O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
PSALMS 118:29KJVWhat does Psalms 118:29 mean?
Psalms 118:29 calls people to thank the LORD because He is good, and His mercy lasts forever. The verse highlights gratitude toward God, focusing on His unchanging kindness and faithful love.
The verse is part of a song or prayer, likely spoken by a worship leader or the people of Israel, encouraging everyone to praise God together. The phrase “his mercy endureth for ever” repeats a key theme in this psalm, reminding the community that God’s loyal love and goodness are constant, no matter the circumstances.
The Hebrew behind Psalms 118:29
- thanks (יָדָה, yadah): This word means to give thanks, praise, or confess. In this verse, it is a call for open, public gratitude, not just a private feeling.
- LORD (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a relationship with the God of Israel rather than a general deity.
- good (טוֹב, tov): This word means good, pleasant, or beneficial. It highlights God’s character as generous and trustworthy.
- mercy (חֶסֶד, chesed): Often translated as “steadfast love” or “lovingkindness,” this word points to God’s loyal, covenant love—a love that is reliable and enduring.
- ever (עוֹלָם, olam): This word means forever or everlasting. It stresses that God’s mercy is not temporary but continues without end.
Why Psalms 118:29 matters
- The verse clears up any idea that God’s kindness is limited or conditional; it stresses that God’s mercy is ongoing and dependable.
- Psalms 118:29 serves as both the conclusion and a repeated refrain in the psalm, showing that gratitude and recognition of God’s goodness are central themes.
- The verse connects personal and communal worship, inviting everyone to join in giving thanks, and reminding the people that God’s faithful love is a reason for continual praise.