Psalms 107:1

KJV

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD, for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

O give thanks {H3034} unto the LORD {H3068}, for he is good {H2896}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

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

O give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 107:1 serves as a foundational and universal call to worship, inviting 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 sets the thematic stage for the entire psalm, which recounts God's powerful acts of deliverance across various human predicaments, ultimately pointing to 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). It is a communal psalm of thanksgiving, characterized by a recurring refrain (verses 8, 15, 21, 31) that calls the redeemed to praise the LORD for His steadfast love. The psalm presents four distinct vignettes of distress and deliverance: wanderers lost in the wilderness ([Psalm 107:4-9](/psalms/107-4-9 "Psalm 107:4-9 - God Guides the Lost")), prisoners in darkness ([Psalm 107:10-16](/psalms/107-10-16 "Psalm 107:10-16 - God Frees the Captive")), the sick suffering due to their folly ([Psalm 107:17-22](/psalms/107-17-22 "Psalm 107:17-22 - God Heals the Afflicted")), and seafarers facing storms ([Psalm 107:23-32](/psalms/107-23-32 "Psalm 107:23-32 - God Calms the Storm")). Verse 1 acts as a grand overture, a universal invitation to all who have experienced God's saving power to express their gratitude, establishing the foundational reasons for such praise: God's inherent goodness and His eternal mercy, which are then demonstrated throughout the subsequent narratives.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the exact historical setting for Psalm 107 is debated, many scholars suggest it reflects a post-exilic context, perhaps celebrating the return of the Jewish people from Babylonian captivity or a similar national deliverance. The psalm's structure, with its recounting of various forms of distress and rescue, would have resonated deeply with a community that had experienced profound suffering and subsequent restoration. Public thanksgiving was a vital component of Israelite worship, often involving communal sacrifices, feasts, and the singing of psalms. The emphasis on God's *chesed* (mercy/ steadfast love) in this context would have reinforced the covenant relationship between God and His people, reminding them that despite their failures, God remained faithful to His promises. The call to "give thanks" was not merely an emotional response but a theological declaration of God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His people, echoing the covenantal language found in books like [Deuteronomy](/deuteronomy/ "The Book of Deuteronomy").
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 107:1 introduces several pervasive themes that run throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **A Call to Thanksgiving**, an imperative that underscores gratitude as a fundamental posture of faith and a proper response to God's redemptive acts. This is not a mere suggestion but a command to acknowledge God's active role in our lives, as seen in the broader exhortations to praise found in [Psalm 100](/psalms/100 "Psalm 100 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving"). 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 attribute that underpins all His actions and interactions with humanity. This divine goodness is the ultimate 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](/psalms/136 "Psalm 136 - God's Enduring Mercy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** This word signifies more than just moral uprightness. When applied to God, it encompasses His inherent benevolence, His beneficial actions, and His perfect nature. It describes God as intrinsically perfect, beautiful, pleasant, and right in all His being and dealings. His goodness is the source of all that is desirable and wholesome in creation and redemption, meaning He always acts for the ultimate well-being of His creation.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _ḥeseḏ_):** This is one of the richest theological terms in the Old Testament. While often translated as "mercy," "lovingkindness," or "steadfast love," *chesed* denotes a loyal, covenantal love that is faithful, compassionate, and enduring. It describes God's unwavering commitment to His people, going beyond mere pity to active, beneficial intervention based on His covenant promises. It is a love that perseveres despite human unfaithfulness, demonstrating God's consistent loyalty to His relationship with humanity.
* **Endureth for ever (Hebrew, _lĕ‘ôlām_):** This phrase emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God's *chesed*. It signifies perpetuity, eternity, and unceasing duration. When applied to God's mercy, it assures believers that His covenantal love is not temporary or conditional upon human performance but is an everlasting attribute of His character. This concept provides ultimate security and hope, guaranteeing that God's compassion and faithfulness will never cease across generations or circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O give thanks unto the LORD":** This is an imperative, a direct command or exhortation. It calls for an active, intentional response of gratitude from humanity towards Yahweh, the covenant God of Israel. The act of giving thanks is not merely an emotional expression but a theological acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, His identity as the source of all blessings, and His active role in human affairs. It implies a posture of humility and recognition of dependence on the Divine.
* **"for [he is] good":** This clause provides the primary reason for the command to give thanks. God's goodness is presented as an intrinsic attribute of His being. It is not something He acquires or loses, but who He fundamentally is. His goodness undergirds all His actions, His creation, His laws, and His redemptive plan. This declaration establishes His benevolent character as the unchanging foundation for human trust and worship.
* **"for his mercy [endureth] for ever":** This second clause offers a perpetual and enduring reason for thanksgiving, building upon the first. It highlights the steadfast, covenantal love (*chesed*) of God, which is eternal and unwavering. The phrase "endureth for ever" underscores the constancy, reliability, and perpetual nature of God's loyal love. It means His compassion, faithfulness, and commitment to His promises are not subject to change or cessation, providing an everlasting source of hope and security for His people.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 107:1 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. 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 importance for the act of worship. Following this, the verse uses **Parallelism of Reason**, where two distinct but complementary clauses ("for he is good" and "for his mercy endureth for ever") provide the justification for the initial exhortation. This structure emphasizes the dual, yet unified, 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 and unchanging quality of God's mercy, a concept that resonates throughout the Psalms. The entire verse also functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, encapsulating a timeless truth about God's character and the appropriate human response, making it memorable and easily repeatable in communal worship.

