Psalms 136:1

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

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 136:1 serves as the foundational declaration for a unique and powerful liturgical psalm, often referred to as the "Great Hallel." It issues a direct, communal call to give thanks to the LORD, grounding this imperative in two immutable attributes of God: His inherent goodness and His steadfast, enduring mercy. This opening verse sets the stage for the psalm's distinctive responsorial structure, where each subsequent declaration of God's mighty acts is met with the unwavering affirmation that "his mercy endureth for ever," establishing a profound theological anchor for the entire composition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 136 is a distinctive psalm, often designated as the "Great Hallel" (Hallel HaGadol), likely due to its comprehensive recounting of God's redemptive history and its unique responsorial structure. The opening verse, [Psalms 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalms 136:1 - Call to Thanks for God's Goodness and Mercy"), establishes the central theme and the recurring refrain that punctuates every subsequent verse: "for his mercy endureth for ever." This structure creates a powerful, cumulative effect, reinforcing the unchanging nature of God's *hesed* (mercy/loyal love) against the backdrop of His diverse acts, from creation ([Psalms 136:5-9](/psalms/136-5 "Psalms 136:5-9 - God's Creative Power")) to the Exodus ([Psalms 136:10-15](/psalms/136-10 "Psalms 136:10-15 - God's Deliverance from Egypt")) and the conquest of Canaan ([Psalms 136:16-22](/psalms/136-16 "Psalms 136:16-22 - God's Guidance in the Wilderness")). The psalm functions as a grand litany, where the initial call to thanksgiving in [Psalms 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalms 136:1 - The Foundation of Thanksgiving") is continually justified by recounting God's benevolent actions, ensuring that the congregation's praise is rooted in concrete historical and cosmic realities.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm was almost certainly composed for communal worship, likely within the context of major Israelite festivals such as Passover, Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), or perhaps even the dedication of the Second Temple. The responsorial format suggests a call-and-response liturgy, where a leader would proclaim a truth about God's character or a specific historical deed, and the congregation would respond with the unifying refrain. This practice would have fostered corporate memory, reinforced national identity, and deepened the community's understanding of God's covenant faithfulness. The emphasis on God's goodness and enduring mercy (Hebrew: *hesed*) would have been particularly significant for a people who had experienced both divine deliverance and discipline, reminding them of God's unwavering commitment despite their own failings. Such communal recitation served not only as an act of worship but also as a powerful pedagogical tool, instructing new generations in the foundational narratives of their faith.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 136:1](/psalms/136-1 "Psalms 136:1 - The Opening Call to Praise") introduces the three primary themes that permeate the entire psalm. First, the **Call to Thanksgiving** is an imperative, not an option, highlighting gratitude as a fundamental posture of the worshiper towards God. This thanksgiving is rooted in God's intrinsic **Goodness**, an attribute that defines His very nature and is not contingent on circumstances. He is inherently benevolent and righteous. Second, and most profoundly, the verse introduces the theme of **God's Enduring Mercy (Hesed)**. This *hesed* is far more than mere pity; it encompasses loyal love, steadfast kindness, covenant faithfulness, and unfailing grace. It speaks to God's unwavering commitment to His promises and to His people, a love that "endureth for ever" (Hebrew: *l'olam*). This eternal *hesed* is the theological bedrock upon which all of God's mighty acts, from creation ([Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account")) to the Exodus ([Exodus 12](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus")), are founded and understood.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **give thanks (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** From H3034, a primitive root meaning "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand." It physically implies throwing or casting, but especially denotes reverence or worship with extended hands. Intensively, it can mean to bemoan (by wringing the hands). In this context, it primarily conveys the act of praising, confessing, and giving thanks. It's an active, outward expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's character and deeds.
* **good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb'_):** From H2896, this adjective describes goodness in the widest sense. It encompasses beauty, bounty, cheerfulness, favor, gladness, kindness, pleasantness, and welfare. When applied to God, as here, it signifies His inherent moral excellence, benevolence, and beneficial nature. God's goodness is not merely a quality He possesses, but an intrinsic aspect of His being, making Him worthy of all praise and thanksgiving.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, this is a profoundly rich theological term. It signifies kindness, piety (towards God), favour, good deed, loving-kindness, and steadfast love. *Hesed* describes God's covenant faithfulness – His unwavering, loyal love and commitment to His promises and to His people, even when they are undeserving. It is an active, relational attribute that underpins His dealings with humanity.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** From H5769, properly meaning "concealed" or "the vanishing point," this term generally refers to time out of mind, past or future, practically implying eternity. It denotes continuance, eternal, everlasting, and perpetual. When paired with *hesed*, it emphasizes the unchanging, unending, and limitless nature of God's loyal love and covenant faithfulness. His mercy is not temporary or conditional, but extends throughout all generations and into eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O give thanks unto the LORD;":** This is a direct, imperative call to worship addressed to the community. The "O" (Hebrew *hôdû*) functions as an interjection, intensifying the command to "give thanks." The object of this thanksgiving is "the LORD" (Hebrew: YHWH, the covenant name of God), emphasizing that this gratitude is directed specifically towards the sovereign, self-existent God of Israel, who has revealed Himself in covenant relationship. It is an invitation to engage in an act of communal praise and acknowledgment.
* **"for he is good:":** This clause provides the first and fundamental reason for the call to thanksgiving. God's goodness (*ṭôwb*) is presented as an intrinsic, unchanging attribute of His character. It is not dependent on human merit or circumstance but is an inherent quality of His being. This goodness encompasses His benevolence, righteousness, and the beneficial nature of all His actions. It is because of *who He is*—fundamentally good—that He is worthy of thanks.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever.":** This clause introduces the psalm's iconic refrain and the second, equally crucial reason for thanksgiving. "His mercy" refers to God's *hesed*, His loyal, steadfast, and covenantal love. The phrase "endureth for ever" (*l'olam chasdo*) powerfully declares the eternal, unchanging, and unfailing nature of this divine attribute. It signifies that God's commitment to His people, His faithfulness to His promises, and His compassionate love are perpetual, extending through all time and circumstances, providing an unshakeable foundation for faith and hope.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 136:1 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to achieve its profound impact. The most prominent is **Refrain**, where the phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" is introduced in this opening verse and then repeated verbatim at the end of every subsequent verse throughout the psalm. This creates a powerful, meditative rhythm, reinforcing the central theological truth and embedding it deeply into the memory of the worshipers. The verse also begins with an **Imperative** ("O give thanks"), a direct command that functions as an **Apostrophe**, addressing the congregation directly and compelling them to participate in worship. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Parallelism** in the two "for" clauses ("for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever"), where God's goodness and His enduring mercy are presented as complementary and equally foundational reasons for thanksgiving. The cumulative effect of these devices is to build a robust, unwavering declaration of God's character, inviting the community into a corporate act of grateful praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 136:1 lays the theological cornerstone for understanding God's character as both inherently good and eternally merciful. This dual emphasis reveals a God whose benevolence is not capricious but rooted in His unchanging nature, and whose steadfast love (hesed) is the bedrock of His covenant relationship with humanity. It is a profound declaration that God's active, loyal love is not temporary or conditional, but endures perpetually, providing an unwavering foundation for hope and trust. This truth undergirds all of God's redemptive acts throughout history, from creation to the ultimate salvation, assuring believers of His consistent faithfulness across generations.
* [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness and Enduring Mercy")
* [Psalm 118:1](/psalms/118-1 "Psalm 118:1 - Call to Thanks for Enduring Mercy")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Steadfast Love of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 136:1 calls us to cultivate a heart of continuous thanksgiving, not merely for what God does, but for who He inherently is: good and eternally merciful. In a world characterized by change, uncertainty, and often, hardship, this verse provides an unshakeable anchor. Recognizing that God's goodness is His immutable nature and that His steadfast love endures forever transforms our perspective. It empowers us to trust Him even when circumstances are challenging, knowing that His character remains constant. This enduring truth should inspire confidence, cultivate deep gratitude, and motivate us to live lives that reflect His goodness and mercy to others. It invites us to join the ancient chorus of praise, acknowledging that our very existence, our hope, and all true blessings flow from His unending *hesed*.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's inherent goodness and His enduring mercy (hesed) impact your trust in Him during difficult seasons of life?**
* **In what specific ways can you intentionally cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving for God's character, rather than just for His blessings?**
* **How might the communal, responsive nature of this psalm inform your participation in corporate worship or your engagement with your faith community?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the repeated refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" in Psalm 136?**

