Psalms 115:1

KJV

¶ Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, [and] for thy truth's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

Not unto us, O LORD {H3068}, not unto us, but unto thy name {H8034} give {H5414} glory {H3519}, for thy mercy {H2617}, and for thy truth's {H571} sake.

Complete Jewish Bible

Not to us, ADONAI, not to us, but to your name give glory, because of your grace and truth.

Berean Standard Bible

Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory, because of Your loving devotion, because of Your faithfulness.

American Standard Version

Not unto us, O Jehovah, not unto us, But unto thy name give glory, For thy lovingkindness, and for thy truth’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 115:1 serves as a profound and emphatic declaration of divine sovereignty, asserting that all glory and honor belong exclusively to the LORD, not to humanity. This foundational verse champions humility and redirects all praise to God's inherent character, specifically highlighting His steadfast mercy and unwavering truth as the bedrock upon which His worthiness of all adoration rests. It sets a crucial theological precedent for the entire psalm, contrasting the living, active God with the utter impotence of human-made idols.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 115:1 functions as the powerful opening statement of a psalm that is part of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms traditionally recited during significant Jewish festivals, most notably Passover. This initial verse immediately establishes the psalm's central theological tension: the absolute sovereignty and unique glory of the one true God versus the utter futility and lifelessness of idols. The psalmist shifts focus from any potential human pride or accomplishment to God's divine attributes, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that graphically depict the impotence of false gods, who "have mouths, but they speak not; eyes have they, but they see not" ([Psalms 115:5](/psalms/115-5 "Psalms 115:5 - Idols Cannot See or Speak")), and call Israel to trust in the LORD alone ([Psalms 115:9-11](/psalms/115-9-11 "Psalms 115:9-11 - Trust in the Lord Alone")). The emphatic repetition of "Not unto us" underscores the psalmist's fervent desire to divest humanity of any claim to glory, ensuring that the ensuing praise is directed solely and unequivocally to God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed in a polytheistic ancient Near Eastern world, Psalms 115 directly confronts the prevalent worship of numerous deities by surrounding nations. Israel, as God's covenant people, was constantly tempted to adopt the religious practices of their neighbors, which often involved attributing power and blessing to tangible, man-made images. This psalm, and particularly its opening verse, serves as a powerful polemic against idolatry, asserting the radical uniqueness of Yahweh, the God of Israel. Unlike the gods of the nations, who are described as having no power or perception ([Psalms 115:4-8](/psalms/115-4-8 "Psalms 115:4-8 - The Impotence of Idols")), the LORD is a living, active, and responsive God who acts on behalf of His people based on His character of mercy and truth. The declaration "Not unto us" would have been a profoundly counter-cultural statement, rejecting the common human tendency to glorify oneself, one's nation's achievements, or one's chosen deities, instead attributing all success, existence, and honor to divine favor alone.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme resonating from Psalms 115:1 is the **sole prerogative of God to receive glory**. The emphatic repetition "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us" categorically denies any human claim to honor, firmly rooting all praise in God alone. This rejection of self-glory is foundational to true worship and humility. Furthermore, the verse highlights the significance of **God's name** as the embodiment of His revealed character, attributes, and authority. To give glory to His name is to acknowledge who He truly is in His essence. The psalmist then grounds this divine worthiness in two of God's most fundamental attributes: His **mercy** (Hebrew: *ḥesed*, signifying His steadfast, covenantal love and loyalty) and His **truth** (Hebrew: *’emet*, denoting His faithfulness, reliability, and integrity). These twin attributes provide the secure and unchanging foundation for humanity's trust and worship, ensuring that God's glory is not arbitrary but is rooted in His very being and His consistent actions throughout history, as seen in His self-revelation to Moses in [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The LORD, a God Merciful and Gracious").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm_):** A primitive word (perhaps rather from through the idea of definite and conspicuous position; compare שָׁמַיִם); an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character; [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. In biblical thought, a "name" is far more than a mere label; it encapsulates the essence, character, reputation, and authority of the one who bears it. To give glory "unto thy name" means to give glory to God's entire revealed being, His attributes, His power, His holiness, and His covenant faithfulness. It is an acknowledgment of His unique identity as the sovereign LORD.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd_):** Rarely כָּבֹד; from כָּבַד; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness; glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). This term signifies the weight, splendor, and honor due to God. It speaks of His inherent majesty, His radiant presence, and the recognition of His supreme worthiness. To give God glory is to acknowledge His intrinsic value and to ascribe to Him the honor and praise that are His alone.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd_):** 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. This rich Hebrew term is often translated as "lovingkindness," "steadfast love," or "covenant loyalty." It describes God's loyal, unfailing love and faithfulness, especially within the context of His covenant relationship with His people. It is a love that ensures, even when humanity is unfaithful, demonstrating God's compassionate and gracious disposition.
* **truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth_):** Contracted from אָמַן; stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness; assured(-ly), establishment, faithful, right, sure, true (-ly, -th), verity. This word signifies reliability, faithfulness, integrity, and consistency. When applied to God, it speaks of His unwavering trustworthiness and the certainty of His promises and character. God is true in all He says and does, providing a firm foundation for faith and hope. The pairing of *ḥesed* and *’emet* is common in Scripture, representing the two pillars of God's benevolent and trustworthy character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us":** This emphatic double negation serves as a powerful disclaimer, vehemently rejecting any human claim to glory or credit. It is a profound expression of humility and a clear theological statement that humanity is not the source of blessing, power, or honor. The repetition intensifies the message, making it absolute and undeniable, shifting the focus entirely from human merit to divine prerogative.
* **"but unto thy name give glory":** This is the positive command that follows the negation. Having stripped humanity of any claim, the psalmist redirects all praise and honor to God's "name," which, as discussed, represents His entire being, character, and reputation. It is a call to acknowledge God's inherent worthiness and to attribute all good things to Him alone, recognizing His unique and supreme identity.
* **"for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake":** This clause provides the theological rationale for giving God glory. The psalmist grounds God's worthiness not in human achievement or perceived merit, but in God's unchanging and benevolent attributes. His steadfast love (mercy) and His unwavering faithfulness (truth) are the very reasons He is worthy of all praise and trust. These attributes demonstrate His benevolent disposition and His reliability in fulfilling His promises, providing a secure and eternal basis for worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 115:1 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Repetition**, specifically in the phrase "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us." This immediate and forceful reiteration serves to emphasize and underscore the absolute nature of the psalmist's declaration, ensuring that no ambiguity remains regarding the sole recipient of glory. It creates a rhythmic, almost liturgical, cadence that reinforces the theme of humility. Another device at play is **Apostrophe**, where the psalmist directly addresses the LORD ("O LORD"), creating an intimate and reverent tone, inviting the divine presence into the declaration. Furthermore, there is an implied **Contrast** within the psalm's broader context, where the living, active God, worthy of glory for His mercy and truth, stands in stark opposition to the lifeless, impotent idols described later in the chapter. Finally, the pairing of "mercy" and "truth" exemplifies **Parallelism**, specifically a form of complementary parallelism, where two closely related divine attributes are presented together to provide a comprehensive and robust foundation for God's glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 115:1 encapsulates a foundational truth of biblical theology: God alone is worthy of ultimate glory and praise. This principle challenges the pervasive human tendency towards self-exaltation, pride, and idolatry, whether it be the worship of physical images or the more subtle idolatry of human achievement, intellect, or power. The psalmist's insistence on God's exclusive right to glory, rooted in His steadfast mercy and truth, establishes the proper posture of humanity before its Creator—one of humility, gratitude, and absolute dependence. This verse reminds us that true worship is not about what we gain or achieve, but about acknowledging God for who He is and for His unchanging character. It shifts the focus from human performance to divine grace, ensuring that all praise redounds to the Giver of all good things.

