King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:21 Mean?

Psalms 107:21 in the King James Version says “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 107:21 · KJV


Context

19

Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.

20

He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

21

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

22

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

23

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This is the third occurrence of the refrain (see vv. 8, 15). After the healing scenario, it again calls for thanksgiving. The consistency demonstrates that all of God's deliverances—from lostness, imprisonment, or sickness—equally merit praise. God's wonderful works encompass diverse forms of salvation, but all proceed from His goodness and covenant love (chesed). The repeated call suggests that praise is both duty and delight: redeemed people should overflow with thanksgiving for God's saving works.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In post-exilic worship, this liturgical refrain created rhythm for thanksgiving. Testimonies of various deliverances (geographical, political, physical) all culminated in the same response: praise for God's goodness. This pattern continues in Christian worship—diverse testimonies of salvation, healing, provision, and deliverance all lead to unified doxology. Heaven's worship follows this pattern: diverse redeemed peoples singing unified praise (Revelation 5:9-10; 7:9-12).

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does every form of God's deliverance merit the same response of praise?
  2. How can diverse testimonies create unity in worship?
  3. What role should thanksgiving play in response to God's wonderful works in our lives?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יוֹד֣וּ1 of 6

Oh that men would praise

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 6

the LORD

H3068

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

חַסְדּ֑וֹ3 of 6

for his goodness

H2617

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

וְ֝נִפְלְאוֹתָ֗יו4 of 6

and for his wonderful works

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

לִבְנֵ֥י5 of 6

to the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אָדָֽם׃6 of 6

of men

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)


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 107:21 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 107:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study