those gathered to praise, ending with a statement about the LORD that reaches beyond their own time.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 100:5

• “mercy” — חֶסֶד (ḥesed): This word often means steadfast love or loyal kindness. Here it describes a lasting kindness, not merely a feeling of pity.
• “truth” — אֱמוּנָה (ʾemunah): This word can carry the sense of faithfulness or reliability. In this verse, “truth” points to the LORD’s dependability across generations.
• “everlasting” — עוֹלָם (ʿolam): This word can describe a very long duration or time without a foreseeable end. Here it gives the LORD’s mercy an enduring reach.

Why Psalms 100:5 matters

• The verse gives praise a stated reason rather than leaving it unexplained. “For the LORD is good” answers the call to thank him just before it.
• The verse joins goodness with enduring mercy and truth. Its three descriptions present the LORD’s character as the basis for the words of thanks.
• The final phrase widens the time frame beyond the first singers. “To all generations” includes people who would come after those who first sang the psalm.