* [Isaiah 42:8](/isaiah/42-8 "Isaiah 42:8 - God Will Not Share His Glory")
* [1 Corinthians 1:29-31](/1_corinthians/1-29-31 "1 Corinthians 1:29-31 - Boasting in the Lord")
* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Revelation 4:11 - Worthy Are You, Our Lord and God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 115:1 serves as a timeless corrective to our innate human inclination to seek glory for ourselves or to attribute success to our own merits. In a world that often celebrates self-made individuals and personal achievements, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze to the ultimate source of all blessing, wisdom, and power: God Himself. It calls believers to cultivate a profound sense of humility, recognizing that our very existence, our gifts, our successes, and every good thing we possess are not earned but are gracious provisions from a merciful and truthful God. Therefore, our lives should be lived as an ongoing act of worship, intentionally directing all praise and honor back to Him. This means consciously resisting the urge to take credit, to boast in our own abilities, or to allow our accomplishments to overshadow God's sovereign hand. Instead, we are called to live *soli Deo gloria*—to God alone be the glory—allowing His character of mercy and truth to be the foundation of our trust, the inspiration for our actions, and the ultimate aim of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most struggle with attributing glory to yourself rather than to God?**
* **How does understanding God's "mercy" and "truth" deepen your motivation to give Him glory?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally redirect praise from yourself to God in your daily interactions or achievements?**
* **How does the contrast between God and idols in Psalms 115 challenge any modern "idols" (e.g., success, reputation, comfort) you might be tempted to glorify?**

