Psalms 136:2
Psalms 136:2 in Multiple Translations
Give thanks to the God of gods. His loving devotion endures forever.
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Oh give thanks unto the God of gods; For his lovingkindness endureth for ever.
O give praise to the God of gods: for his mercy is unchanging for ever.
Thank the Lord, the God of gods! For his trustworthy love lasts forever.
Praise ye the God of gods: for his mercie endureth for euer.
Give ye thanks to the God of gods, For to the age [is] His kindness.
Give thanks to the God of gods, for his loving kindness endures forever.
O give thanks to the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
On the willows in the midst thereof we hung up our instruments.
Thank God, the one who is greater than all other gods; his faithful love for us endures forever.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 136:2
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 136:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
ה֭וֹדוּ
לֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֣י
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
כִּ֖י
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
ה֭וֹדוּ
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 136:2
ה֭וֹדוּ
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
לֵֽ/אלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
חַסְדּֽ/וֹ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 136:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 136:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
- Sermons on Psalms 136:2
Context — His Loving Devotion Endures Forever
1Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His loving devotion endures forever.
2Give thanks to the God of gods. His loving devotion endures forever.
3Give thanks to the Lord of lords. His loving devotion endures forever. 4He alone does great wonders. His loving devotion endures forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 10:17 | For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and accepting no bribe. |
| 2 | Psalms 97:9 | For You, O LORD, are Most High over all the earth; You are exalted far above all gods. |
| 3 | Daniel 2:47 | The king said to Daniel, “Your God is truly the God of gods and Lord of kings, the Revealer of Mysteries, since you were able to reveal this mystery.” |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 2:5 | The house that I am building will be great, for our God is greater than all gods. |
| 5 | Exodus 18:11 | Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for He did this when they treated Israel with arrogance.” |
| 6 | Joshua 22:22 | “The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! The LORD, the Mighty One, is God! He knows, and may Israel also know. If this was in rebellion or breach of faith against the LORD, do not spare us today. |
| 7 | Psalms 97:7 | All worshipers of images are put to shame— those who boast in idols. Worship Him, all you gods! |
| 8 | Psalms 82:1 | God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: |
Psalms 136:2 Summary
This verse is calling us to give thanks to the God who is above all other gods, recognizing His great power and love. It reminds us that God's loving devotion to us will never end, and that's something to be very thankful for. Just like we're told in Psalms 100:5, God is good and His love endures forever. By giving thanks to the God of gods, we can express our trust in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Romans 11:33-36.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to give thanks to the God of gods?
This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty over all other gods, emphasizing His supreme power and authority, as seen in Psalms 95:3 and Deuteronomy 10:17. It is an expression of worship and recognition of God's majesty.
Why is it important to acknowledge God's loving devotion?
Recognizing God's loving devotion, which endures forever, helps us understand the depth of His love and care for us, as expressed in Jeremiah 31:3 and Psalms 107:1. This acknowledgement fosters a sense of gratitude and trust in His goodness.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart of thankfulness, recognizing God's presence and power in our lives, as taught in Ephesians 5:20 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18. By giving thanks to the God of gods, we acknowledge His sovereignty and express our dependence on Him.
What is the significance of the phrase 'His loving devotion endures forever'?
This phrase, repeated throughout Psalms 136, emphasizes God's eternal and unchanging nature, as seen in Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8. It reassures us that God's love and care for us will never fade or change.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can practically give thanks to the God of gods in my daily life?
- How does acknowledging God's sovereignty over all other gods impact my trust in Him?
- In what ways have I experienced God's loving devotion in my life, and how can I express gratitude for those experiences?
- What are some areas of my life where I struggle to trust God's loving devotion, and how can I surrender those areas to Him?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 136:2
O give thanks unto the God of gods,.... Not only of the gods of the Gentiles, who are by name and not by nature gods; or of civil magistrates, who are so called, and seem to be designed in the next
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 136:2
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods ... O give thanks to the Lord of lords - from Deuteronomy 10:17.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
The God of gods; who is infinitely superior to all that are called gods, whether angels, or princes, or idols.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
Psalms 136:2 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.Ver. 2. For his mercy endureth for ever] This is the foot or burden of the whole song; neither is it any idle repetition, but a notable expression of the saints’ unsatisfiableness in praising God for his never failing mercy. These heavenly birds, having got a note, record it over and over. In the last psalm there are but six verses, yet twelve Hallelujahs.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
(2, 3) God of gods . . . Lord of Lords.—From Deuteronomy 10:17.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
Verse 2. The God of gods] לאדני האדנים ladonai haadonim. As adonai signifies director, c., it may apply here, not to idols, for God is not their god but to the priests and spiritual rulers; as Lord of lords may apply to kings and magistrates, &c. He is God and ruler over all the rulers of the earth, whether in things sacred or civil.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 136:2
2. O give thanks unto the God of praises (Psalms 22:3), for &c.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 136:2
O give thanks unto the God of gods - See Deuteronomy 10:17. The supreme God; the God superior to all that is called God, or that is adored by the nations of the earth; above all to whom the name God is ever applied.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 136:2
2, 3. God of gods… Lord of lords—Quoted from Deuteronomy 10:17. Compare “King of kings and Lord of lords,” Revelation 19:16.
Sermons on Psalms 136:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Prayers (Voice) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a broken heart and trusting in God. He expresses gratitude for the redemption of souls and acknowledges God's compa |
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Attributes of God (Series 1): The Justice of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of a judge being caught between mercy and justice. He uses the example of a man torn between his love for a woman and his sense o |
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Jesus Heals a Lame Man at the Pool of Bethesda John 5:1-15 by David Servant | David Servant preaches about the healing of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda, highlighting the man's long suffering, the angel stirring the waters, and the missed opportunity f |
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Attributes of God #4 "God's Justice" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the essential nature of God's justice, asserting that it is not merely an attribute but the very essence of God Himself. He explains that God's justice is per |
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God Helps Those Who Are Weak by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches about God's nature of helping the weak and helpless, emphasizing that God is the God of widows, orphans, and strangers. He highlights how God makes us weak to s |
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(Secrets of Victory) 11. God Helps Those Who Are Weak by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on God's nature of helping the weak and helpless, emphasizing that God is the God of widows, orphans, and strangers. He highlights how God makes us weak to show |
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Prayer - 2 Peter 1:2, 3 by A.W. Pink | The preacher delves into the concept of impartiality, explaining that God does not show favoritism based on outward appearances or worldly standards. Various Bible verses are explo |