King James Version

What Does Psalms 75:1 Mean?

Psalms 75:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician, Altaschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give t...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 75 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the chief Musician, Altaschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. Altaschith: or, Destroy not of: or, for”

Psalms 75:1 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician, Altaschith, A Psalm or Song of Asaph. Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. Altaschith: or, Destroy not of: or, for

2

When I shall receive the congregation I will judge uprightly. receive: or, take a set time

3

The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it. Selah.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare. This psalm of thanksgiving opens with emphatic repetition. The doubled "unto thee... do we give thanks" (hodinu... hodinu, הוֹדִינוּ... הוֹדִינוּ) intensifies the expression of gratitude. The Hebrew yadah (root of hodinu) means to praise, give thanks, confess—acknowledging God publicly for who He is and what He has done.

"For that thy name is near" (qarov shemekha, קָרוֹב שְׁמֶךָ) presents a theologically rich statement. God's "name" represents His revealed character, His reputation, His accessible presence. That His name is "near" (qarov) indicates availability, intimacy, readiness to act. In contrast to the complaint of Psalm 74 that God seemed distant, Psalm 75 celebrates His nearness.

"Thy wondrous works declare" (sipru nifle'otekha, סִפְּרוּ נִפְלְאוֹתֶיךָ) shows that God's mighty acts provide evidence of His nearness. Nifla'ot (wonders, marvelous deeds) refers to acts that inspire awe—works beyond human capability that reveal divine power. These works "declare" (saphar, to recount, tell) God's character. Creation, exodus, and providential deliverances all testify that God is not absent but actively present.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 75 is attributed to Asaph, suggesting origins in Israel's temple worship. The thanksgiving likely celebrates a specific divine deliverance, though the particular occasion is not specified. This ambiguity allowed the psalm to be used across various settings of divine intervention.

The "nearness" of God's name contrasted with pagan conceptions where deities were distant, requiring elaborate rituals to gain their attention. Israel's God was near—"what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the LORD our God is in all things that we call upon him for?" (Deuteronomy 4:7). Yet this nearness was not automatic; it depended on God's gracious self-revelation and the people's faithful response.

The alternation between congregational speech (verse 1), divine speech (verses 2-5), and prophetic declaration (verses 6-10) suggests liturgical use. Different voices or sections of the congregation may have recited different portions, creating responsive worship that reinforced communal faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the psalm repeat 'unto thee do we give thanks' twice?
  2. What does it mean for God's 'name' to be 'near,' and how do believers experience this nearness today?
  3. How do God's 'wondrous works' serve as evidence of His presence and character?
  4. What specific wondrous works in your own experience give you cause for thanksgiving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
ה֭וֹדִינוּ1 of 8

“do we 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

לְּךָ֙׀2 of 8
H0
אֱֽלֹהִ֗ים3 of 8

“Unto thee O God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

ה֭וֹדִינוּ4 of 8

“do we 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

וְקָר֣וֹב5 of 8

“is near”

H7138

near (in place, kindred or time)

שְׁמֶ֑ךָ6 of 8

“for that thy name”

H8034

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

סִ֝פְּר֗וּ7 of 8

“declare”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

נִפְלְאוֹתֶֽיךָ׃8 of 8

“thy wondrous works”

H6381

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

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 75:1 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 75:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 145:18Jeremiah 10:6Psalms 138:2Deuteronomy 4:7Psalms 76:1Exodus 23:21

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