### FAQ
**Why is the phrase "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us" repeated?**

Answer: The repetition of "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us" is a powerful rhetorical device known as anaphora, used to emphasize and intensify the message. It serves to unequivocally deny any human claim to glory, honor, or credit. This double negation ensures that the focus is entirely shifted away from humanity and firmly placed on God alone. It is a strong declaration of humility and a rejection of any form of self-exaltation, making the subsequent call to "give glory" to God's name even more impactful and absolute. It also likely served a liturgical purpose, making the declaration memorable and deeply ingrained in the worship of the community.

**How do "mercy" and "truth" relate to giving God glory?**

Answer: God's mercy (*ḥesed*) and truth (*’emet*) are presented as the foundational attributes that make Him worthy of all glory. His mercy speaks of His steadfast, covenantal love, His compassion, and His unfailing goodness towards His people, even when they are undeserving. His truth refers to His absolute faithfulness, reliability, and integrity; He is consistent and trustworthy in all His promises and actions. These two attributes, often paired in Scripture (e.g., [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - God's Character Revealed")), demonstrate that God's glory is not arbitrary power but is rooted in His benevolent and unchanging character. We give Him glory because He is inherently good, faithful, and loving, and because His actions throughout history demonstrate these perfect qualities, providing a secure basis for our trust and worship.

**What is the significance of "thy name" in this verse?**

Answer: In biblical understanding, a "name" is much more than a label; it represents the full character, essence, authority, and reputation of an individual. To give glory "unto thy name" means to give glory to everything that God is—His attributes, His power, His holiness, His wisdom, His justice, and His love. It encompasses His revealed identity and His actions in history. Therefore, glorifying God's name is an acknowledgment of His unique and supreme being as the sovereign LORD, distinct from all other gods or human entities. It means recognizing His inherent worthiness of all praise and adoration based on His complete and perfect nature, as revealed through His mighty acts and His covenant with His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 115:1 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied and revealed the glory of God, and through whom all glory is ultimately directed back to the Father. Jesus, as the Word made flesh, was "full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), echoing the very "mercy" (*ḥesed*) and "truth" (*’emet*) that the psalmist identifies as the basis for God's glory. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently refused to seek His own glory, instead declaring, "I do not seek my own glory; there is One who seeks it and judges" ([John 8:50](/john/8-50 "John 8:50 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Glory")). His life was a perfect demonstration of the "Not unto us" principle, as He continually pointed all honor and praise to the Father, even praying, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you" ([John 17:1](/john/17-1 "John 17:1 - Jesus Prays to Be Glorified")). The cross, the ultimate act of God's mercy and truth, is where God's glory shone brightest, demonstrating His steadfast love for humanity and His faithfulness to His redemptive plan. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection, God's name is supremely glorified, and every knee will one day bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, "to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus Exalted")). Thus, in Christ, the call to give glory "unto thy name for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake" is fully realized, as He is the perfect revelation of that Name, Mercy, and Truth, making it possible for all creation to offer true and worthy praise.

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.

Cross-References

Psalms 79:9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

Psalms 79:10

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight [by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed.

Isaiah 48:11

For mine own sake, [even] for mine own sake, will I do [it]: for how should [my name] be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another.

Ezekiel 20:14

But I wrought for my name's sake, that it should not be polluted before the heathen, in whose sight I brought them out.

Psalms 96:8

Give unto the LORD the glory [due unto] his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.

Ezekiel 36:32

Not for your sakes do I [this], saith the Lord GOD, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.

Ephesians 1:6

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.