Psalms 92:1

KJV

¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day. [It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:

KJV (with Strong's)

A Psalm {H4210} or Song {H7892} for the sabbath {H7676} day {H3117}. It is a good {H2896} thing to give thanks {H3034}{H8687)} unto the LORD {H3068}, and to sing praises {H2167}{H8763)} unto thy name {H8034}, O most High {H5945}:

Complete Jewish Bible

A psalm. A song for Shabbat: It is good to give thanks to ADONAI and sing praises to your name, 'Elyon,

Berean Standard Bible

It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High,

American Standard Version

It is a good thing to give thanks unto Jehovah, And to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 92:1 serves as a profound declaration, asserting that the act of offering heartfelt thanksgiving to the LORD and singing praises to His exalted name is inherently good, beneficial, and spiritually enriching. This foundational verse immediately establishes the psalm's central theme of joyful worship, setting a tone of adoration and recognition of God's supreme sovereignty and enduring faithfulness, particularly fitting for a designated day of sacred rest and communion with the Divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The superscription, "A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day," is not merely an introductory note but a crucial interpretive lens for Psalm 92. It immediately situates the psalm within a specific liturgical and theological framework, indicating its intended use during the Sabbath. Verse 1 functions as the psalm's thesis, articulating the core purpose of the entire composition: to offer praise and thanksgiving. The subsequent verses (Psalm 92:2-15) then systematically elaborate on the manifold reasons for this gratitude, contrasting God's enduring righteousness and the flourishing of the righteous with the fleeting prosperity and ultimate destruction of the wicked. Thus, this opening verse is not an isolated command but an invitation to engage with the profound truths about God's character, His mighty works in creation and providence, and His unwavering justice that unfold throughout the rest of the psalm, culminating in a triumphant celebration of God's eternal stability and moral perfection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The designation "for the sabbath day" (Hebrew: _Yom Shabbat_) is profoundly significant. The Sabbath was a cornerstone of Israelite religious and social life, divinely commanded in the Decalogue (e.g., [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8-11 "Exodus 20:8-11 - The Fourth Commandment")) as a day of holy rest, remembrance, and worship. It commemorated both God's completed work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3) and His redemptive deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage (Deuteronomy 5:15). On the Sabbath, ordinary labor ceased, allowing for dedicated time for communal worship, personal reflection on God's covenant faithfulness, and spiritual renewal. Therefore, a psalm specifically composed for this sacred day would naturally emphasize themes of thanksgiving for God's creative and redemptive acts, and praise for His supreme authority and steadfastness. The act of singing praises was a common and integral part of Israelite worship, often accompanied by musical instruments, signifying communal joy, devotion, and a public acknowledgment of God's greatness.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 92:1 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Gratitude and Thanksgiving**, presenting it not as a burdensome obligation but as an intrinsically "good" (Hebrew: _ṭōḇ_) and beneficial act for the worshiper. This aligns perfectly with the biblical emphasis on acknowledging God's blessings, His character, and His mighty deeds, as powerfully articulated in [Psalm 100:4](/psalms/100-4 "Psalm 100:4 - Enter His gates with thanksgiving"). Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Active Worship and Praise**, specifically through singing. This form of expression is a powerful and joyful means of adoration, celebrating God's attributes and deeds, and fostering a deeper, more intimate connection with the Divine. The Psalms are replete with fervent calls to "sing praises" to the Lord, as exemplified in [Psalm 33:2-3](/psalms/33-2-3 "Psalm 33:2-3 - Praise the LORD with the harp"). Finally, the verse emphasizes **God's Exalted Nature**, referring to Him as "the LORD" (Yahweh, God's personal covenant name) and "O most High" (Elyon, signifying His supreme transcendence and universal sovereignty). This recognition of God's unparalleled majesty and dominion is the very foundation upon which genuine thanksgiving and praise are built, echoing the awe-inspiring vision of God's holiness found in passages like [Isaiah 6:1-3](/isaiah/6-1-3 "Isaiah 6:1-3 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Holiness").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôwb_):** From H2896, this word carries a rich semantic range, encompassing "pleasant," "agreeable," "beneficial," "right," "morally excellent," and "beautiful." When applied to giving thanks and singing praises, it signifies that these actions are not merely permissible or commanded, but are inherently fitting, spiritually wholesome, and yield positive outcomes for the one who performs them. It implies that such worship aligns with the very nature of reality and God's design for humanity, bringing joy, spiritual health, and a sense of rightness.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh_):** From H3068, this is the Tetragrammaton (YHWH), God's personal, covenantal name, often translated as Yahweh. Its use here emphasizes God's relational aspect with His people, His faithfulness to His promises, and His active, self-existent presence in their lives. Giving thanks to YHWH is an acknowledgment of His unique identity as the eternal, covenant-keeping God who has revealed Himself specifically to Israel and acts on their behalf.
* **Most High (Hebrew, _ʻelyôwn_):** From H5945, this divine title signifies God's absolute supremacy, transcendence, and sovereign authority over all creation. It portrays God as elevated above all other powers, gods, or earthly rulers, emphasizing His unparalleled majesty and ultimate control. When praising the "Most High," the worshiper acknowledges God's unrivaled greatness, His eternal reign, and His ultimate dominion over all things, reinforcing the profound awe and reverence due to Him. This title is often associated with God's universal dominion, as seen in the encounter between Abraham and Melchizedek in [Genesis 14:18-20](/genesis/14-18-20 "Genesis 14:18-20 - Melchizedek and God Most High").

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ A Psalm [or] Song for the sabbath day.":** This superscription, while technically external to the verse itself, provides the crucial interpretive key. It designates the psalm's liturgical purpose and setting, indicating that the themes of thanksgiving and praise are particularly appropriate for the day set aside for holy rest and remembrance of God's creative and redemptive acts. It frames the entire composition as an act of Sabbath worship.
* **"[It is a] good [thing] to give thanks unto the LORD, ":** This clause declares the intrinsic value and spiritual benefit of expressing gratitude to God. The Hebrew word _ṭōḇ_ ("good") implies that this act is not only morally right and commanded but also inherently beneficial, spiritually wholesome, and pleasing to both God and the worshiper. It highlights the importance of acknowledging God's character, His benevolent actions, and His faithful covenant relationship with His people (the LORD/YHWH).
* **"and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:":** This parallel clause specifies the active, joyful, and often communal nature of this "good thing." "Singing praises" denotes an outward, vocal, and often musical expression of adoration and worship. "Thy name" refers to God's revealed character, attributes, and reputation, while "O most High" (ʿElyōn) emphasizes His supreme transcendence, universal sovereignty, and unparalleled majesty, providing the ultimate and most profound reason for such worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 92:1, along with its superscription, employs several significant literary devices that enhance its theological impact and poetic beauty. The **Superscription** itself is a crucial element, providing immediate context and purpose for the psalm, designating it for the Sabbath and thus framing its themes of rest, creation, and divine sovereignty. The verse then prominently features **Parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**. The second clause, "to sing praises unto thy name, O most High," reiterates and expands upon the first, "to give thanks unto the LORD," using different but related terms to express the same core idea of grateful worship. This repetition reinforces the central message from slightly different angles, adding emphasis and richness. Furthermore, the strategic use of **Divine Epithets**—"LORD" (YHWH) and "Most High" (ʿElyōn)—serves to amplify God's character, presenting Him simultaneously as the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel and the supreme, transcendent ruler of the cosmos. This combination of names enriches the theological depth of the praise being offered, inviting worship that is both intimate and awe-filled.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 92:1 lays a foundational theological truth: that the proper and most fitting response to God's existence, character, and works is one of profound gratitude and joyful praise. This is not merely an emotional outburst or a religious duty, but a recognition of God's inherent goodness, His supreme authority, and His active presence in creation and history. The act of giving thanks and singing praises acknowledges God's sovereignty over all things, affirming His role as the ultimate source of all blessings and the unwavering standard of justice. It connects the worshiper to a timeless lineage of faith that understands worship as a holistic response, engaging both mind and heart in adoration of the Divine. This verse, therefore, is a powerful invitation into a posture of continuous thanksgiving, acknowledging that such a disposition is both morally right and spiritually enriching, aligning the human heart with its Creator's design.

