TRV
Translation
King James Version
¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Berean Standard Bible
Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.
American Standard Version
O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.
World English Bible Messianic
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
Young's Literal Translation
`Give ye thanks to Jehovah, For good, for to the age is His kindness:'
See also
In the KJVVerse 15,701 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Psalms 107 verses 1–9
1 ¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
8 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Here is, I. A general call to all to give thanks to God, Psa 107:1. Let all that sing this psalm, or pray over it, set themselves herein to give thanks to the Lord; and those that have not any special matter for praise may furnish themselves with matter enough from God's universal goodness. In the fountain he is good; in the streams his mercy endures for ever and never fails.
II. A particular demand hereof from the redeemed of the Lord, which may well be applied spiritually to those that have an interest in the great Redeemer and are saved by him from sin and hell. They have, of all people, most reason to say that God is good, and his mercy everlasting; these are the children of God that were scattered abroad, whom Christ died to gather together in one, out of all lands, Joh 11:52; Mat 24:31. But it seems here to be meant of a temporal deliverance, wrought for them when in their distress they cried unto the Lord, Psa 107:6. Is any afflicted? Let him pray. Does any pray? God will certainly hear and help. When troubles become extreme that is man's time to cry; those who but whispered prayer before then cry aloud, and then it is God's time to succour. In the mount he will be seen. 1. They were in an enemy's country, but God wrought out their rescue: He redeemed them from the hand of the enemy (Psa 107:2), not by might or power, it may be (Zac 4:6), nor by price or reward (Isa 45:13), but by the Spirit of God working on the spirits of men. 2. They were dispersed as out-casts, but God gathered them out of all the countries whither they were scattered in the cloudy and dark day, that they might again be incorporated, Psa 107:3. See Deu 30:4; Eze 34:12. God knows those that are his, and where to find them. 3. They were bewildered, had no road to travel in, no dwelling place to rest in, Psa 107:4. When they were redeemed out of the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, they were in danger of perishing in their return home through the dry and barren deserts. They wandered in the wilderness, where there was no trodden path, no company, but a solitary way, no lodging, no conveniences, no accommodations, no inhabited city where they might have quarters or refreshment. But God led them forth by the right way (Psa 107:7), directed them to an inn, nay, directed them to a home, that they might go to a city of habitation, which was inhabited, nay which them themselves should inhabit. This may refer to poor travellers in general, those particularly whose way lay through the wilds of Arabia, where we may suppose they were often at a loss; and yet many in that distress were wonderfully relieved, so that few perished. Note, We ought to take notice of the good hand of God's providence over us in our journeys, going out and coming in, directing us in our way, and providing for us places both to bait in and rest in. Or (as some think) it has an eye to the wanderings of the children of Israel in the wilderness for forty years; it is said (Deu 32:10), God led them about, and yet here he led them by the right way. God's way, though to us it seems about, will appear at last to have been the right way. It is applicable to our condition in this world; we are here as in a wilderness, have here no continuing city, but dwell in tents as strangers and pilgrims. But we are under the guidance of his wise and good providence, and, if we commit ourselves to it, we shall be led in the right way to the city that has foundations. 4. They were ready to perish for hunger (Psa 107:5): Their soul even fainted in them. They were spent with the fatigues of their journey and ready to drop down for want of refreshment. Those that have constant plenty, and are every day fed to the full, know not what a miserable case it is to be hungry and thirsty, and to have no supply. This was sometimes the case of Israel in the wilderness, and perhaps of other poor travellers; but God's providence finds out ways to satisfy the longing soul and fill the hungry soul with goodness, Psa 107:9. Israel's wants were seasonably supplied, and many have been wonderfully relieved when they were ready to perish. The same God that has led us has fed us all our life long unto this day, has fed us with food convenient, has provided food for the soul, and filled the hungry soul with goodness. Those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, after God, the living God, and communion with him, shall be abundantly replenished with the goodness of his house, both in grace and glory. Now for all this those who receive mercy are called upon to return thanks (Psa 107:8): Oh that men (it is meant especially of those men whom God has graciously relieved) would praise the Lord for his goodness to them in particular, and for his wonderful works to others of the children of men! Note, (1.) God's works of mercy are wonderful works, works of wonderful power considering the weakness, and of wonderful grace considering the unworthiness, of those he shows mercy to. (2.) It is expected of those who receive mercy from God that they return praise to him. (3.) We must acknowledge God's goodness to the children of men as well as to the children of God, to others as well as to ourselves.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 107
