Psalms 107:31 (KJV)

What does Psalms 107:31 mean?

Psalms 107:31 is a call for people to thank and praise the LORD for his kindness and the amazing things he does for humanity. The verse urges everyone to recognize and speak out about God's goodness and his acts that benefit all people.

This verse comes from a psalm where the writer, likely addressing the people of Israel, repeatedly encourages public praise for God's help and rescue in difficult situations. The focus is on God's consistent care and the importance of not taking his generosity and powerful actions for granted.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 107:31

• "praise" (יָדָה, yadah): This word means to give thanks or confess, often with the sense of public acknowledgment. The verse is not just about private gratitude but about openly declaring God's goodness.
• "goodness" (חֶסֶד, chesed): This word is often translated as steadfast love, mercy, or lovingkindness. It highlights God's loyal and faithful love, which is a central theme throughout the psalm.
• "works" (פָּלָא, pala): This word refers to things that are extraordinary or wonderful, emphasizing that God's actions are not ordinary but truly remarkable.

Why Psalms 107:31 matters

• The verse repeats a chorus found several times in this psalm, showing that gratitude for God's help is meant to be a regular, shared response, not a one-time event.
• The use of "children of men" broadens the focus beyond Israel, suggesting that God's goodness and wonderful works are for all humanity, not just one group.
• The verse helps clarify that true praise involves both recognizing God's character (his "goodness") and his actions ("wonderful works"), inviting people to remember both who God is and what he does.