For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

PSALMS 117:2KJV
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Psalms 117:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 117:2 mean?

Psalms 117:2 says that God’s merciful kindness toward people is immense, and that God’s truth lasts forever, so everyone should praise Him. The verse highlights both God’s steadfast love and the enduring reliability of what He says and does.

In this psalm, the writer is calling all people to recognize how great God’s kindness (often understood as His loyal love) is, and to see that God’s truth or faithfulness never ends. This short psalm is directed broadly, not just to Israel, but to everyone, inviting all to join in praising God for these unchanging qualities.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 117:2

  • חֶסֶד (chesed, transliterated as ḥesed; tagged as H2617): This word is often translated as “merciful kindness” or “steadfast love.” It carries the sense of loyal, covenant love—God’s deep commitment to His people. The verse emphasizes that this love is “great” toward us.
  • גָּבַר (gavar, transliterated as gāvar; tagged as H1396): Translated here as “great,” this word means to be strong or mighty. The verse is saying God’s kindness is not just present, but overwhelmingly strong.
  • אֱמֶת (emet, transliterated as ’emet; tagged as H571): Translated as “truth,” this word also means faithfulness or reliability. The verse is stressing that God’s truth or faithfulness is something that never fails or fades.
  • יָהּ (Yah, transliterated as Yah; tagged as H3050): This is a shortened form of God’s name, used in the phrase “Praise ye the LORD” (Hallelujah). It’s a direct call to praise the God of Israel.

Why Psalms 117:2 matters

  • Psalms 117:2 makes clear that God’s kindness and faithfulness are not just for one group but are reasons for all people to praise Him, connecting to the universal call in the whole psalm.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s love is not weak or fleeting; it is strong and enduring, which can correct the idea that God’s care is limited or conditional.
  • By pairing God’s “merciful kindness” with His “truth,” the verse shows that God’s love and His reliability go hand in hand, giving a fuller picture of why He is worthy of praise.

Where else these words appear

“great” Hebrew H1396 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 7:18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
  • 2 Samuel 1:23 Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their death they were not divided: they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions.
  • Psalms 103:11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

“LORD” Hebrew H3050 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
  • Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

“truth” Hebrew H571 · used in 125 verses

  • Genesis 24:27 And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.
  • Psalms 26:3 For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.
  • Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

“Praise” Hebrew H1984 · used in 140 verses

  • Genesis 12:15 The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh's house.
  • Psalms 63:5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips:
  • Psalms 148:3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.