Psalms 118:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

O give thanks {H3034} unto the LORD {H3068}; for he is good {H2896}: because 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

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 118:1 serves as a powerful, foundational call to worship, initiating a psalm that profoundly celebrates God's unwavering faithfulness and redemptive acts. This opening verse encapsulates the essence of the entire composition, inviting all to acknowledge the Lord's intrinsic goodness and His eternal, steadfast love—attributes that form the bedrock of Israel's covenant relationship with Him and provide an enduring source of hope and praise. It sets a tone of joyous gratitude for divine deliverance and enduring mercy, establishing the theological premise for the subsequent declarations of trust and victory.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 stands as the concluding psalm of the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection of psalms traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, most notably Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. Its placement immediately after a series of psalms recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance (e.g., the Exodus in [Psalm 114](/psalms/114 "Psalm 114 - The Exodus and God's Power")) amplifies the call to thanksgiving. The psalm begins with a universal invitation to praise, which is then echoed by specific groups (Israel, the house of Aaron, those who fear the Lord) in verses 2-4, creating a communal liturgy of gratitude. The subsequent verses recount a personal and national experience of distress and divine rescue, culminating in a triumphant affirmation of God's saving power and the messianic hope of the "stone the builders rejected" ([Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Rejected Stone")). Thus, verse 1 is not merely an opening but a thematic declaration that frames the entire narrative of God's enduring goodness and mercy, which is then richly illustrated throughout the psalm.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Egyptian Hallel" psalms were deeply interwoven with the Jewish liturgical calendar, particularly the Passover Seder, where they were sung to commemorate God's miraculous deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt. This historical backdrop imbues Psalm 118:1 with profound significance, as the "goodness" and "mercy" of the Lord are understood through the lens of the Exodus—a foundational event demonstrating God's covenant faithfulness to His people. The call to "give thanks" (יָדָה, _yadah_) was not a mere emotional response but a liturgical act, often accompanied by sacrifices and public declarations of praise in the Temple. The recurring refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever," echoes throughout the Hallel and other psalms ([Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Enduring Mercy"), [Psalm 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Psalm 107:1 - God's Goodness and Steadfast Love")) serving as a communal affirmation of God's unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people, regardless of their circumstances or the challenges they faced. This historical memory fostered a culture of profound gratitude and reliance on divine intervention.

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 118:1 introduces the overarching themes of the psalm and indeed, much of biblical theology. Firstly, it is a powerful **Exhortation to Thanksgiving**, presenting gratitude not as an option but as a fundamental and commanded response to God's nature and actions. This thanksgiving is rooted in two core attributes of God: His **Inherent Goodness** (טוֹב, _tov_), which speaks to His moral perfection and benevolent character, and His **Enduring Mercy** (חֶסֶד, _ḥesed_), which refers to His loyal love, steadfast kindness, and covenant faithfulness that never ceases. This concept of God's eternal _hesed_ is a cornerstone of Old Testament theology, assuring believers of God's constant support and grace, as seen in other declarations of His unfailing love ([Psalm 136](/psalms/136 "Psalm 136 - The Great Hallel: God's Enduring Mercy")). The verse thus establishes a theological framework where praise flows naturally from a recognition of who God is—good and eternally merciful—providing a secure foundation for trust and hope in all circumstances.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Give thanks (Hebrew, יָדָה, _yadah'_):** This verb means "to throw, cast, confess, praise, give thanks." In the Hiphil stem, as used here, it specifically denotes "to give thanks, to praise." It implies an active, outward expression of gratitude, often accompanied by an acknowledgment of God's character and deeds. It is not merely an internal feeling but a public declaration, often in a liturgical context, reflecting a full-hearted recognition of God's benevolence.
* **Good (Hebrew, טוֹב, _tov'_):: This adjective describes something as "good, pleasant, agreeable, benevolent, excellent." When applied to God, as here, it signifies His intrinsic moral perfection, His benevolent nature, and His inherent desire to act for the well-being of His creation. God's goodness is not contingent on circumstances but is an unchanging aspect of His being, forming the ultimate basis for trust and praise.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, חֶסֶד, _ḥesed'_):** This is one of the richest theological terms in the Old Testament. It encompasses "loyal love, steadfast kindness, covenant faithfulness, unfailing love, grace, compassion." It describes a love that is committed, enduring, and active on behalf of the object of that love, particularly within the context of a covenant relationship. When it is said to "endure for ever," it highlights its eternal, unwavering, and reliable quality, assuring believers of God's constant support, grace, and fidelity to His promises.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O give thanks unto the LORD;":** This is a direct, emphatic imperative, an earnest call to communal and individual praise. The "O" (הוֹדוּ, _hodu_) adds a sense of urgency and solemnity to the command, inviting all to actively participate in acknowledging God. It positions thanksgiving as a primary and necessary response to God's identity and actions, setting the tone for the entire psalm as a hymn of praise.
* **"for he is good:":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the thanksgiving. God's goodness is presented as an inherent attribute, not dependent on human merit or circumstance. It speaks to His benevolent character, His moral excellence, and His consistent disposition towards His creation. This goodness is the ultimate source of all blessings and the bedrock upon which trust in Him is built.
* **"because his mercy endureth for ever.":** This second clause offers a complementary and equally profound reason for thanksgiving, emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of God's _ḥesed_. The repetition of this phrase throughout the Hallel psalms underscores its critical importance. It assures the worshipper that God's loyal love, covenant faithfulness, and compassionate kindness are not fleeting but are everlasting, providing an unshakeable foundation for hope, security, and future deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 118:1 employs several powerful literary devices. The verse opens with a direct **Exhortation** ("O give thanks"), a common feature in hymnic psalms, immediately engaging the audience and inviting participation in worship. This command is followed by two parallel clauses that provide the dual reasons for thanksgiving: "for he is good" and "because his mercy endureth for ever." This structure exemplifies **Syntactic Parallelism**, where the second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, creating a cumulative effect that deepens the theological richness of God's attributes. The phrase "his mercy endureth for ever" is a prominent example of **Repetition** within Psalm 118 and the broader Hallel collection, serving as a powerful refrain that emphasizes the unwavering and eternal nature of God's covenant love. This repetition acts as a theological anchor, ensuring that the central message of God's steadfast faithfulness is deeply imprinted on the worshipper's mind. The verse also functions as a **Hymnic Introduction**, setting the theme of praise and gratitude that will be elaborated upon throughout the rest of the psalm, thus establishing its overall tone and purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 118:1 encapsulates a core theological truth that resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative: God's character is fundamentally defined by His goodness and His eternal, steadfast love. This verse is not merely a polite suggestion but a divine imperative to acknowledge the very nature of the Creator. The "goodness" of God speaks to His inherent moral perfection and benevolent disposition, while His "mercy" (חֶסֶד, _ḥesed_) signifies His loyal, covenant-keeping love that endures forever, irrespective of human failing. This unchanging _ḥesed_ is the bedrock of God's relationship with humanity, providing the ultimate assurance of His faithfulness in salvation, provision, and deliverance. It reminds us that our praise is not based on fleeting circumstances but on the immutable character of the One who is eternally good and eternally faithful.

* [Psalm 107:1](/psalms/107-1 "Psalm 107:1 - God's Goodness and Steadfast Love")
* [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 - The Great Hallel: God's Enduring Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 118:1 offers a timeless and profound invitation for believers to cultivate a heart of continuous gratitude. In a world often marked by anxiety, complaint, and fleeting pleasures, this verse calls us to anchor our souls in the unchanging reality of God's character. To "give thanks" is an act of intentional worship that reorients our perspective from our problems to God's promises. Recognizing that "He is good" provides a foundation of trust, assuring us that His intentions towards us are always benevolent, even amidst trials. The declaration that "His mercy endureth for ever" is a wellspring of hope, reminding us that His loyal love and covenant faithfulness are inexhaustible, never expiring, and always available. This truth empowers us to approach God with confidence, knowing that His compassion for us is boundless and eternal. Living in light of Psalm 118:1 means actively seeking opportunities to express gratitude, not just for what God does, but for who He is, fostering a deeper relationship of trust and adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's inherent "goodness" impact your trust in Him during difficult circumstances?**
* **What specific instances in your life demonstrate God's "mercy enduring forever"?**
* **In what practical ways can you "give thanks unto the LORD" more consistently in your daily life?**
* **How does the communal aspect of this verse (as part of the Hallel) inform your understanding of corporate worship and thanksgiving?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the phrase "his mercy endureth for ever"?**

Answer: The phrase "his mercy endureth for ever" (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, _ki l'olam ḥasdo_) is a crucial theological refrain found throughout the Hallel psalms and other parts of Scripture ([Psalm 136](/psalms/136 "Psalm 136 - The Great Hallel: God's Enduring Mercy") famously repeats it 26 times). "Mercy" here translates the Hebrew word _ḥesed_, which is far richer than mere pity. It denotes God's loyal love, steadfast kindness, covenant faithfulness, and unfailing grace. The addition of "for ever" emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and reliable nature of this divine attribute. It signifies that God's commitment to His people, His promises, and His redemptive plan is perpetual and unwavering. This provides profound assurance and security, highlighting that God's love is not conditional or temporary but an everlasting foundation for hope and trust, regardless of human failing or historical challenges.

**Why is thanksgiving commanded in this verse? Is it not a natural response?**

Answer: While thanksgiving can be a natural response to blessing, the imperative "O give thanks" (הוֹדוּ, _hodu_) in Psalm 118:1 elevates it beyond a mere feeling to a commanded act of worship. It underscores that thanksgiving is a fundamental duty and privilege for those who recognize God's goodness and enduring mercy. In a world prone to forgetfulness and ingratitude, this command serves as a perpetual reminder to intentionally acknowledge God's character and His mighty deeds. It is a call to actively reorient one's perspective, shifting focus from self or circumstances to the immutable nature of God. This commanded thanksgiving is not for God's benefit (as if He needs our praise), but for ours, as it fosters a deeper relationship with Him, cultivates humility, and aligns our hearts with divine truth, leading to greater peace and joy ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Prayer and Thanksgiving")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 118:1, with its resounding declaration of God's goodness and eternally enduring mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent expression of God's inherent goodness, embodying divine benevolence in His life, teachings, and miracles ([Acts 10:38](/acts/10-38 "Acts 10:38 - Jesus' Ministry of Goodness")). More significantly, Christ is the very embodiment of God's eternal _ḥesed_—His steadfast, covenant-keeping love. The cross of Calvary is the supreme demonstration of this enduring mercy, where God's love was poured out for humanity even "while we were still sinners" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love for Sinners")). The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the ultimate proof that God's mercy "endureth for ever," triumphing over sin and death and securing eternal life for all who believe ([1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection")). Furthermore, Psalm 118 itself is deeply messianic, famously proclaiming the "stone the builders rejected" who became the cornerstone ([Psalm 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Rejected Stone")), a verse directly applied to Christ by Peter in [Acts 4:11](/acts/4-11 "Acts 4:11 - Jesus, the Cornerstone"). Therefore, when we "give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever," we are ultimately giving thanks for the saving work of Christ, through whom God's goodness and eternal mercy are fully revealed and made accessible to all humanity ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")).

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.