Answer: The repeated refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" (Hebrew: *ki l'olam chasdo*) is the theological and structural anchor of Psalm 136. Its repetition 26 times, corresponding to each declaration of God's acts, serves multiple critical purposes. Theologically, it emphasizes the unchanging, eternal, and boundless nature of God's *hesed* (loyal love, steadfast kindness, covenant faithfulness). It assures the worshiper that every act of God, whether in creation, deliverance, or provision, is motivated and sustained by this unwavering mercy. Structurally, it creates a powerful responsorial liturgy, likely intended for communal worship, where the congregation would affirm this core truth in response to a leader's proclamation. This repetition aids memorization, reinforces faith, and builds a cumulative sense of awe and gratitude for God's perpetual faithfulness, reminding believers that God's character is consistent and His love never fails, as affirmed in [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The Steadfast Love of the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 136:1, with its twin declarations of God's goodness and His enduring mercy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the perfect embodiment of God's inherent goodness, revealing the Father's character fully and without blemish ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Seeing the Father in Jesus")). More significantly, the "mercy that endureth for ever" (hesed) is perfectly manifested in Christ's redemptive mission. The cross is the supreme demonstration of God's steadfast love, where, "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ's Love While We Were Sinners")). Through His sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus established a new covenant, a covenant of grace and mercy that is eternal and unbreakable ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). In Christ, God's *hesed* is not merely a historical fact but a living reality, extended to all who believe, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). Thus, the ancient call to give thanks for God's enduring mercy is now a call to give thanks for the Lamb of God, who perfectly revealed and eternally secured that mercy for all humanity.

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

1 Chronicles 16:34

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

Psalms 118:1

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

1 Chronicles 16:41

And with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest that were chosen, who were expressed by name, to give thanks to the LORD, because his mercy [endureth] for ever;

Psalms 106:1

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

2 Chronicles 20:21

And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

Psalms 107:1

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

2 Chronicles 7:3

And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down, and the glory of the LORD upon the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground upon the pavement, and worshipped, and praised the LORD, [saying], For [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.