Psalm 136 26

Psalm 136:26 kjv

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

Psalm 136:26 nkjv

Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 136:26 niv

Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.

Psalm 136:26 esv

Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 136:26 nlt

Give thanks to the God of heaven.
? His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 136 verses

Psalm 136 26 Meaning

Psalm 136:26 is a concluding summons to offer gratitude and adoration to the Almighty, identified as the "God of heaven." It powerfully encapsulates the entire psalm's message, asserting that all of God's magnificent acts, from creation to redemption, flow from His unchanging character, which is defined by His eternal steadfast love. This verse elevates praise to His transcendent being, who reigns universally, and whose covenantal faithfulness is the very foundation of His interaction with humanity.

Psalm 136 26 Context

Psalm 136 is a liturgical psalm, likely intended for responsive congregational worship in the Temple. Its unique structure features a declaration of God's actions in each verse (v. 1-25) followed by the unchanging refrain, "for his steadfast love endures forever." The psalm meticulously recounts a panoramic sweep of God's salvific history: from His majestic work of creation (v. 4-9), through the glorious Exodus deliverance from Egypt (v. 10-15), the miraculous provision in the wilderness (v. 16), the triumphant conquest of Canaan (v. 17-22), to His care for His people in their low estate and their freedom from foes (v. 23-24) and provision for all living creatures (v. 25). Verse 26 serves as the climactic conclusion, redirecting the cumulative praise from specific deeds to the character of the One who performed them. Historically, the designation "God of heaven" gained prominence after the Babylonian exile, particularly in books like Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel, where it emphasized God's sovereignty over even the most powerful earthly empires and gods of other nations, affirming His transcendent and universal authority to the returned exiles. It presented a polemic against the polytheism and imperial cults prevalent in the ancient Near East by asserting the singular, supreme authority of the God of Israel.

Psalm 136 26 Word analysis

• Give thanks (הוֹדוּ, hodu): This is the Hiphil imperative form of the Hebrew verb יָדָה (yadah), meaning "to praise," "to confess," "to thank," or "to give acknowledgement." It implies an active, public, and vocal act of praise and acknowledgement, often accompanied by the lifting of hands in ancient Near Eastern worship. It is a command, underscoring that giving thanks is not merely an option but a commanded response to God's nature and actions.
• to the God (לֵאלֹהֵי, lelohei): This combines the preposition "to" (לְ, le) with אֱלֹהִים (Elohim), a common Hebrew word for "God." While Elohim can be used for pagan gods, the following phrase "of heaven" immediately clarifies and elevates the designation to the singular, true, and supreme God.
• of heaven (הַשָּׁמָיִם, hashshamayim): This specific title, Elohei hashshamayim, "God of heaven," emphasizes God's supreme authority, transcendence, and cosmic dominion. It portrays Him as the Creator and Sovereign ruler over all creation, distinct from any earthly deity or human king. This title asserts His universal reign, transcending geographical boundaries and human empires, especially relevant in a post-exilic context where His people faced foreign imperial rule. It implicitly challenges the limited powers of idols and local deities.
• for his steadfast love (כִּי לְעוֹלָם חַסְדּוֹ, ki l'olam chasdo): This is the unchanging refrain throughout the psalm.
  • For (כִּי, ki): This conjunction means "for," "because," or "indeed." It presents the reason or ground for the command to give thanks.
  • His steadfast love (חַסְדּוֹ, chasdo): The Hebrew term chesed (חֶסֶד) is a profound theological concept meaning "loyal love," "covenant faithfulness," "kindness," "mercy," "grace," and "enduring commitment." It describes not merely an emotion but an active, relational, and enduring commitment, especially within a covenant relationship. It encompasses both compassion and faithfulness, going beyond what is expected. It is the defining attribute that underpins all God's actions recounted in the psalm.
  • endures forever (לְעוֹלָם, l'olam): This Hebrew term means "forever," "to eternity," "perpetually," or "for all time." It stresses the eternal, unwavering, and unceasing nature of God's chesed. It signifies that His loyal love is not temporary or conditional upon human performance but is a foundational and unchanging aspect of His divine character.

Psalm 136 26 Bonus section

The structure of Psalm 136 itself reinforces the message of verse 26. The repeated refrain, "for His steadfast love endures forever," after each declaration of God's specific actions, makes the very act of worship a profound affirmation of the enduring nature of God's chesed. It’s a pedagogical device, deeply embedding this truth into the congregational memory and heart. The culmination in the "God of heaven" title synthesizes the specific historical events into a comprehensive statement about the eternal, cosmic Lordship of the Creator and Redeemer, emphasizing that all the wonders described earlier are expressions of one unchanging, universal divine love.

Psalm 136 26 Commentary

Psalm 136:26 serves as a climactic doxology, urging an unreserved expression of gratitude. Following 25 verses detailing God's glorious acts in creation and salvation history, this final verse summarizes the underlying reality: every facet of divine action springs from God's character, primarily His "steadfast love" (chesed). By designating Him the "God of heaven," the psalm broadens the scope of His dominion from Israel's specific history to His universal sovereignty. This title highlights His transcendence and His singular power above all earthly rulers and deities, presenting a foundational truth about His nature as both all-powerful and eternally loving. The enduring nature of His love—"endures forever"—provides immutable assurance of His consistent goodness, rendering Him supremely worthy of perpetual thanksgiving. This verse therefore calls not only for appreciation for what God has done, but worship of who He is: the transcendent, eternally faithful, and merciful Sovereign whose love is the source of all being and all blessing.

• Practical usage: This verse encourages Christians to root their praise not just in specific blessings but in God's immutable character; to acknowledge God's universal sovereignty in times of earthly turmoil; and to rest in the unwavering truth that His love endures through every circumstance.