King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:29 Mean?

Psalms 118:29 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 118 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 118:29 · KJV


Context

27

God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.

28

Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.

29

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good (הוֹדוּ לַיהוָה כִּי־טוֹב, hodu la-YHWH ki-tov)—Yadah means give thanks, praise; tov means good, pleasant, beneficial. For his mercy endureth for ever (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki le-olam chasdo)—Chesed means steadfast love, covenant loyalty, mercy; olam means forever, eternity.

Psalm 118 begins (v. 1) and ends (v. 29) with identical words, forming an inclusio—a literary envelope. This refrain appears repeatedly in Scripture (Psalm 106:1, 107:1, 136:1, 1 Chronicles 16:34, 2 Chronicles 5:13, Ezra 3:11). It's Israel's foundational confession: God's character is good, and his covenant love never fails. Despite circumstances, this remains true. The repetition teaches us to begin and end with gratitude grounded in God's unchanging nature.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This refrain was sung antiphonally—one group singing the call ("give thanks"), another the response ("for his mercy endures forever"). It accompanied ark processions, temple dedications, and festival worship. When exiles returned, they sang this refrain while laying the temple foundation (Ezra 3:10-11), weeping and shouting simultaneously.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does framing your prayers and worship with thanksgiving (beginning and ending) transform your perspective?
  2. What evidence in your life confirms that God's steadfast love endures forever?
  3. How does God's goodness and eternal mercy provide foundation when circumstances seem to contradict it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הוֹד֣וּ1 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 118:29 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 118:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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