King James Version

What Does Psalms 136:3 Mean?

Psalms 136:3 in the King James Version says “O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 136 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Psalms 136:3 · KJV


Context

1

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

2

O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.

3

O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

4

To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

5

To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
"O give thanks unto the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever." The title Adonei ha'adonim (Lord of lords) parallels verse 2's "God of gods," asserting YHWH's sovereignty over all earthly rulers. Adon means master, lord, sovereign—referring to human rulers or divine beings. Adonei ha'adonim declares Him supreme sovereign over all authorities. This connects to Deuteronomy 10:17 ("the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward") and anticipates Revelation 17:14 and 19:16 (Christ as "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS"). The repeated refrain ki le'olam chasdo grounds sovereignty in mercy—God's absolute power serves His steadfast lovingkindness toward His people. This corrects false notions of divine tyranny; the all-powerful Lord is merciful.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern kings claimed divine status or divine appointment, demanding absolute loyalty. Egyptian Pharaohs, Assyrian emperors, Babylonian rulers, Persian kings all asserted supremacy. Israel confessed YHWH as ultimate sovereign, relativizing all human authority. When earthly lords oppressed Israel (Egyptian slavery, Assyrian invasion, Babylonian exile, Persian subjugation), this confession provided hope—the Lord of lords would vindicate His people. Daniel demonstrated this: refusing to worship Nebuchadnezzar's image or cease praying to YHWH despite royal decrees (Daniel 3, 6). The New Testament church similarly confessed "Jesus is Lord," relativizing Caesar's authority (Acts 17:7, Philippians 2:11).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does confessing God as "Lord of lords" affect your response to human authorities (governmental, workplace, church)?
  2. In what ways are you tempted to grant ultimate lordship to human powers or institutions?
  3. How does the combination of absolute sovereignty ("Lord of lords") with steadfast mercy change your view of divine power?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
ה֭וֹדוּ1 of 6

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

הָאֲדֹנִ֑ים2 of 6

of lords

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

הָאֲדֹנִ֑ים3 of 6

of lords

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

כִּ֖י4 of 6
H3588

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

לְעוֹלָ֣ם5 of 6

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׃6 of 6

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 136:3 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 136:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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