And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

PSALMS 107:22KJV
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Psalms 107:22 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:22 mean?

Psalms 107:22 calls on people to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and to joyfully tell others about what God has done. The verse highlights the importance of both grateful worship and openly celebrating God’s actions.

This verse is part of a psalm where the writer encourages those who have experienced God’s help to respond with thanks. The speaker is addressing the community of Israel, urging them to show gratitude not just privately but also through public acts and joyful storytelling about God’s works. The setting is one of reflection on deliverance and the right response to God’s kindness.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:22

  • The word for “sacrifice” (זָבַח, zavach) and “sacrifices” (זֶבַח, zevach) both refer to ritual offerings, but here they are specifically linked to gratitude rather than atonement or obligation.
  • “Thanksgiving” (תּוֹדָה, todah) means an offering or expression of thanks, often involving both words and actions. It points to a heartfelt response, not just a ritual.
  • “Declare” (סָפַר, saphar) means to recount or tell openly, emphasizing that God’s deeds should be shared out loud, not kept private.
  • “Works” (מַעֲשֶׂה, ma’aseh) refers to God’s deeds or actions, focusing attention on specific things God has done for the people.
  • “Rejoicing” (רִנָּה, rinah) means joyful shouting or singing, underlining that this declaration should be done with real gladness, not just as a duty.

Why Psalms 107:22 matters

  • This verse clarifies that thanksgiving in ancient Israel was more than a feeling—it involved visible, joyful actions and public storytelling.
  • The emphasis on “sacrifices of thanksgiving” shows that gratitude was seen as a proper and even necessary response to God’s help, not just a private emotion.
  • By calling for rejoicing, the verse connects thankfulness with celebration, showing that God’s works are meant to be shared in community, not kept to oneself.

Where else these words appear

“thanksgiving” Hebrew H8426 · used in 30 verses

  • Leviticus 7:12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
  • Nehemiah 12:31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:
  • Psalms 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.

“rejoicing” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

“sacrifice” Hebrew H2076 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 31:54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
  • 1 Samuel 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:16 And after them out of all the tribes of Israel such as set their hearts to seek the LORD God of Israel came to Jerusalem, to sacrifice unto the LORD God of their fathers.