Psalms 118:4

KJV

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let them now that fear {H3373} the LORD {H3068} say {H559}, that his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now let those who fear ADONAI say, "His grace continues forever."

Berean Standard Bible

Let those who fear the LORD say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”

American Standard Version

Let them now that fear Jehovah say, That his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:4 issues a profound and inclusive summons, urging all who hold the LORD in reverent awe to declare unequivocally that His steadfast love—His covenantal mercy—endures eternally. This verse is a vital component of a recurring refrain within the psalm, serving to broaden the chorus of praise and underscore the unchanging, everlasting nature of God's faithfulness and kindness towards His people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 is the final psalm in the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, particularly Passover. It is a psalm of thanksgiving, celebrating God's deliverance and victory, often from a national perspective, yet deeply personal in its expression of trust. The phrase "his mercy endureth for ever" functions as a powerful refrain, appearing in [Psalms 118:1](/psalms/118-1 "Psalms 118:1 - Give Thanks to the LORD"), [Psalms 118:2](/psalms/118-2 "Psalms 118:2 - Let Israel Say"), [Psalms 118:3](/psalms/118-3 "Psalms 118:3 - Let the House of Aaron Say"), and [Psalms 118:29](/psalms/118-29 "Psalms 118:29 - O Give Thanks to the LORD Again"). This repetition creates a liturgical rhythm, inviting various groups—Israel, the house of Aaron, and finally, "them that fear the LORD"—to join in this unified confession of divine steadfastness. Verse 4 specifically expands the scope of this declaration, ensuring that all who reverence God, regardless of specific lineage or role, are included in this universal chorus of praise, highlighting the expansive nature of God's grace and the appropriate response to it.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Hallel psalms were integral to ancient Israelite worship, particularly during the pilgrimage festivals when the nation gathered at Jerusalem. The communal singing of these psalms would have been a powerful act of corporate worship, recalling God's past deliverances (like the Exodus during Passover) and affirming His ongoing faithfulness. The public declaration of God's attributes was not merely an intellectual assent but an active, participatory act of worship, reinforcing communal identity and trust in Yahweh. The repeated refrain would have served as a mnemonic device and a unifying chant, embedding the truth of God's enduring *hesed* (mercy/steadfast love) deeply within the hearts and minds of the worshippers. This public, vocal affirmation was a cornerstone of their covenant relationship with God, a testimony to His character in the face of national trials and triumphs.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 118 and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is **God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed)**, which is presented not as a fleeting emotion but as an eternal, unwavering attribute of God's character, foundational to His covenant relationship with humanity. This *hesed* is the basis for all deliverance and blessing. Another crucial theme is the **Universal Call to Declaration**, emphasizing that the appropriate response to God's enduring goodness is active, vocal praise. The invitation extends beyond specific groups to "them that fear the LORD," signifying that reverence for God naturally leads to public testimony of His goodness. Finally, the phrase **"The Fear of the LORD"** is a profound theological concept, signifying not a cowering terror but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's holiness, power, and love, which naturally leads to obedience and trust. It is often presented as the beginning of wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Wisdom"), and is a hallmark of true piety and devotion across the Old Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This word, often translated as "fear," carries a richer meaning than mere terror. In this context, *yare'* denotes a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to God's majesty and authority. It implies a deep understanding of His power and holiness, leading to worship, obedience, and trust rather than cowering dread. Those who "fear the LORD" are those who acknowledge His sovereignty and live in humble devotion to Him.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** The use of the tetragrammaton, *YHWH*, refers to God's covenant name, revealing Him as the self-existent, faithful God who keeps His promises. This is the personal name of God, emphasizing His relational and covenantal character, particularly in His steadfast love for His people.
* **Mercy (Hebrew, _ḥesed_):** This is one of the most significant theological terms in the Old Testament. *Ḥesed* is far more than simple pity or compassion; it signifies God's steadfast love, covenant loyalty, unfailing kindness, and faithfulness. It speaks of a commitment that God maintains towards His people, even when they are undeserving, demonstrating His active benevolence within the framework of His covenant.
* **Endureth for ever (Hebrew, _l'olam_):** This phrase emphasizes the eternal, perpetual, and unchanging nature of God's *ḥesed*. It highlights that God's covenantal love is not temporary or conditional upon human merit, but is a fundamental, immutable aspect of His very being, extending through all generations and circumstances.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let them now that fear the LORD say":** This is an imperative call, a divine invitation and command for a specific group to participate in a public declaration. "Them that fear the LORD" expands the circle of praise beyond the specific groups of Israel and the house of Aaron (mentioned in previous verses), encompassing all who hold God in reverent awe and devotion, regardless of their tribal or priestly affiliation. The "now" adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to this universal call to confession.
* **"that his mercy [endureth] for ever":** This clause specifies the content of the declaration. The object of their confession is God's *ḥesed*, His covenantal steadfast love and faithfulness. The phrase "endureth for ever" (or "is forever") underscores the eternal, unwavering, and unchanging nature of this divine attribute. It is a timeless truth, a constant anchor in a world of flux, providing assurance and hope.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 118:4, like the verses surrounding it, prominently employs the literary device of **Refrain**. The repetition of "his mercy endureth for ever" in verses 1, 2, 3, 4, and 29 creates a powerful liturgical and thematic anchor for the entire psalm. This refrain serves multiple purposes: it emphasizes the central theological truth of God's unchanging *ḥesed*, it unifies the diverse voices of the worshippers (Israel, Aaron, and all who fear the LORD), and it builds a cumulative sense of certainty and triumph. The psalm also uses **Imperative Mood** ("Let them now... say"), which functions as a direct command and invitation, urging active participation in worship and public testimony. Furthermore, the phrase "for ever" serves as **Emphasis**, hyperbolically stressing the absolute and unending nature of God's mercy, ensuring that its eternal quality is deeply impressed upon the listener or reader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:4 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering faithfulness and His desire for humanity's responsive worship. The enduring mercy of the LORD, or *ḥesed*, is not merely an abstract theological concept but the very foundation of God's relationship with His creation, particularly His covenant people. It is the wellspring of all salvation, deliverance, and sustained life. This verse underscores that the appropriate response to such boundless and eternal love is not passive reception but active, vocal testimony. It highlights that true reverence for God (the "fear of the LORD") naturally culminates in a grateful proclamation of His steadfast character, inviting all who acknowledge His sovereignty to join in this universal chorus of praise. This communal declaration reinforces faith, builds spiritual resilience, and serves as a powerful witness to God's unchanging goodness in a world marked by transience and uncertainty.

* [1 Chronicles 16:34](/1_chronicles/16-34 "1 Chronicles 16:34 - Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good")
* [Psalms 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalms 100:5 - For the LORD is Good; His Mercy is Everlasting")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The LORD's Mercies Never Come to an End")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:4 serves as a timeless call to every believer to actively engage in declaring the unchanging nature of God's mercy. In a world characterized by instability, fleeting trends, and shifting loyalties, the truth that God's *ḥesed* endures forever provides an unshakeable anchor for our souls. This verse encourages us not merely to intellectually assent to this truth but to vocalize it, to testify to it, and to allow it to shape our perspective on life's challenges and triumphs. When we "say" that His mercy endures forever, we are not just reciting a creed; we are affirming our trust, expressing our gratitude, and participating in a spiritual act of worship that strengthens our own faith and bears witness to those around us. This declaration can transform our anxieties into peace, our doubts into assurance, and our complaints into praise, reminding us that God's steadfast love is the constant reality beneath all our changing circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for you personally to "fear the LORD" in a way that leads to declaring His mercy?**
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's mercy (His *ḥesed*) provide comfort or strength in your current circumstances?**
* **In what practical ways can you "say" or declare God's enduring mercy in your daily life, both privately and publicly?**
* **How might regularly proclaiming God's eternal mercy impact your perspective on suffering, waiting, or unanswered prayers?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear the LORD" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In biblical terms, "fear the LORD" (Hebrew: *yare'*) does not primarily mean to be terrified of God in a cowering sense. Rather, it signifies a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to His majesty, holiness, and power. It implies recognizing God's supreme authority and living in humble obedience and devotion to Him. It is a fear that leads to worship, trust, and a desire to please Him, rather than to flee from Him. This reverential fear is often described as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge")).

**Why is the phrase "his mercy endureth for ever" repeated so frequently in Psalm 118?**

Answer: The repetition of "his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: *ki l'olam ḥasdo*) serves as a powerful refrain, a common literary and liturgical device in Hebrew poetry. Its frequent recurrence in Psalm 118 (appearing in verses 1, 2, 3, 4, and 29) emphasizes the central theological truth of the psalm: God's *ḥesed*—His steadfast love, covenant loyalty, and unfailing kindness—is eternal and unchanging. This repetition reinforces the message, makes it memorable for communal worship, and builds a cumulative sense of assurance and triumph. It functions as a theological anchor, reminding the worshipper that despite any trials or enemies, God's fundamental character of lovingkindness remains constant and everlasting.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:4, with its call to declare God's enduring mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The *ḥesed* of God, His steadfast, covenantal love that endures forever, is perfectly embodied and supremely demonstrated in the person and work of Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's mercy through His acts of deliverance and faithfulness to Israel, the New Testament reveals that this eternal mercy culminates in the sending of His Son. As [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - For God So Loved the World") proclaims, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son," which is the ultimate expression of His *ḥesed*. The cross of Christ is the definitive proof that God's mercy endures forever, for it was "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Own Love Toward Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus has secured an eternal redemption, ensuring that God's mercy is not only everlasting but also eternally accessible to all who believe. He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and through Him, we can confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Let Us Then Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). Thus, the ancient call to declare God's enduring mercy becomes a joyous, Christ-centered proclamation of the Gospel itself, testifying to the One through whom God's steadfast love has been fully revealed and eternally secured.

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.