King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
¶ O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
Complete Jewish Bible:
Give thanks to ADONAI, for he is good, for his grace continues forever.
Berean Standard Bible:
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.
American Standard Version:
Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
O give thanks{H3034} unto the LORD{H3068}; for he is good{H2896}: for his mercy{H2617} endureth for ever{H5769}.
Cross-References (KJV):
1 Chronicles 16:34
- O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
Psalms 118:1
- ¶ O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: because his mercy [endureth] for ever.
1 Chronicles 16:41
- And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever;
Psalms 106:1
- ¶ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
2 Chronicles 20:21
- And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
Psalms 107:1
- ¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
2 Chronicles 7:3
- And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
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Commentary for Psalms 136:1
Psalm 136:1 is the opening verse of a psalm that is often referred to as "The Great Hallel," which is a collection of psalms (135-136) traditionally chanted during Jewish festivals, particularly at Passover. This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, which is a call to give thanks to God, emphasizing His goodness and everlasting mercy.
The theme of Psalm 136 revolves around the steadfast love and faithfulness of the Lord, which is a central concept in Jewish theology known as "chesed." This term conveys a sense of God's loyal love, kindness, and mercy that is unfailing and eternal. Each verse of the psalm concludes with the refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," underscoring the perpetual nature of God's loving-kindness.
Historically, this psalm likely dates back to the post-exilic period, after the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity, as it reflects a time of restoration and gratitude for God's deliverance and provision. It is a communal expression of thanksgiving, acknowledging God's role in creation, redemption, and sustenance. The repeated refrain would have served as a powerful liturgical response, reinforcing the collective memory of God's enduring mercy and encouraging the people to respond with praise and thanksgiving.
In summary, Psalm 136:1 invites the worshipper to offer thanks to God for His inherent goodness and, most notably, for His mercy that persists indefinitely. This verse serves as a foundational statement that resonates throughout the psalm and reflects a broader biblical theme of God's unwavering covenant love for His people.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H3034
There are 111 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָדָה
Transliteration: yâdâh
Pronunciation: yaw-daw'
Description: a primitive root; used only as denominative from יָד; literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the hands); cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). - Strong's Number: H3068
There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יְהֹוָה
Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה. - Strong's Number: H2896
There are 517 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: טוֹב
Transliteration: ṭôwb
Pronunciation: tobe
Description: from טוֹב; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or women), also as an adverb (well); beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). - Strong's Number: H2617
There are 241 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: חֵסֵד
Transliteration: chêçêd
Pronunciation: kheh'-sed
Description: from חָסַד; kindness; by implication (towards God) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty; favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. - Strong's Number: H5769
There are 414 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עוֹלָם
Transliteration: ʻôwlâm
Pronunciation: o-lawm'
Description: or עֹלָם; from עָלַם; properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial (especially with prepositional prefix) always; alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare נֶצַח, עַד.