Psalms 136:3

KJV

O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

O give thanks {H3034} to the Lord {H113} of lords {H113}: for his mercy {H2617} endureth for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his grace continues forever;

Berean Standard Bible

Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His loving devotion endures forever.

American Standard Version

Oh give thanks unto the Lord of lords; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 136:3 issues a profound call to worship, urging all to express gratitude to the preeminent "Lord of lords" whose steadfast love and covenant faithfulness endure eternally. This verse, embedded within a psalm characterized by its repetitive affirmation of divine mercy, highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and earthly powers, grounding the imperative for thanksgiving in His unchanging, loyal character. It serves as a foundational declaration of God's unparalleled dominion and His unfailing commitment to His people, inviting a response of perpetual praise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 136 is uniquely structured as a litany or antiphonal psalm, likely intended for communal worship. Each of its twenty-six verses concludes with the identical refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This repetitive pattern serves to deeply imprint the central truth of God's enduring *hesed* (steadfast love/mercy) upon the worshiper's mind and heart. Verse 3 follows the opening call to give thanks to the Lord and the "God of gods" (verse 2), escalating the praise by declaring Him the "Lord of lords." This progression builds a theological argument for God's absolute supremacy before the psalm recounts His mighty acts of creation, deliverance from Egypt, and provision in the wilderness, all framed by His never-ending mercy. The verse acts as a bridge, moving from the general call to worship to the specific attributes of God that warrant such praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, various nations worshipped numerous deities, often associated with specific domains or powers. Kings and rulers were sometimes deified or seen as divine representatives. The declaration of Yahweh as "Lord of lords" directly challenges this polytheistic worldview, asserting His unrivaled authority and dominion over all other supposed gods, earthly rulers, and cosmic powers. This was not merely a theological statement but a political and cultural one, affirming Israel's God as supreme above all, including the powerful pharaohs and empires they encountered. The concept of *hesed* (mercy/steadfast love) was also deeply rooted in covenant relationships, signifying a loyal, active, and unwavering commitment, particularly between a suzerain (God) and His vassal (Israel). This understanding would have resonated profoundly with an Israelite audience familiar with covenant treaties.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 136:3 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully establishes **God's Absolute Sovereignty and Supremacy**, declaring Him the ultimate authority above all other powers, whether human or divine. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, from the declaration in [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God of gods and Lord of lords") to the New Testament's affirmation of Christ's dominion in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship"). Secondly, the verse, through its refrain, underscores the theme of **God's Enduring *Hesed* (Steadfast Love/Mercy)**. This *hesed* is not merely pity but a loyal, covenantal love that is eternal and unwavering, forming the very foundation of God's relationship with His people and His acts in history. This profound truth is a consistent comfort and source of hope, as seen in [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness and Enduring Mercy"). Finally, the opening imperative "O give thanks" highlights the theme of **Worship and Thanksgiving as a Proper Response** to God's character and deeds. Recognizing God's supreme power and unending faithfulness naturally leads to heartfelt gratitude and praise, a central tenet of biblical spirituality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **give thanks (Hebrew, _yâdâh'_):** From H3034, a primitive root meaning literally "to use (i.e. hold out) the hand." Physically, it can mean to throw, but especially to revere or worship with extended hands. Intensively, it can also mean to bemoan (by wringing the hands). In this context, it carries the sense of praise, confession, and thanksgiving, indicating an outward expression of gratitude and acknowledgment, often accompanied by physical posture.
* **Lord (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From H113, a sovereign, controller (human or divine); master, owner. This term signifies supreme authority and ownership. When used in the plural "Lord of lords," it denotes the highest possible authority, indicating that Yahweh is the ultimate sovereign over all other rulers, whether earthly or spiritual, and over all other beings or entities that might claim authority.
* **mercy (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** From H2617, a rich theological term often translated as kindness, favour, good deed, loving-kindness, or merciful kindness. It denotes a loyal, unwavering, and active love that is deeply rooted in covenant faithfulness. It is more than mere compassion; it is a steadfast, committed love that God extends to His people, fulfilling His promises and acting on their behalf.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** From H5769, properly meaning "concealed" or "the vanishing point," it generally refers to time out of mind (past or future), practically signifying eternity. It implies continuance, eternal, everlasting, or perpetual. In this context, it emphasizes the unending, immutable nature of God's *hesed*, assuring that His covenant faithfulness is not temporary but extends throughout all generations and into eternity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O give thanks":** This is a direct imperative, an urgent and personal invitation or command to express gratitude. It is not merely a suggestion but a call to active, vocal, and heartfelt acknowledgment of God's character and deeds. The "O" adds an emotional intensity, emphasizing the profound importance of this act of worship.
* **"to the Lord of lords":** This phrase identifies the specific recipient of the thanksgiving. "Lord of lords" is a superlative title, asserting God's absolute supremacy and ultimate authority over all other lords, rulers, or powers, whether human or divine. It signifies His unrivaled dominion and unique position as the supreme sovereign in the cosmos, deserving of singular praise and allegiance.
* **"for his mercy endureth for ever.":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the thanksgiving. "Mercy" (Hebrew *hesed*) refers to God's steadfast, loyal, and covenantal love. The phrase "endureth for ever" emphasizes the eternal, unchanging, and unfailing nature of this divine attribute. It assures the worshiper that God's faithful love is not transient but is a perpetual reality, providing an enduring basis for trust, hope, and gratitude.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, especially within the context of Psalm 136, prominently employs **Repetition** through its famous refrain, "for his mercy endureth for ever." This consistent reiteration serves as a powerful mnemonic device, deeply embedding the core theological truth of God's enduring *hesed* into the communal memory and individual consciousness. It also creates a liturgical rhythm, inviting congregational response and reinforcing the central message. The phrase "Lord of lords" is a form of **Superlative** or **Hyperbole**, using a double plural to emphasize God's absolute and unparalleled supremacy, elevating Him above all other powers and authorities. This device effectively communicates His unrivaled dominion. The psalm itself is an example of **Litany** or **Antiphonal Structure**, where a leader would likely proclaim the first part of each verse, and the congregation would respond with the refrain. This structure fosters active participation and communal affirmation of God's character and mighty acts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 136:3 profoundly articulates the dual pillars of divine character: God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering, eternal love. The declaration of God as "Lord of lords" establishes His ultimate authority, a truth that undergirds all creation and redemption. He is not merely one deity among many, but the supreme, incomparable Being to whom all power and dominion belong. This supremacy, however, is not arbitrary or tyrannical; it is inextricably linked to His eternal mercy (*hesed*). This steadfast love is the very nature of His rule, ensuring that His power is always exercised in faithfulness to His covenant promises and for the good of His people. This divine combination of ultimate power and unfailing love forms the bedrock of biblical theology, inspiring both awe and profound trust.

* [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords")
* [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting")
* [Lamentations 3:22-23](/lamentations/3-22 "Lamentations 3:22-23 - The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by shifting allegiances, uncertain futures, and the rise and fall of earthly powers, Psalm 136:3 offers an anchor for the soul. To acknowledge God as the "Lord of lords" is to embrace the comforting truth that no earthly government, no personal struggle, no global crisis, and no spiritual adversary is ultimately outside of His sovereign control. This truth invites us to lay down our anxieties and fears, trusting in the One who holds all authority. Furthermore, the eternal nature of His mercy assures us that His love, forgiveness, and faithfulness are not contingent on our performance or circumstances. His *hesed* is a constant, inexhaustible wellspring of grace, always available, always pursuing, always restoring. This profound reality should ignite within us a continuous posture of thanksgiving, not merely as a ritual, but as a spontaneous overflow of a heart captivated by His supreme power and unending love. It calls us to live lives marked by grateful worship, confident in His dominion and secure in His unfailing covenant.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as the "Lord of lords" impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what specific ways have you experienced God's "mercy [enduring] for ever" in your own life? How does this encourage you today?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more consistent attitude of thanksgiving in your daily life, even amidst difficulties?**
* **How might the communal nature of this psalm's original use inform your participation in corporate worship?**

### FAQ
**What does "Lord of lords" mean in the context of ancient Israelite belief?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, various cultures worshipped numerous gods, and powerful earthly rulers were often seen as divine or divinely appointed. The title "Lord of lords" (Hebrew: *ʼâdôwn ʼâdôwnîm*) is a superlative expression, emphasizing Yahweh's absolute and unrivaled supremacy over all other beings or entities that might claim authority, whether they be the gods of other nations, spiritual powers, or the most powerful earthly monarchs. It asserts that He is the ultimate, supreme ruler to whom all others are subordinate. This declaration was a bold theological statement affirming monotheism and God's unique sovereignty over all creation, as also seen in [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God of gods and Lord of lords").

**Why is the phrase "for his mercy endureth for ever" repeated in every verse of Psalm 136?**

Answer: The consistent repetition of this refrain throughout all twenty-six verses of Psalm 136 serves multiple purposes. Liturgically, it likely facilitated an antiphonal worship style, where a leader would recite the first part of the verse, and the congregation would respond with the refrain, fostering active participation and communal affirmation. Theologically, this repetition deeply imprints the central truth of God's enduring *hesed* (steadfast love/mercy) into the minds and hearts of the worshipers. It emphasizes the unchanging, eternal, and reliable nature of God's covenant faithfulness, assuring His people that every act of creation, deliverance, and provision is rooted in His unfailing love. This constant reminder provides an unshakeable foundation for trust and thanksgiving, as highlighted in [Psalm 100:5](/psalms/100-5 "Psalm 100:5 - God's Goodness and Enduring Mercy").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 136:3 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The declaration of God as the "Lord of lords" is powerfully echoed in the New Testament's portrayal of Jesus. He is revealed not merely as a prophet or a king, but as the one to whom all authority in heaven and on earth has been given ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Paul proclaims that God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him the name that is above every name, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is [Lord](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Jesus is Lord"), to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Jesus' Exaltation and Lordship")). He is explicitly called the "[King of kings and Lord of lords](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords")" in Revelation, signifying His supreme and final dominion over all earthly and spiritual powers. Furthermore, the "mercy [that] endureth for ever" finds its most tangible and eternal expression in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Through His death and resurrection, God's steadfast love, His *hesed*, is fully revealed and eternally secured for all who believe. The New Covenant, mediated by Christ, is a covenant of [eternal mercy](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ as Mediator of a Better Covenant") and grace, demonstrating that God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises culminates in the gift of salvation through His Son ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated in Christ")). Thus, in Christ, the call to give thanks to the Lord of lords for His enduring mercy becomes a joyous and everlasting reality for every believer.

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

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

1 Timothy 6:15

Which in his times he shall shew, [who is] the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Revelation 19:16

And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.