King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:1 Mean?

Psalms 107:1 in the King James Version says “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 107:1 · KJV


Context

1

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

2

Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;

3

And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. south: Heb. sea


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This opening verse establishes the psalm's theme: thanksgiving for God's covenant love. 'O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good' commands corporate gratitude grounded in God's character. 'For he is good' (tov, טוֹב) is the foundation—God's essential goodness motivates thanksgiving. 'For his mercy endureth for ever' uses chesed (חֶסֶד), covenant love/steadfast love/loyal love. This phrase appears as a refrain throughout Scripture (Psalm 136, Chronicles). God's covenant love is eternal, unchanging, and unfailing. Reformed theology emphasizes that God's mercy flows from His covenant commitment, not human merit. Thanksgiving is the fitting response to experiencing God's enduring chesed.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 107 may have been composed for the return from Babylonian exile, gathering scattered Israelites who experienced God's deliverance. The psalm's structure (four scenes of distress and deliverance) suggests liturgical use, possibly at festivals where returning exiles gave testimony. The refrain 'Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness' (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31) indicates responsive worship. For post-exilic Israel, this psalm celebrated that God's chesed endured even through judgment and exile.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's goodness provide the foundation for thanksgiving?
  2. What is the relationship between God's covenant love (<em>chesed</em>) and His eternal faithfulness?
  3. How should the permanence of God's mercy affect our worship and daily life?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הֹד֣וּ1 of 7

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

לַיהוָ֣ה2 of 7

unto the LORD

H3068

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

כִּי3 of 7
H3588

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

ט֑וֹב4 of 7

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

כִּ֖י5 of 7
H3588

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

לְעוֹלָ֣ם6 of 7

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׃7 of 7

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 107:1 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 107:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study