King James Version
Psalms 136
26 verses with commentary
His Steadfast Love Endures Forever
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good—The psalm opens with a liturgical call to corporate worship. The Hebrew טוֹב (tov) means not merely moral goodness but comprehensive excellence, beauty, and beneficence. This is Yahweh's essential character, not a temporary mood.
For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki l'olam chasdo)—The refrain repeated in all 26 verses makes this the "Great Hallel" sung at Passover (the psalm Jesus sang before Gethsemane, Matthew 26:30). Chesed is God's covenant loyalty, steadfast love, and unfailing kindness—the very foundation of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. The phrase l'olam means "forever" or "to the age," emphasizing the eternal, unchanging nature of God's faithful love despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.
For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki l'olam chasdo)—The refrain repeated in all 26 verses makes this the "Great Hallel" sung at Passover (the psalm Jesus sang before Gethsemane, Matthew 26:30). Chesed is God's covenant loyalty, steadfast love, and unfailing kindness—the very foundation of Israel's relationship with Yahweh. The phrase l'olam means "forever" or "to the age," emphasizing the eternal, unchanging nature of God's faithful love despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness.
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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"O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever." This verse employs a Hebrew title Elohei ha'elohim (God of gods), asserting YHWH's supreme deity over all so-called gods. Elohim can refer to the true God or false gods/idols; Elohei ha'elohim declares Him God above all divine claimants. This confronts ancient polytheism—while nations worshiped many deities, Israel's God reigns supreme. Deuteronomy 10:17 similarly calls Him "God of gods, and Lord of lords." The refrain ki le'olam chasdo (for forever His mercy/lovingkindness) emphasizes that YHWH's covenant faithfulness never fails. Unlike capricious pagan deities, YHWH demonstrates steadfast, enduring mercy. The psalm's structure (26 verses, each ending with this refrain) creates liturgical emphasis through repetition—God's mercy is the constant theme regardless of which saving act is recounted.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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"O give thanks unto the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever." The title Adonei ha'adonim (Lord of lords) parallels verse 2's "God of gods," asserting YHWH's sovereignty over all earthly rulers. Adon means master, lord, sovereign—referring to human rulers or divine beings. Adonei ha'adonim declares Him supreme sovereign over all authorities. This connects to Deuteronomy 10:17 ("the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward") and anticipates Revelation 17:14 and 19:16 (Christ as "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS"). The repeated refrain ki le'olam chasdo grounds sovereignty in mercy—God's absolute power serves His steadfast lovingkindness toward His people. This corrects false notions of divine tyranny; the all-powerful Lord is merciful.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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"To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever." The phrase l'oseh nifla'ot gedolot levado (to the one doing great wonders alone) emphasizes divine uniqueness and exclusivity. Niflaot (wonders/marvels) describes extraordinary acts beyond natural causation. Gedolot (great) indicates magnitude. Levado (alone/by Himself) stresses that YHWH alone performs such wonders—no human help, no divine collaborators, no natural explanation. This recalls Exodus miracles (plagues, Red Sea), wilderness provision (manna, water from rock), conquest of Canaan (Jordan crossing, Jericho's fall), and ongoing divine interventions. The refrain again links wonder-working power with enduring mercy—God's miracles serve His covenant faithfulness, not arbitrary displays of power.
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. This verse begins the psalm's creation section, celebrating God as wise Creator. "By wisdom" (בִּתְבוּנָה/bitvunah) emphasizes intelligent design—creation wasn't random chaos but ordered purpose. Tevunah denotes understanding, insight, discernment. The heavens display sophisticated order: planetary orbits, stellar patterns, cosmic laws. This wisdom anticipates Proverbs 8:22-31, where personified Wisdom assists in creation.
"Made the heavens" (לְעֹשֵׂה הַשָּׁמַיִם/le'oseh hashamayim) uses עָשָׂה (asah), to make, fashion, or accomplish. Unlike bara (create from nothing, Genesis 1:1), asah emphasizes craftsmanship—the heavens are God's workmanship, skillfully fashioned. The heavens (שָׁמַיִם/shamayim) include both atmospheric sky and stellar expanse, declaring God's glory (Psalm 19:1).
The refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ/ki le'olam chasdo) connects creation with covenant loyalty. Chesed denotes steadfast love, loyal-love, covenant faithfulness. That God's chesed endures forever (לְעוֹלָם/le'olam) means creation itself flows from and reflects God's loyal love. He made the heavens not from necessity but from overflow of faithful love.
"Made the heavens" (לְעֹשֵׂה הַשָּׁמַיִם/le'oseh hashamayim) uses עָשָׂה (asah), to make, fashion, or accomplish. Unlike bara (create from nothing, Genesis 1:1), asah emphasizes craftsmanship—the heavens are God's workmanship, skillfully fashioned. The heavens (שָׁמַיִם/shamayim) include both atmospheric sky and stellar expanse, declaring God's glory (Psalm 19:1).
The refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ/ki le'olam chasdo) connects creation with covenant loyalty. Chesed denotes steadfast love, loyal-love, covenant faithfulness. That God's chesed endures forever (לְעוֹלָם/le'olam) means creation itself flows from and reflects God's loyal love. He made the heavens not from necessity but from overflow of faithful love.
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. The psalmist moves from heavens to earth, celebrating God's formation of habitable land. "Stretched out the earth" (לְרֹקַע הָאָרֶץ/leroqa ha'arets) uses רָקַע (raqa), to spread out, stamp, or stretch like hammering metal into a sheet. This recalls Genesis 1:9 where God gathered waters, allowing dry land to appear. The image suggests divine craftsmanship—God as smith hammering out the earth's surface.
"Above the waters" (עַל־הַמָּיִם/al-hamayim) reflects ancient Near Eastern cosmology where waters threatened chaos but God established earth securely above them. Genesis 1:2 pictures primordial waters; God's creative act organized chaos into order, establishing firm ground for life. The preposition עַל (al, upon/above) suggests earth's stability despite surrounding waters—God's wisdom maintains order against entropic dissolution.
Again, "for his mercy endureth for ever" connects creation to covenant faithfulness. Earth's stability isn't mechanical but relational—God's loyal love sustains creation. The same chesed that holds earth above waters holds His people secure amid life's threatening floods (Psalm 46:1-3, Isaiah 43:2). Every stable step we take witnesses to God's enduring mercy.
"Above the waters" (עַל־הַמָּיִם/al-hamayim) reflects ancient Near Eastern cosmology where waters threatened chaos but God established earth securely above them. Genesis 1:2 pictures primordial waters; God's creative act organized chaos into order, establishing firm ground for life. The preposition עַל (al, upon/above) suggests earth's stability despite surrounding waters—God's wisdom maintains order against entropic dissolution.
Again, "for his mercy endureth for ever" connects creation to covenant faithfulness. Earth's stability isn't mechanical but relational—God's loyal love sustains creation. The same chesed that holds earth above waters holds His people secure amid life's threatening floods (Psalm 46:1-3, Isaiah 43:2). Every stable step we take witnesses to God's enduring mercy.
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: The creation account continues with celestial luminaries, sun and moon, serving humanity. "Made great lights" (לְעֹשֵׂה אוֹרִים גְּדֹלִים/le'oseh orim gedolim) celebrates God's formation of sun and moon (Genesis 1:14-18). These "great lights" (אוֹרִים גְּדֹלִים/orim gedolim) governed day and night, regulated seasons, and enabled life on earth.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sun and moon were deified—Egyptian Ra, Mesopotamian Shamash and Sin. Israel's neighbors worshiped these luminaries as gods. Against this idolatry, the psalmist declares: Yahweh "made" (עָשָׂה/asah) them. They aren't deities but created objects, tools fashioned by the true God for humanity's benefit. Genesis 1:16 similarly de-divinizes sun and moon, calling them "lights" rather than by name, refusing to honor pagan designations.
The refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" connects even celestial mechanics to covenant love. Sun rising daily, moon cycling monthly—these reliable patterns reflect God's unwavering chesed. Jeremiah 31:35-36 uses sun and moon's faithfulness as guarantee of God's covenant loyalty to Israel. As long as sun gives light by day, God's promises stand firm.
