Psalms 117:2

KJV

For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever. Praise ye the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

For his merciful {H2617} kindness {H2617} is great {H1396} toward us: and the truth {H571} of the LORD {H3068} endureth for ever {H5769}. Praise {H1984} ye the LORD {H3050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For his grace has overcome us, and ADONAI's truth continues forever. Halleluyah!

Berean Standard Bible

For great is His loving devotion toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Hallelujah!

American Standard Version

For his lovingkindness is great toward us; And the truth of Jehovahendurethfor ever. Praise ye Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 117:2 serves as the profound theological bedrock for the universal call to worship issued in its preceding verse, concluding the shortest psalm in the biblical canon. It declares the boundless nature of God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness, alongside the eternal endurance of His truth and reliability. This verse establishes the immutable character of the LORD as the ultimate and enduring foundation upon which all creation is compelled to render Him worship and adoration.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 117, a uniquely brief two-verse psalm, functions as a powerful universal doxology within the Psalter. Its opening verse issues an imperative call for "all ye nations" and "all ye people" to praise the LORD. Verse 2 then provides the theological justification for this expansive command, articulating the specific divine attributes—God's merciful kindness (*chesed*) and His enduring truth (*emeth*)—that warrant such widespread adoration. This psalm is strategically positioned within the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals like Passover. Its inclusion here broadens the scope of praise beyond Israel, hinting powerfully at a future inclusion of all peoples in God's redemptive plan, a theme that resonates throughout prophetic literature and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Likely composed for liturgical use, Psalm 117 reflects a period, possibly post-exilic, where the concept of God's universal sovereignty was increasingly emphasized, even as Israel remained His chosen people. The call for "all nations" to praise the LORD would have been a radical assertion in a world dominated by national deities, yet it aligns with a long-standing biblical tradition. This tradition, evident in passages like the Abrahamic Covenant's promise that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you" found in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant") and the Servant of the Lord's role as "a light for the Gentiles" in [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Servant of the Lord"), demonstrates that God's redemptive purposes extend beyond the nation of Israel to encompass the entire world. The terms "merciful kindness" (Hebrew: *chesed*) and "truth" (Hebrew: *emeth*) are foundational covenantal terms, deeply embedded in Israel's understanding of Yahweh's character and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, particularly those made to Abraham and David.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 117:2 encapsulates several pivotal theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **God's steadfast love and covenant faithfulness**, represented by "merciful kindness" (*chesed*). This is not a fleeting emotion but an enduring, loyal, and active commitment to His people and His promises. This theme is central to the entire biblical narrative, from God's faithfulness to Abraham in [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Credited as Righteousness") to His steadfast love for Israel despite their rebellion, as beautifully articulated in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The LORD's Great Love and Compassions"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **God's eternal truth and reliability** (*emeth*), signifying His unchangeable character and the unwavering validity of His word. This divine attribute undergirds all trust and hope, assuring believers that God is always consistent with Himself and His declarations, a truth powerfully echoed in [Numbers 23:19](/numbers/23-19 "Numbers 23:19 - God is Not a Man That He Should Lie"). Finally, the psalm underscores the **universal scope of God's worthiness of praise**, asserting that His attributes are so magnificent and His actions so pervasive that all humanity is compelled to respond in worship, foreshadowing the global reach of the Gospel as prophesied in [Psalm 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All the Ends of the Earth Shall Remember and Turn to the LORD").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Merciful kindness (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** (H2617) This is one of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament, often translated as "steadfast love," "loyal love," or "covenant faithfulness." Derived from the root meaning to be kind or pious, *chesed* describes God's unwavering, compassionate, and active commitment to His covenant relationship. It is not merely a feeling but a persistent action of grace and loyalty, particularly towards those with whom He has made a covenant. In this context, it emphasizes the immense, overflowing nature of God's loyal love "toward us" (humanity).
* **Truth (Hebrew, _ʼemeth'_):** (H571) This term denotes faithfulness, reliability, stability, and permanence. Contracted from a root meaning to be firm or established, *emeth* when applied to God signifies His absolute trustworthiness, consistency, and the eternal validity of His word and character. God's *emeth* means He is true to Himself, true to His promises, and His nature is unchangeable. The phrase "endureth for ever" explicitly reinforces this concept of eternal steadfastness and reliability, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _hâlal'_):** (H1984) A primitive root meaning to be clear, to shine, or to make a show. In its most common usage, *halal* means to celebrate, commend, or boast, often with a sense of clamorous joy or exultation. It is the root from which "hallelujah" (Praise Yah!) is derived. In Psalm 117:2, the imperative "Praise ye the LORD" is a direct command to respond to God's character with enthusiastic, public adoration and glorification, a fitting culmination to the declaration of His great *chesed* and eternal *emeth*.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For his merciful kindness is great toward us":** This clause provides the primary and compelling reason for praise, highlighting the immense and overflowing nature of God's *ḥesed*. The phrase "great toward us" (Hebrew: *gābar ‘ālênû*, where *gâbar* (H1396) means to be strong, prevail, or be mighty) implies that His steadfast love is not merely present but overwhelming, prevailing, and mighty in its application to humanity. It signifies an active, powerful, and abundant demonstration of His loyal love directed specifically towards "us," encompassing both Israel and, by extension, all humanity as recipients of His common grace and potential recipients of His saving grace.
* **"and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever.":** This second clause offers a complementary and equally foundational reason for praise. It affirms the eternal, unchanging nature of God's *’ĕmet*, His faithfulness and reliability. The verb "endureth" (implied in the Hebrew, which literally reads "and the truth of the LORD forever" using *ʻôwlâm* (H5769) for eternity) emphasizes the perpetuity of His character. Unlike human promises or loyalties, God's truth is not subject to change, decay, or termination; it is eternally steadfast, providing an unshakeable anchor for faith and hope across generations.
* **"Praise ye the LORD.":** This concluding imperative serves as the culmination and natural response to the preceding declarations of God's character. It is a direct command, echoing the opening call of Psalm 117:1, urging all who hear to offer worship and adoration to Yahweh (using *Yâhh* (H3050), a contraction of *Yᵉhôvâh* (H3068)). This praise is not arbitrary but a compelled, joyful, and grateful response to the profound reality of God's great merciful kindness and His eternally enduring truth, transforming theological understanding into active worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 117:2 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses "For his merciful kindness is great toward us" and "and the truth of the LORD [endureth] for ever" express similar ideas using different but complementary terms. God's "merciful kindness" (*chesed*) and His "truth" (*emeth*) are two inseparable facets of the same divine character—His unwavering covenant faithfulness and reliability. The psalm also uses **Hyperbole** in the phrase "great toward us," emphasizing the overwhelming abundance and prevailing nature of God's mercy and love. The entire psalm functions as a **Doxology**, a short, concise hymn of praise to God, characterized by its brevity and direct call to worship. The concluding phrase, "Praise ye the LORD," is an **Imperative**, a direct command that serves as a climactic call to action, transforming theological declaration into an act of worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 117:2 stands as a microcosm of biblical theology, encapsulating the very essence of God's character and the appropriate human response. The twin pillars of God's "merciful kindness" (*chesed*) and "truth" (*emeth*) are not merely abstract qualities but active, relational attributes that define His covenant relationship with humanity. His *chesed* speaks to His unfailing love and loyal commitment, while His *emeth* assures us of His unwavering reliability and the eternal validity of His promises. Together, they form the bedrock of divine trustworthiness, inviting all creation to rest in His faithfulness and respond with unreserved praise. This verse thus serves as a foundational declaration that God is inherently worthy of universal adoration, not because of what humanity has done, but because of who He eternally is—a God of boundless love and unshakeable truth.