"Confess unto the Lord that He is sweet, because for aye in His mercy" [Psalm 107:1]. This confess ye that He is sweet: if you have tasted, confess. But he cannot confess, who has not chosen to taste, for whence shall he say that that is sweet, which he knows not. But ye if you have tasted how sweet the Lord is, [1 Peter 2:3] "Confess ye to the Lord that He is sweet." If you have tasted with eagerness, break forth with confession. "For aye is His mercy," that is, for ever. For here "for aye," is so put, since also in some other places of Scripture, for aye, that is, what in Greek is called εἰς αἰῶνα, is understood for ever. For His mercy is not for a time, so as not to be for ever, since for this purpose His present mercy is over men, that they may live with the Angels for ever.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Psalm 107:1 stands as a foundational and universal summons to worship, extending an invitation to all people to express profound gratitude to the LORD. This opening verse succinctly encapsulates the core reasons for such thanksgiving: God's intrinsic and unchanging goodness, and His steadfast, eternal mercy. It serves as the thematic overture for the entire psalm, which proceeds to recount God's powerful acts of deliverance across various human predicaments, ultimately underscoring His unwavering faithfulness and benevolent character as the ultimate source of hope and salvation.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: Psalm 107 inaugurates the fifth and final book of the Psalter (Psalms 107-150), marking a significant transition within the collection. It is a communal psalm of thanksgiving, uniquely characterized by a recurring refrain (found in Psalm 107:8, Psalm 107:15, Psalm 107:21, and Psalm 107:31) that calls the redeemed to praise the LORD for His steadfast love. The psalm masterfully presents four distinct vignettes of distress and divine deliverance: wanderers lost in the wilderness (Psalm 107:4-9), prisoners languishing in darkness (Psalm 107:10-16), the sick suffering due to their folly (Psalm 107:17-22), and seafarers facing treacherous storms (Psalm 107:23-32). Verse 1 acts as a grand overture, a universal invitation to all who have experienced God's saving power to express their profound gratitude, establishing the foundational reasons for such praise: God's inherent goodness and His eternal mercy, which are then powerfully demonstrated throughout the subsequent narratives of rescue.
Historical & Cultural Context: While the precise historical setting for Psalm 107 remains a subject of scholarly discussion, many suggest it reflects a post-exilic context, possibly commemorating the triumphant return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity or a similar significant national deliverance. The psalm's structure, with its recounting of various forms of distress and subsequent divine rescue, would have resonated deeply with a community that had experienced profound suffering and miraculous restoration. Public thanksgiving was an absolutely vital component of Israelite worship, often involving communal sacrifices, celebratory feasts, and the singing of psalms. The emphasis on God's chesed (mercy/steadfast love) in this context would have powerfully reinforced the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding them that despite their failures and wanderings, God remained utterly faithful to His promises. The call to "give thanks" was not merely an emotional response but a profound theological declaration of God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His people, echoing the covenantal language found throughout books like DeDeuteronomy.
Key Themes: Psalm 107:1 introduces several pervasive themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative, serving as a theological anchor. The primary theme is A Call to Thanksgiving, an imperative that underscores gratitude as a fundamental posture of faith and a proper, indeed commanded, response to God's redemptive acts. This is not a mere suggestion but a divine command to acknowledge God's active role in our lives, as seen in the broader exhortations to praise found in Psalm 100. Another crucial theme is God's Inherent Goodness, declared in the phrase "for he is good." This points to God's very nature; His goodness is not conditional or earned, but an intrinsic, unchangeable attribute that underpins all His actions and interactions with humanity. This divine goodness is the ultimate, unchanging reason for our praise and trust. Finally, the verse highlights God's Enduring Mercy, stating "for his mercy endureth for ever." This enduring mercy, or chesed in Hebrew, is a central theological concept in the Old Testament, denoting a loyal, covenantal love that is steadfast, compassionate, and eternal. It assures believers that God's compassion and covenant loyalty will never fail, providing an unwavering foundation for hope and security, as powerfully reiterated in the refrain of Psalm 136.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Psalm 107:1 masterfully employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message and evoke a proper response. The most prominent is Exhortation, presented through the imperative "O give thanks." This direct command immediately engages the audience, establishing a tone of urgency and profound importance for the act of worship and gratitude. Following this, the verse utilizes Parallelism of Reason, where two distinct but complementary clauses ("for he is good" and "for his mercy endureth for ever") provide the dual, yet unified, justification for the initial exhortation. This structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's character as the basis for thanksgiving. The phrase "endureth for ever" functions as a form of Hyperbole or Emphasis, stressing the eternal, unchanging, and boundless quality of God's mercy, a concept that resonates as a foundational truth throughout the entire Psalter. The entire verse also functions as a Proverbial Statement, encapsulating a timeless, universal truth about God's character and the appropriate human response, rendering it memorable, easily repeatable, and foundational for communal worship and individual reflection.