What does Psalm 136:1 mean?
ESV: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
NIV: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.
NASB: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, For His faithfulness is everlasting.
CSB: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever.
NLT: Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! — His faithful love endures forever.
KJV: O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
NKJV: Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
Psalm 136:1–9 offers worship to the Lord because of His role as sovereign God and Creator. No other being, real or imaginary, can match His power. Nature demonstrates His supremacy (Romans 1:18–20; Psalm 19:1). Each expression of praise is followed by a repeated statement of His unchanging, steady, eternal love.
Chapter Summary:
Each verse in this psalm ends with a declaration that God's love is loyal and unending. The song praises God for His goodness, sovereignty, power, creation, rescue of Israel, empowerment of His people, mercy, sustaining power, and role as "the God of heaven." The song is often labeled "The Great Hallel" because of this enthusiastic worship.
Chapter Context:
This psalm is sometimes called "The Great Hallel." Psalms 113—118 are often called the "Hallel Psalms" or the "Egyptian Hallel." These are found in the section of Psalms which contains the Hebrew word halelu-yāh, though Psalm 136 itself does not. This song follows nearly the same order of subjects as Psalm 135. Each verse ends by repeating the same phrase. This was probably used for call-and-response: a leader speaks unique words and the congregation responds with a repeated sentence (Ezra 3:11). The refrain uses the root word hesed, indicating a constant, loyal, steady love.
Book Summary:
The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.
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