* [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness, Mercy, and Truth Endure")
* [Exodus 34:6](/exodus/34-6 "Exodus 34:6 - The LORD's Character Revealed to Moses")
* [Romans 15:8-11](/romans/15-8-11 "Romans 15:8-11 - Christ's Ministry to Jews and Gentiles for God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 117:2 offers a profound anchor for faith and a powerful impetus for worship in every generation. In a world characterized by fleeting loyalties, broken promises, and shifting truths, this verse reminds us that the God we serve is utterly dependable. His "merciful kindness" is not a weak sentiment but a robust, active, and prevailing love that is "great toward us," encompassing His grace, compassion, and covenant faithfulness. Knowing that His "truth... endureth for ever" provides an unshakeable foundation for our hope, assuring us that His Word is eternally reliable and His character unchanging. This understanding should cultivate deep trust, banishing anxiety and fear, and transforming our daily lives into a continuous act of praise. Our worship becomes not merely a ritual but a spontaneous, joyful overflow of gratitude for who God is and what He has done, compelling us to share this glorious truth with "all nations" so that they too might "Praise ye the LORD."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's "merciful kindness" as "great toward us" personally impact your sense of security and worth in His eyes, especially during times of doubt or struggle?**
* **In what specific areas of your life—your relationships, finances, health, or future plans—do you need to trust more deeply in the eternal endurance of God's "truth" and His unwavering reliability?**
* **How can the universal call to praise in this psalm motivate you to engage in or support global missions and evangelism, recognizing God's desire for all peoples to know Him?**
* **Beyond formal worship services, how can your daily life become a continuous, practical expression of "Praise ye the LORD" in response to His unchanging character and boundless love?**