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 107:1 encapsulates a foundational theological truth that resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative: God's character is the ultimate, unchanging basis for all worship, trust, and hope. The declaration of His inherent goodness and eternal mercy establishes a divine reliability that transcends human circumstances, failures, and the vicissitudes of life. This verse connects deeply with the covenant theology of the Old Testament, where God's chesed is revealed as the bedrock of His relationship with Israel, ensuring His faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful. It also powerfully foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God's character, where His goodness and mercy are fully, perfectly, and redemptively expressed in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The call to thanksgiving is not merely a polite suggestion but a profound theological imperative, acknowledging God's sovereignty and His active, benevolent involvement in the lives of His creation. This posture of gratitude is essential for spiritual well-being, a proper understanding of God's unchanging nature, and a life lived in joyful recognition of His constant grace.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 107:1 serves as a perpetual call to profound gratitude and a steadfast anchor for our faith in a world often filled with challenges, uncertainties, and suffering. This verse powerfully reminds us to intentionally shift our focus from our fleeting circumstances and often overwhelming problems to God's immutable, unchanging character. Understanding that God's goodness is inherent to His very being and His mercy is eternally steadfast provides an inexhaustible source of comfort, strength, and unwavering hope. It encourages us to actively cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving not just for what God does, but, more profoundly, for who He is. This means making gratitude a deliberate, daily practice, acknowledging God's benevolent hand in both major deliverances and the myriad daily blessings that often go unnoticed. By anchoring our hope in His unchanging nature, we are empowered to face adversity with confidence, knowing with absolute certainty that His steadfast love will never fail. Furthermore, the communal nature of this psalm encourages us to share His praise openly, declaring His goodness and mercy to others, inspiring them to also give thanks to the LORD and fostering a collective atmosphere of worship, trust, and mutual encouragement within the community of faith.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is thanksgiving so important to God, as implied in Psalm 107:1?
Answer: Thanksgiving is profoundly important to God not because He needs our praise to be complete or to enhance His glory, but because it is the proper, healthy, and intended response from His creation. It is an act of worship that acknowledges His supreme sovereignty, His intrinsic goodness, and His active, benevolent involvement in every aspect of our lives. When we give thanks, we align our hearts with divine truth, recognizing that all good and perfect gifts come from Him (James 1:17). It fosters humility, deepens trust, and cultivates a more intimate, joyful relationship with Him. Furthermore, communal thanksgiving, as envisioned in this psalm, builds unity, strengthens faith within the community of believers, and serves as a powerful testimony to God's consistent faithfulness. Ultimately, it is an act of worship that glorifies God and profoundly transforms the worshiper.
What does "his mercy endureth for ever" mean for me today?
Answer: The phrase "his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew chesed) is a profound and comforting declaration of God's unwavering, covenantal love. For you today, it means that God's steadfast love, boundless compassion, and absolute faithfulness are not conditional on your performance, your fleeting emotions, or the changing circumstances of life, but are eternal, unchanging attributes of His very character. This provides immense security, stability, and hope. It assures you that even in moments of failure, doubt, suffering, or profound sin, God's commitment to you, His child, remains constant and unyielding. His chesed is the unshakeable foundation of His promises, guaranteeing that He will never abandon you and that His grace is always available. It means you can approach Him with confidence, knowing His love is an unfailing anchor for your soul, just as Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims that His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 107:1, with its profound declaration of God's enduring goodness and eternal mercy, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's chesed through His covenant with Israel and His mighty acts of deliverance, it is in Christ that this steadfast love is fully embodied, perfectly manifested, and eternally secured. Jesus is the very goodness of God made flesh, the visible expression of the invisible God, the exact imprint of His nature (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3). His earthly life, marked by boundless compassion, miraculous healing, and selfless service, perfectly demonstrated God's benevolent character and inherent goodness. The pinnacle of God's enduring mercy is seen in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. Here, God's chesed is not merely declared but powerfully enacted, as He "demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Through His glorious resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, proving the eternal nature of God's love and establishing a new covenant of grace, where His mercy "endures forever" for all who believe (Hebrews 8:6). Therefore, when we "give thanks unto the LORD" today, we do so with a deeper, richer understanding, recognizing that His goodness and mercy have been perfectly revealed and eternally secured through the redemptive work of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8).