### 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 basis for all worship and trust. The declaration of His goodness and eternal mercy establishes a divine reliability that transcends human circumstances and failures. This verse connects deeply with the covenant theology of the Old Testament, where God's *chesed* is the bedrock of His relationship with Israel, ensuring His faithfulness even when His people are unfaithful. It also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God's character, where His goodness and mercy are fully expressed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The call to thanksgiving is not merely a polite suggestion but a 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 and a proper understanding of God's unchanging nature.

* [1 Chronicles 16:34](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks to the Lord")
* [Psalm 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalm 136:1 - God's Enduring Mercy")
* [Jeremiah 33:11](/jeremiah/33-11 "Jeremiah 33:11 - God's Goodness and Mercy Endure Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 107:1 serves as a perpetual call to gratitude and a profound anchor for our faith in a world often filled with challenges, uncertainties, and suffering. This verse reminds us to shift our focus from our fleeting circumstances to God's immutable character. Understanding that God's goodness is inherent and His mercy is eternal provides a reliable source of comfort, strength, and unwavering hope. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving not just for what God does, but for who He is. This means making gratitude a deliberate practice, acknowledging God's 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 that His steadfast love will never fail. Furthermore, the communal nature of this psalm encourages us to share His praise, declaring His goodness and mercy to others, inspiring them to also give thanks to the LORD and fostering a collective atmosphere of worship and trust.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's inherent goodness and eternal mercy impact your daily perspective on life's challenges?**
* **In what specific ways can you cultivate a more consistent practice of thanksgiving in your personal life and within your community?**
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's mercy provide security and hope for your future?**
* **What does it mean to "give thanks unto the LORD" not just for His actions, but for His very being?**

### FAQ

**Why is thanksgiving so important to God, as implied in Psalm 107:1?**

Answer: Thanksgiving is important to God not because He needs our praise to be complete, but because it is the proper and healthy response from His creation. It acknowledges His sovereignty, His goodness, and His active involvement in our lives. When we give thanks, we align our hearts with truth, recognizing that all good things come from Him ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - Every Good and Perfect Gift")). It fosters humility, trust, and a deeper relationship with Him. Furthermore, communal thanksgiving, as envisioned in this psalm, builds unity and strengthens faith within the community of believers, reminding everyone of God's consistent faithfulness. It's an act of worship that honors God and 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 declaration of God's unwavering, covenantal love. For you today, it means that God's steadfast love, compassion, and faithfulness are not conditional on your performance or fleeting emotions, but are eternal attributes of His character. This provides immense security and hope. It assures you that even in moments of failure, doubt, or suffering, God's commitment to you, His child, remains constant. His *chesed* is the 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](/lamentations/3-22-23 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Lord's Mercies Never Come to an End") proclaims His mercies are new every morning.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 107:1, with its declaration of God's enduring goodness and mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's *chesed* through His covenant with Israel and His acts of deliverance, it is in Christ that this steadfast love is fully embodied and perfectly manifested. Jesus is the very goodness of God made flesh, the visible expression of the invisible God ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ is the Image of the Invisible God")). His life, marked by compassion, healing, and selfless service, perfectly demonstrated God's benevolent character. 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 enacted, as He "demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). Through His resurrection, Jesus conquered 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](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")). Therefore, when we "give thanks unto the LORD" today, we do so with a deeper understanding, recognizing that His goodness and mercy have been perfectly revealed and eternally secured through the redemptive work of the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus Christ, who is "the same yesterday and today and forever" ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.