### FAQ

**Why is Psalm 117 so short, and what is its significance?**

Answer: Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in the Bible, comprising only two verses. Its brevity, however, does not diminish its profound theological significance. It functions as a powerful, concise doxology—a hymn of praise—that encapsulates the essence of God's character and His universal claim to worship. Its brevity makes it memorable and easily recited, serving as a powerful, distilled statement of praise that can be universally applied. Its position within the Psalter, particularly as part of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), suggests its liturgical importance and its role in broadening the scope of God's redemptive plan to include all nations, a theme that resonates throughout the scriptures, from the Abrahamic covenant in [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant") to the prophetic visions of Gentile inclusion in [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the LORD Established").

**What is the difference between "merciful kindness" and "truth" in this verse?**

Answer: While both terms describe essential aspects of God's character, "merciful kindness" (Hebrew: *ḥesed*) primarily refers to God's steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love. It signifies His unfailing devotion, compassion, and active commitment to His promises and His people. It's a love that is robust and enduring, often demonstrated through acts of grace and deliverance. "Truth" (Hebrew: *’ĕmet*), on the other hand, speaks to God's reliability, faithfulness, and consistency. It means God is true to His word, His nature is unchangeable, and His promises are absolutely trustworthy. While *ḥesed* emphasizes God's loving action and loyal commitment, *’ĕmet* emphasizes His unshakeable integrity and dependability. Together, they paint a complete picture of a God who is not only loving and gracious but also absolutely trustworthy and consistent in His character and actions, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith, as seen in [Psalm 89:1-2](/psalms/89-1-2 "Psalm 89:1-2 - God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness Endure").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 117:2 finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "merciful kindness" (*chesed*) of God is supremely manifested in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He is the embodiment of God's steadfast love, demonstrating unparalleled compassion and grace, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross—the ultimate act of divine *chesed* "toward us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love for Us")). Furthermore, Jesus is the very "truth" (*emeth*) of the LORD made flesh. He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), embodying the eternal reliability and faithfulness of God. His promises are "Yes and Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2-corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), and His word is eternally enduring. The universal call to "Praise ye the LORD" in Psalm 117:1-2 is powerfully fulfilled in the New Covenant, where through Christ, "all nations" are invited into God's redemptive family ([Galatians 3:8](/galatians/3-8 "Galatians 3:8 - The Gospel Preached to Abraham")). The Great Commission to go and make disciples of "all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")) is the New Testament echo of this ancient call, ensuring that the praise of the LORD, rooted in His great merciful kindness and enduring truth, will indeed extend "for ever" through Christ's global church.

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

Isaiah 25:1

¶ O LORD, thou [art] my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful [things; thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth.

Psalms 103:11

For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him.

Psalms 89:1

¶ Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

1 John 5:6

¶ This is he that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

Psalms 85:10

Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed [each other].

Psalms 100:4

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, [and] into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, [and] bless his name.

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations.