Psalms 69:30

KJV

¶ I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will praise {H1984}{H8762)} the name {H8034} of God {H430} with a song {H7892}, and will magnify {H1431}{H8762)} him with thanksgiving {H8426}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will praise God's name with a song and extol him with thanksgiving.

Berean Standard Bible

I will praise God’s name in song and exalt Him with thanksgiving.

American Standard Version

I will praise the name of God with a song, And will magnify him with thanksgiving.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 69:30 articulates a profound commitment to worship and adoration, even amidst the psalmist's deep distress and suffering. This verse marks a pivotal moment in Psalm 69, transitioning from fervent lament and desperate prayer to a resolute declaration of praise. It encapsulates the psalmist's unwavering faith that God will hear and deliver, leading to an anticipated outpouring of grateful worship expressed through song and thanksgiving, thereby magnifying the divine character.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 69 is a deeply personal and impassioned lament, often attributed to King David, where the psalmist cries out to God from a place of overwhelming affliction, persecution, and profound emotional pain. He vividly describes his suffering, feeling as though he is sinking in deep mire and waters, and being hated without cause by his adversaries (cf. [Psalms 69:1-4](/psalms/69-1 "Psalm 69:1-4 - Deep Waters of Affliction")). The preceding verses detail his humiliation, the reproach he endures for God's sake, and his fervent pleas for divine intervention and judgment against his enemies (cf. [Psalms 69:19-28](/psalms/69-19 "Psalm 69:19-28 - Pleas for Deliverance and Judgment")). Verse 30, however, signals a significant shift. It anticipates God's future deliverance and expresses an unwavering faith that despite current circumstances, God will indeed hear and respond. This transition from intense complaint to confident praise is a hallmark feature of many psalms of lament, demonstrating the enduring hope and trust of the righteous in God's faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While traditionally ascribed to David, the specific historical setting for Psalm 69 is debated, yet its themes resonate with the experiences of a righteous individual facing severe opposition, possibly from within his own community or from external enemies. The cultural context of ancient Israel placed immense value on the "name of God" as a representation of His character, power, and presence. Public worship, often accompanied by music and song, was central to Israelite life, whether in the Tabernacle, the Temple, or communal gatherings. Thanksgiving, or *todah*, was a significant component of sacrificial worship, where offerings of praise and gratitude were made to God, often in fulfillment of vows or in response to deliverance. The psalmist's declaration to "praise with a song" and "magnify with thanksgiving" reflects these established cultural practices, even as he expresses them in a deeply personal and future-oriented manner, perhaps envisioning a thanksgiving sacrifice or public declaration upon his deliverance.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 69:30 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Praise and Worship**, highlighting that true worship is not merely an emotional reaction to favorable circumstances but a conscious, deliberate act of adoration and acknowledgment of God's inherent character and His redemptive deeds, even in the midst of adversity. This is inextricably linked with **Thanksgiving**, emphasizing gratitude as an indispensable element of genuine worship, recognizing God's blessings and anticipated deliverance. The psalmist's commitment suggests a proactive mindset of gratitude, offered even before full deliverance is realized. Furthermore, the verse underscores **The Power of Song** as a medium for worship, demonstrating how music can express deep devotion, convey profound emotion, and collectively magnify God's name. Finally, the act of **Magnifying God** means to make Him appear great, to extol His name, and to give Him the honor and glory He deserves, shifting focus from one's own troubles to the infinite greatness and sovereignty of God, as seen in other calls to worship like [Psalms 100:4-5](/psalms/100 "Psalm 100 - A Psalm for Thanksgiving").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _yadah'_):** This verb (יָדָה) carries a rich semantic range, often implying confession, giving thanks, or extending the hand in worship. It denotes an active, outward expression of gratitude and adoration, a dynamic acknowledgment of God's character and deeds. In this context, it is a deliberate, volitional act of worship, not merely a passive feeling.
* **Magnify (Hebrew, _gadal'_):** The verb (גָּדַל) means "to make great," "to extol," or "to glorify." When applied to God, it signifies an act of proclamation that elevates Him above all else, making His greatness, power, and majesty known to oneself and to others. It is about declaring God's immense worth and significance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will praise the name of God with a song":** This clause reveals the psalmist's personal resolve ("I will"), indicating a firm commitment to an act of worship. The object of this praise is "the name of God," which in Hebrew thought represents God's revealed character, His attributes, and His very being, not merely a label. To praise His name is to praise all that He is. The chosen medium for this praise is "with a song," highlighting the integral role of music in expressing devotion, emotion, and collective adoration within Israelite worship.
* **"and will magnify him with thanksgiving":** This second clause parallels the first, reinforcing the psalmist's intent. To "magnify him" means to declare God's greatness, to extol His virtues, and to give Him the honor and glory He is due. The accompanying attitude and reason for this magnification is "with thanksgiving," emphasizing gratitude as a core component of authentic worship. This thanksgiving is not conditional on immediate deliverance but flows from a deep-seated recognition of God's unchanging goodness and faithfulness, even in anticipation of future salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 69:30 employs several effective literary devices. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first. "Praise the name of God with a song" is closely mirrored by "magnify him with thanksgiving," with "praise" and "magnify" serving as parallel actions, and "song" and "thanksgiving" as parallel means or expressions. This parallelism emphasizes the dual nature of worship—both expressive (song) and appreciative (thanksgiving)—and reinforces the psalmist's resolute commitment. The phrase "name of God" functions as a **Metonymy**, where "name" stands in for God's entire being, character, and reputation, signifying the full scope of His divine identity and attributes. The psalmist's declaration itself is a form of **Vow of Praise**, a common feature in laments where the supplicant promises future worship upon receiving divine deliverance, thereby expressing profound faith even in the midst of suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 69:30 offers a timeless model for worship, demonstrating that even in the throes of profound trials, believers are called to fix their gaze upon God and offer Him praise and thanksgiving. This act of worship is not merely a spontaneous emotional outburst but a spiritual discipline that can profoundly transform perspective and strengthen faith. It underscores that true worship is not contingent upon our circumstances but flows from a recognition of God's unchanging worth, character, and faithfulness. The psalmist's commitment to praise, even before full deliverance, prefigures a theology of proactive gratitude and trust, where worship becomes an act of faith that anticipates God's redemptive work.

* [Psalms 100:4](/psalms/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His Gates with Thanksgiving")
* [Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Singing with Grace in Your Hearts")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 69:30 provides a powerful template for our own spiritual lives, especially when facing adversity. It challenges us to cultivate a heart of worship that is not dependent on our immediate circumstances but is rooted in the unchanging character of God. In moments of distress, our natural inclination might be to focus inward on our pain or outward on our problems. However, this verse redirects our gaze upward, inviting us to deliberately choose to praise God's name and magnify Him with thanksgiving. This can be a transformative act, shifting our perspective from despair to hope, from self-pity to divine adoration. It reminds us that worship, through song and grateful acknowledgment, is a potent spiritual weapon that can strengthen our faith, remind us of God's sovereignty, and prepare our hearts to receive His deliverance. It encourages us to find ways to express our gratitude, whether through personal devotions, communal worship, or simply by recounting God's goodness in our lives, thereby making Him appear great to ourselves and others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's commitment to praise amidst suffering challenge your own approach to worship during difficult times?**
* **What specific "songs" or expressions of "thanksgiving" can you offer to God today, regardless of your current circumstances?**
* **In what practical ways can you "magnify" God's name in your daily life, making His greatness known to those around you?**

### FAQ

**Why does the psalmist promise to praise God "with a song" and "with thanksgiving" even while still suffering?**

Answer: The psalmist's promise to praise God "with a song" and "with thanksgiving" while still in distress is a profound expression of faith and a common motif in the Psalms of lament. It signifies a confident anticipation of God's deliverance and a pre-emptive act of worship. This is not a denial of current pain but a declaration of trust in God's character and His faithfulness to respond to the cries of His people. By vowing future praise, the psalmist expresses certainty that God will act, and he is already preparing the appropriate response of gratitude and adoration. This act of faith-filled praise can also serve as a spiritual discipline, transforming the psalmist's perspective even before the circumstances change, as seen in other psalms where lament turns to praise (e.g., [Psalms 13:5-6](/psalms/13 "Psalm 13 - A Plea for Deliverance")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 69:30 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Psalm 69 is one of the most frequently quoted psalms in the New Testament, often applied directly to Christ's suffering, rejection, and zeal for God's house (e.g., [John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Zeal for Your House") and [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")). Just as the psalmist suffered unjustly and yet committed to praise, Jesus, the perfect Son, endured unimaginable suffering and humiliation, even to the point of death on the cross, yet His entire life was an act of perfect obedience and praise to the Father (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). His ultimate sacrifice was the greatest act of thanksgiving, reconciling humanity to God. Furthermore, the "song" and "thanksgiving" of Psalms 69:30 are fulfilled in the worship of the redeemed church, which praises and magnifies God through Christ. Believers, united with Christ, offer a "sacrifice of praise" to God continually, the fruit of lips that confess His name (cf. [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")). Our worship, expressed in song and thanksgiving, is a participation in Christ's own perfect praise, magnifying the Father for His glorious grace revealed in His Son, 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")).

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

Psalms 28:7

The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

Psalms 34:3

O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.

Psalms 118:28

Thou [art] my God, and I will praise thee: [thou art] my God, I will exalt thee.

Psalms 118:29

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

Psalms 40:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

Psalms 40:3

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, [even] praise unto our God: many shall see [it], and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

Psalms 118:21

I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.