* [Psalm 100:1-5](/psalms/100-1-5 "Psalm 100:1-5 - A Psalm of Thanksgiving")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray with Thanksgiving")
* [Colossians 3:16-17](/colossians/3-16-17 "Colossians 3:16-17 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 92:1 profoundly calls believers today to cultivate a lifestyle of intentional gratitude and praise, not merely as an occasional act but as a continuous spiritual discipline. In a world often marked by complaint, anxiety, and discontent, this verse serves as a potent reminder that true spiritual well-being and flourishing begin with recognizing and celebrating God's inherent goodness and His supreme position as the "Most High." It offers a powerful antidote to despair, shifting our focus from what may be lacking to what has been abundantly provided by our benevolent Creator. Embracing this perspective means actively seeking opportunities to give thanks, not just for grand blessings, but for the mundane and often overlooked aspects of daily life, and to express our adoration through song, prayer, or quiet contemplation. This deliberate practice of thanksgiving and praise transforms our inner landscape, fostering joy, peace, and a deeper awareness of God's active presence and faithfulness, regardless of external circumstances. It is a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with God's will and enriches our daily walk of faith, enabling us to truly experience the "good thing" of worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the Sabbath context of this psalm deepen your appreciation for the call to give thanks and sing praises, particularly in light of God's completed work of creation and redemption?**
* **In what practical ways can you intentionally cultivate a "good thing" of thanksgiving and praise in your daily life, moving beyond mere obligation to genuine delight?**
* **How does acknowledging God as "the LORD" (Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God) and "Most High" (Elyon, the supreme sovereign) shape the nature and depth of your personal and corporate worship?**

### FAQ
**Why is it "a good thing" to give thanks and sing praises to the Lord?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _ṭōṇ_ ("good") implies that this act is intrinsically beneficial, morally proper, and spiritually wholesome. It's "good" because it aligns with God's design for humanity, recognizing Him as the rightful recipient of all glory and the source of all blessings. For the worshiper, it fosters a posture of humility, contentment, and joy, shifting focus from self to God. This act of worship brings spiritual health, deepens one's relationship with God, and reorients one's perspective towards gratitude, even amidst challenges. It is also good because it fulfills the very purpose for which humanity was created: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, as beautifully expressed in [Psalm 145:3-7](/psalms/145-3-7 "Psalm 145:3-7 - Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 92:1 calls for thanksgiving and praise to the LORD, the "Most High," its ultimate and most profound fulfillment is found in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the goodness of God and is the supreme object of our worship. Jesus, as the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), perfectly reveals the invisible God, making it possible for us to truly know, approach, and give thanks to the Father. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), providing the ultimate and eternal reason for our gratitude through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Through Christ, we are granted unparalleled access to God, enabling us to [draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith"). The New Testament consistently calls believers to offer spiritual [sacrifices of praise through Him](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God"), acknowledging that all spiritual blessings come to us exclusively in Christ (e.g., [Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ")). Therefore, our thanksgiving and praise to the "Most High" are now offered _through_ the Son, who is Himself [God over all, blessed forever](/romans/9-5 "Romans 9:5 - Christ, who is God over all"), making our worship both acceptable and eternally meaningful.

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 147:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD: for [it is] good to sing praises unto our God; for [it is] pleasant; [and] praise is comely.

Psalms 107:1

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

Psalms 107:21

Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

Psalms 107:22

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

Psalms 135:3

Praise the LORD; for the LORD [is] good: sing praises unto his name; for [it is] pleasant.

Ephesians 5:19

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Psalms 33:1

¶ Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: [for] praise is comely for the upright.