Psalms 116:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 116:17 mean?

Psalms 116:17 describes the psalmist’s intention to give God a “sacrifice of thanksgiving” and to publicly call on God’s name in gratitude. The verse expresses a personal commitment to honor God with thankful worship and to openly acknowledge God’s help.

The speaker in Psalms 116 is someone who has experienced deliverance from trouble and is responding with gratitude. The “sacrifice of thanksgiving” refers to an offering made to God, not out of obligation, but from a thankful heart. Calling on the name of the LORD means openly recognizing and praising God’s character and actions, especially in the context of the community.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 116:17

• “sacrifice” (זֶבַח, zevach): This word refers to an animal or grain offering, but here it is paired with thanksgiving, showing the focus is on gratitude rather than ritual.
• “thanksgiving” (תּוֹדָה, todah): This means an expression of thanks or praise, often in the form of a song or spoken testimony, highlighting the psalmist’s heartfelt response.
• “call” (קָרָא, qara): This means to call out or proclaim, emphasizing that the psalmist’s gratitude is not private but meant to be shared or declared.
• “name” (שֵׁם, shem): In Hebrew thought, “name” represents character and reputation, so calling on God’s name means acknowledging who God is and what God has done.
• “LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, underscoring the psalmist’s direct and personal relationship with God.

Why Psalms 116:17 matters

• The verse clarifies that true worship involves both gratitude and public acknowledgment of God, not just ritual acts.
• It shows that the psalmist’s response to God’s help is both personal (thanksgiving) and communal (calling on God’s name before others).
• This verse ties into the wider psalm, which is a testimony of deliverance, by showing that gratitude naturally leads to open praise and witness.