In ancient Near Eastern cultures, sun and moon were deified—Egyptian Ra, Mesopotamian Shamash and Sin. Israel's neighbors worshiped these luminaries as gods. Against this idolatry, the psalmist declares: Yahweh "made" (עָשָׂה/asah) them. They aren't deities but created objects, tools fashioned by the true God for humanity's benefit. Genesis 1:16 similarly de-divinizes sun and moon, calling them "lights" rather than by name, refusing to honor pagan designations.
The refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" connects even celestial mechanics to covenant love. Sun rising daily, moon cycling monthly—these reliable patterns reflect God's unwavering chesed. Jeremiah 31:35-36 uses sun and moon's faithfulness as guarantee of God's covenant loyalty to Israel. As long as sun gives light by day, God's promises stand firm.
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: to rule: Heb. for the rulings by day
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Creation's Luminaries and Eternal Mercy
This verse celebrates God's establishment of the sun as the greater light to govern the day, with the refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" (ki le-olam chasdo). The Hebrew word chased (חֶסֶד) encompasses loyal love, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast mercy—God's unwavering commitment to His people. The phrase le-olam (לְעוֹלָם) means "forever" or "for eternity," appearing in every verse of Psalm 136's 26 verses, creating a powerful liturgical rhythm.
The sun's appointment "to rule by day" (limshelet ba-yom) echoes Genesis 1:16-18, where God created the greater light to govern the day. The Hebrew verb mashal (to rule, govern) indicates orderly administration—the sun doesn't randomly shine but follows God's established patterns. This reliable celestial order demonstrates God's faithful character: just as the sun rises daily without fail, so God's mercy never fails.
Connecting creation's order to divine mercy is theologically profound. The same God who established the sun's reliable course also establishes His covenant faithfulness. Natural law reflects spiritual law: God's mercy is as dependable as sunrise. For ancient Israel—and for us—this provides assurance that God's character doesn't fluctuate with circumstances. His chesed endures eternally, as constant as the sun He created.
This verse celebrates God's establishment of the sun as the greater light to govern the day, with the refrain "for his mercy endureth for ever" (ki le-olam chasdo). The Hebrew word chased (חֶסֶד) encompasses loyal love, covenant faithfulness, and steadfast mercy—God's unwavering commitment to His people. The phrase le-olam (לְעוֹלָם) means "forever" or "for eternity," appearing in every verse of Psalm 136's 26 verses, creating a powerful liturgical rhythm.
The sun's appointment "to rule by day" (limshelet ba-yom) echoes Genesis 1:16-18, where God created the greater light to govern the day. The Hebrew verb mashal (to rule, govern) indicates orderly administration—the sun doesn't randomly shine but follows God's established patterns. This reliable celestial order demonstrates God's faithful character: just as the sun rises daily without fail, so God's mercy never fails.
Connecting creation's order to divine mercy is theologically profound. The same God who established the sun's reliable course also establishes His covenant faithfulness. Natural law reflects spiritual law: God's mercy is as dependable as sunrise. For ancient Israel—and for us—this provides assurance that God's character doesn't fluctuate with circumstances. His chesed endures eternally, as constant as the sun He created.
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever....—Moon and stars for night - creation order testifies to God's faithfulness. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for...—Smote Egypt's firstborn - exodus liberation through judgment. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for eve...—Brought Israel out - deliverance from bondage. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endure...—Strong hand, outstretched arm - divine power in salvation. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth fo...—Divided Red Sea - impossible obstacle overcome. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy enduret...—Israel passed through - safe passage through danger. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever. overthrew: Heb. shaked off
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But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endur...—Pharaoh's army overthrown - complete victory. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endu...—Led through wilderness - 40 years faithful guidance. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:...—Smote great kings - conquest victories. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:...—Slew mighty kings - defeating powerful enemies. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:...—Sihon king Amorites - first conquest. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:...—Og king Bashan - defeating giants. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:...—Gave land for heritage - fulfilling promises. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for e...—Heritage to Israel - covenant possession. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
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Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:...—Remembered in low estate - God's attention to afflicted. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever...—Redeemed from enemies - forcible deliverance. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever....—Gives food to all flesh - universal providence. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever....—God of heaven - sovereign over all. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo). This refrain, repeated 26 times, transforms history into worship. Each event becomes evidence of God's eternal chesed (steadfast covenant love). The psalm teaches that recounting salvation history should evoke gratitude, showing God's character remains unchanging.