Psalm 138 1

Psalm 138:1 kjv

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

Psalm 138:1 nkjv

A Psalm of David. I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You.

Psalm 138:1 niv

Of David. I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the "gods" I will sing your praise.

Psalm 138:1 esv

I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;

Psalm 138:1 nlt

I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.

Psalm 138 verses

Psalm 138 1 Meaning

Psalm 138:1 is a heartfelt declaration of resolute and wholehearted praise to God. The psalmist expresses deep gratitude and commitment, vowing to worship God with his entire being. This act of praise is proclaimed boldly and publicly, possibly even in defiance or distinction from other deities or before earthly authorities, affirming the incomparable greatness and true divinity of the God of Israel. It sets the tone for a psalm filled with thanks for answered prayer and God's steadfast faithfulness.

Psalm 138 1 Context

Psalm 138 stands as a psalm of individual thanksgiving. While specific historical details are not provided within the psalm, it is traditionally attributed to King David, reflecting a time when he experienced God's faithfulness, strength, and answers to prayer, perhaps after a period of distress or victory. Its position after Psalm 137, a psalm of lament from exile, suggests it may also express a hopeful, post-exilic sentiment of returning to and praising God in Zion. The immediate verses following 138:1 emphasize God's answered prayers and His character of steadfast love and truth (v. 2), along with a desire for all kings of the earth to praise God (v. 4). The setting of this praise "before the gods" indicates either a bold declaration in the presence of pagan idols or their human representatives (rulers), or perhaps even before divine beings (angels) as witnesses to the worshipper's devotion.

Psalm 138 1 Word analysis

• "I will give thanks": (Hebrew: 'Ôdeh) – From the root yada (יָדָה), meaning "to praise," "give thanks," "confess," often accompanied by the extension of hands in adoration or submission. It implies a personal, volitional act of acknowledging God's goodness and acts. This is a promise and commitment from the psalmist to engage in active gratitude.
• "to the LORD": (Hebrew: Yehōvāh or YHWH) – The personal, covenant name of God, revealing His self-existent, faithful nature. It denotes His supreme authority and unique relationship with His people. The focus of praise is exclusively on the one true God, setting Him apart from any other entity.
• "with my whole heart": (Hebrew: B'khol-libbi) – "Whole heart" signifies the totality of the psalmist's inner being: mind, will, emotion, and intellect. It emphasizes sincerity, complete devotion, and unwavering commitment, without reservation or division. This is not merely lip service but a genuine, inner conviction. It stands in contrast to fragmented or insincere worship.
• "before the gods": (Hebrew: Neged 'elohim) – This is a multifaceted and highly significant phrase.
  • Neged (נֶגֶד) means "in front of," "opposite to," "in the presence of," "over against." It suggests a public, open declaration.
  • 'Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is the common Hebrew word for "God" or "gods." Its interpretation here is crucial:
    1. Before pagan idols/deities: This is a powerful polemical statement. The psalmist proclaims the greatness of YHWH directly in the face of the false gods worshipped by surrounding nations. It's a declaration of YHWH's supremacy, openly asserting His unmatched power and reality.
    2. Before human rulers/judges: In some biblical contexts (e.g., Psa 82:1, 6), human authorities or judges are referred to as 'elohim because they stand in positions of divine authority or judgment. This interpretation suggests the psalmist's courage to declare allegiance to YHWH even before powerful earthly rulers who might demand allegiance to their own gods or ideologies.
    3. Before angelic beings: Some interpret 'elohim as heavenly beings or angels who are witnesses to human worship and God's deeds. This implies that the psalmist's praise resonates not only on earth but also in the heavenly realms.
    4. Before God Himself (poetic intensifier): Less likely, but 'elohim could be a generic reference to God, indicating a profoundly intimate or direct declaration to the Almighty, witnessing his own sincere praise.
  • Given the surrounding context of the Psalms often critiquing idol worship and advocating for God's universal sovereignty (e.g., Psa 96:4-5; 97:7), the polemical interpretation (against pagan idols/rulers representing them) holds strong scholarly support.
• "I will sing praises to You": (Hebrew: Azammērkā) – From the root zamar (זָמַר), meaning "to sing," "to make music," "to praise with musical instruments." It denotes joyful, melodious worship. It reinforces the psalmist's intention to vocalize and celebrate God's excellencies. The suffix "-kā" means "to You," directly addressing God.

Words-Group Analysis

• "I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart": This phrase encapsulates the psalmist's internal and intentional resolve. It's a deeply personal yet utterly committed decision to direct all gratitude and affection towards YHWH alone, emphasizing the required totality of inner devotion in worship.
• "before the gods I will sing praises to You": This second clause extends the internal resolve into a public, vocal, and perhaps defiant declaration. The act of "singing praises" implies a celebratory and joyful expression. Placing this act "before the gods" signifies a challenge to any competing loyalty or power, affirming the exclusivity and supremacy of YHWH in a visible, undeniable way. It highlights the boldness and uncompromising nature of true worship.

Psalm 138 1 Bonus section

The active and bold nature of the psalmist's worship in this verse sets a profound example for believers across all ages. It suggests that worship is not passive or merely reflective, but a deliberate act of affirmation and declaration of God's sovereignty over all other influences. The "whole heart" aspect reminds us that while we worship "in spirit and truth," true worship is holistic, integrating intellect, emotion, and will, rather than being confined to only one aspect of our being. This intentionality of praise "before the gods" echoes the biblical narrative where true worshippers often stood in stark contrast to prevailing idolatry, demonstrating faithfulness and courageous allegiance.

Psalm 138 1 Commentary

Psalm 138:1 serves as a foundational statement of sincere and uncompromising worship. The psalmist's pledge to "give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart" signifies that true praise is not merely outward ritual but originates from the innermost being, encompassing thought, emotion, and will. This "whole heart" commitment implies a recognition of God's incomparable worth and the transformative power of His actions, setting the stage for the specific blessings mentioned in later verses of the psalm.

The critical phrase "before the gods" elevates this personal praise to a public declaration of theological significance. Whether referring to pagan idols, powerful earthly rulers who demanded worship or deference, or even angelic beings witnessing creation and humanity, the psalmist's intention is clear: his allegiance and adoration are directed solely towards YHWH. This is a deliberate and assertive statement that no other power, no false deity, no human authority, compares to the God of Israel. It is an act of prophetic witness, challenging the pervasive polytheism and secular humanism of the world. In essence, it declares YHWH as the supreme, unrivaled Sovereign who deserves exclusive honor and thanksgiving. It serves as a powerful reminder for believers to boldly proclaim God's praise, even in environments hostile or indifferent to His truth, never yielding true worship to any earthly or perceived power.