King James Version

What Does Psalms 115:1 Mean?

Psalms 115:1 in the King James Version says “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 115 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.”

Psalms 115:1 · KJV

Context

1

Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.

2

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?

3

But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. This verse opens with passionate self-denial—emphatic repetition rejecting human glory to ascribe all glory to God. The doubled "not unto us" intensifies the renunciation of self-glory, human credit, and pride.

"Not unto us" (לֹא לָנוּ/lo lanu) repeats twice for emphasis. In Hebrew poetry, repetition signals urgency and importance. The psalmist doesn't merely demur from glory but forcefully rejects it. This isn't false humility but accurate theology: humans originate nothing worthy of glory. All good gifts come from above (James 1:17). Any accomplishment, victory, or blessing derives ultimately from divine grace.

"O LORD" (יְהוָה/Yahweh) invokes God's covenant name. This isn't abstract deity but personal, promise-keeping God who revealed Himself to Moses and bound Himself to Israel. The appeal is to covenant relationship—the LORD who claimed Israel as His people.

"But unto thy name give glory" (לְשִׁמְךָ תֵּן כָּבוֹד/leshimkha ten kavod) redirects all glory to God's name—His revealed character, reputation, and nature. Kavod (glory) means weight, heaviness, honor, splendor. It conveys substantial reality, not empty praise. God's name deserves glory because it represents who He truly is: faithful, merciful, powerful, holy.

"For thy mercy" (עַל־חַסְדֶּךָ/al-chasdecha) provides first reason for ascribing glory to God. Chesed is covenant love, loyal love, steadfast kindness—God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people despite their unfaithfulness. This mercy isn't sentimental tolerance but covenant faithfulness maintaining relationship when people deserve abandonment.

"And for thy truth's sake" (עַל־אֲמִתֶּךָ/al-amitecha) adds second reason. Emet means truth, faithfulness, reliability. God's word proves absolutely trustworthy; His promises never fail; His character remains constant. These twin attributes—mercy and truth—appear throughout Scripture, supremely demonstrated in Jesus Christ, "full of grace and truth" (John 1:14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 115 belongs to the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), sung during Passover and major festivals. The psalm's context likely involves mocking from pagan nations: "Where is now their God?" (v.2). Israel faced ridicule for trusting invisible God while surrounded by nations with tangible idols and impressive military might.

The opening renunciation of human glory contrasts sharply with ancient Near Eastern royal ideology. Kings typically claimed divine status or divine partnership in victories. Egyptian pharaohs presented themselves as gods incarnate. Mesopotamian rulers built monuments celebrating their achievements. Even Israel's neighbors attributed success to their gods' power manifested through royal might.

Against this, Israel's theology insisted: glory belongs to God alone. When David defeated Goliath, he declared: "that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel...for the battle is the LORD's" (1 Samuel 17:46-47). When Gideon routed Midian with 300 men, God ensured Israel couldn't claim credit: "lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me" (Judges 7:2).

The Reformation motto Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone) echoes this verse. Luther, Calvin, and other Reformers insisted salvation belongs wholly to God's grace, not human merit. This challenged medieval church's system of works-righteousness where humans could claim partial credit for salvation. The Reformers returned to Scripture's consistent testimony: "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory."

Modern application remains urgent. Human pride constantly seeks glory, credit, recognition. Social media amplifies self-promotion. Success tempts attribution to personal skill rather than divine blessing. This verse calls radical reorientation: deliberately, repeatedly ascribing all glory to God, acknowledging His mercy and truth as sources of every blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the psalmist repeat 'not unto us' twice, and what does this teach about the human tendency toward self-glory?
  2. How can believers practically ascribe glory to God's name in daily life, work, relationships, and ministry?
  3. What is the relationship between God's mercy (chesed) and truth (emet), and why must both be acknowledged?
  4. How does rejecting human glory differ from false humility or low self-esteem?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לֹ֤א1 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לָ֥נוּ2 of 13
H0
יְהוָ֗ה3 of 13

“Not unto us O LORD”

H3068

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

לֹ֫א4 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

לָ֥נוּ5 of 13
H0
כִּֽי6 of 13
H3588

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

לְ֭שִׁמְךָ7 of 13

“not unto us but unto thy name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

תֵּ֣ן8 of 13

“give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

כָּב֑וֹד9 of 13

“glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

עַל10 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

חַ֝סְדְּךָ֗11 of 13

“for thy mercy”

H2617

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

עַל12 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲמִתֶּֽךָ׃13 of 13

“and for thy truth's”

H571

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

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 115:1 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 115:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 79:9-10Isaiah 48:11Psalms 96:8Ezekiel 20:14Ezekiel 36:32Ezekiel 36:22

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