King James Version

What Does Psalms 106:1 Mean?

Psalms 106:1 in the King James Version says “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Praise: Heb. Halleluja...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 106 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Praise: Heb. Hallelujah”

Psalms 106:1 · KJV

Context

1

Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. Praise: Heb. Hallelujah

2

Who can utter the mighty acts of the LORD? who can shew forth all his praise?

3

Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doeth righteousness at all times.

Read Psalms 106 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This opening verse establishes the fundamental call to worship and thanksgiving. The imperative 'Praise ye the LORD' (Hallelujah in Hebrew) initiates a psalm of confession and remembrance. The phrase 'O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good' presents God's essential character - His inherent goodness that exists independent of human circumstances. The concluding statement 'for his mercy endureth for ever' employs the Hebrew word 'chesed,' signifying God's covenant loyalty and steadfast love. This forms a theological foundation: God's goodness is demonstrated through His eternal, unchanging mercy toward His people, even when they prove unfaithful.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 106 is classified among the 'Historical Psalms' that recount Israel's journey from Egypt through the wilderness. This verse's structure mirrors the liturgical formulas used in temple worship, particularly echoing the refrain found in Psalm 136. The psalm was likely composed during or after the Babylonian exile, as verse 47 pleads for gathering from among the nations. The opening doxology would have been familiar to Jewish worshippers, establishing a pattern of corporate praise before confession. The enduring nature of God's mercy is emphasized throughout Israel's history of rebellion and restoration, making this introduction particularly poignant when the subsequent verses detail Israel's repeated failures.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that God's goodness is presented as intrinsic to His nature rather than dependent on our response?
  2. How does the concept of eternal mercy ('chesed') differ from temporary human emotions or changing circumstances?
  3. Why does the psalmist begin with praise before moving to confession of sin in the subsequent verses?
  4. In what ways does this verse establish a theological framework for understanding God's relationship with His covenant people?
  5. How should the permanence of God's mercy shape our approach to worship when we are aware of our own unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הַֽלְלוּיָ֨הּ׀1 of 8

“Praise”

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

הוֹד֣וּ2 of 8

“O give thanks”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

לַיהוָ֣ה3 of 8

“unto the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

כִּי4 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ט֑וֹב5 of 8

“for he is good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

כִּ֖י6 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לְעוֹלָ֣ם7 of 8

“endureth for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

חַסְדּֽוֹ׃8 of 8

“for his mercy”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 106:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 106:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:18Psalms 105:11 Chronicles 16:34Psalms 136:1Psalms 118:1Jeremiah 33:11

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