King James Version

What Does Psalms 118:3 Mean?

Psalms 118:3 in the King James Version says “Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 118 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.”

Psalms 118:3 · KJV

Context

1

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

2

Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

3

Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

4

Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

5

I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. in distress: Heb. out of distress

Read Psalms 118 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Following verse 2's call to Israel, this verse summons the priestly line—Aaron's descendants who served in tabernacle and temple. The triple call (Israel v. 2, Aaron's house v. 3, God-fearers v. 4) creates expanding circles of testimony from covenant community to priests to all who revere God, including proselytes. Yomru na beit Aharon (let the house of Aaron now say) uses the cohortative to urge action.

Aaron's house bore unique responsibility: mediating between God and people, offering sacrifices, teaching Torah, pronouncing blessings (Numbers 6:22-27). If anyone knew God's enduring mercy, priests did—they witnessed daily atonement, saw God accept sacrifices, experienced forgiveness despite Israel's rebellion. Yet priests themselves needed mercy: Aaron made the golden calf (Exodus 32), his sons Nadab and Abihu offered unauthorized fire and died (Leviticus 10:1-3), later priests often became corrupt (1 Samuel 2:12-17, Malachi 1:6-14). Priestly testimony to God's chesed isn't based on their worthiness but God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The house of Aaron received exclusive priestly rights through God's covenant (Exodus 28:1, Numbers 18:1-7). After the exile, returning priests faced enormous challenges: defiled temple site, opposition from surrounding peoples, limited resources, questions about legitimate priestly lineage. Ezra and Nehemiah carefully verified Aaronic descent (Ezra 2:61-63, Nehemiah 7:63-65). Despite centuries of failure, exile as judgment for covenant breaking, and the trauma of dispossession, God's mercy endured—He restored priests to temple service. This demonstrated that God's covenant faithfulness transcends human unfaithfulness. In Christ, all believers become a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9), testifying to mercy through the great High Priest who perfectly mediates God's covenant love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should those in spiritual leadership roles particularly testify to God's mercy given both their privileges and failures?
  2. What does the inclusion of priests in corporate testimony teach about the universality of human need for God's <em>chesed</em>?
  3. How does the New Testament reality of all believers as priests expand the scope of those called to declare God's enduring mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יֹֽאמְרוּ1 of 7

“now say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נָ֥א2 of 7
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

בֵֽית3 of 7

“Let the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אַהֲרֹ֑ן4 of 7

“of Aaron”

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

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

“that 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 118:3 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 118:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:5Revelation 4:7-11Revelation 5:8-10Psalms 134:1-3Revelation 1:6

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