Psalm 9 1

Psalm 9:1 kjv

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.

Psalm 9:1 nkjv

To the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Death of the Son." A Psalm of David. I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

Psalm 9:1 niv

For the director of music. To the tune of "The Death of the Son." A psalm of David. I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1 esv

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 9:1 nlt

I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.

Psalm 9 verses

Psalm 9 1 Meaning

Psalm 9:1 declares an individual's heartfelt resolve to praise and thank the Lord wholeheartedly. It signifies a profound, inward commitment to expressing gratitude to God and an outward intention to publicly proclaim all His astonishing and wondrous works. This verse establishes a fundamental principle of biblical worship: a grateful heart finds expression in declaring God's marvelous deeds.

Psalm 9 1 Context

Psalm 9 is a psalm of thanksgiving, traditionally attributed to David, likely following a significant victory or deliverance from his enemies. The superscription, though not part of the inspired text of verse 1, often provides insight into the setting: "To the choirmaster: according to Muth-labben. A Psalm of David." While "Muth-labben" is obscure, it suggests a musical setting, indicating that this was meant for public, liturgical praise. The psalm transitions from individual praise to broader contemplation of God's justice among the nations, portraying Him as a righteous Judge who defends the oppressed and judges the wicked. Verse 1 serves as an opening declaration of devotion and purpose for the entire psalm, setting the tone of personal and corporate worship based on God's active involvement in human affairs. The psalm expresses trust in God's faithfulness and ultimate victory over all adversaries.

Psalm 9 1 Word analysis

• I will give thanks (אוֹדֶה - _'odeh_): This Hebrew word comes from the root יָדָה (_yadah_), which means "to praise," "to confess," "to acknowledge," or "to give thanks." It often involves raising the hands in adoration or submission. The verbal form here (first person common singular imperfect) expresses a resolute future action or an ongoing intention. It is not merely a polite 'thank you' but a deep, intentional confession of God's character and goodness, often publicly expressed. It acknowledges His divine favor and presence.
• to the LORD (יְהוָה - _YHWH_): This is the Tetragrammaton, the personal, covenantal name of God revealed to Moses. It emphasizes God's self-existence, eternal nature, and faithfulness to His promises. The psalmist is directing his praise to the sovereign God who actively intervenes in history and covenants with His people, not to any pagan deity.
• with my whole heart (בְּכָל־לִבִּי - _b'khol-libbi_):
  • with my whole (בְּכָל - _b'khol_): 'In all,' 'with all,' 'completely.' It signifies totality, leaving no part excluded.
  • heart (לִבִּי - _libbi_): In Hebrew thought, the 'heart' (לֵב - _lev_) represents the totality of the inner person: the center of emotion, intellect, will, conscience, and moral decision-making. It is not merely a feeling but the core of one's being. To give thanks with one's 'whole heart' means praise comes from one's innermost thoughts, deepest affections, and strongest resolve, completely undivided. This is in direct opposition to hypocrisy or ritual without substance.
• I will recount (אֲסַפְּרָה - _'asapperah_): From the root סָפַר (_saphar_), meaning "to count," "to tell," "to declare," "to make known." This word suggests a methodical, detailed, and public declaration, like recounting a narrative or listing something in full. It indicates a verbal testimony designed for others to hear and know. The cohortative ending in Hebrew can express intention, volition, or resolve, strengthening the psalmist's determination.
• all (כָּל - _kol_): Emphasizes comprehensive totality, mirroring "my whole heart." Every single one.
• your wonderful deeds (נִפְלְאוֹתֶיךָ - _niphle'oteykha_):
  • wonderful deeds (נִפְלָאוֹת - _niphla'ot_): From the root פָּלָא (_pala_), meaning "to be distinct," "to be extraordinary," "to be wondrous," "to be beyond comprehension," "to be set apart as unique or miraculous." These are acts that defy human expectation or explanation, showcasing divine power and intervention. These are acts that are set apart from the ordinary, miraculous acts of God.
  • your (_-eykha_): The suffix denotes direct possession by God, making these "His" specific and unique deeds.
• Word Group Analysis:
  • "I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart": This phrase establishes the inward commitment of the worshipper. It highlights intentional, complete, and sincere adoration directed towards the personal covenant God (YHWH). This is an active and volitional posture, demanding intellectual, emotional, and spiritual engagement, showing complete allegiance to YHWH above all.
  • "I will recount all of your wonderful deeds": This phrase indicates the outward expression and purpose of the heartfelt thanksgiving. It moves from private devotion to public testimony. The "wonderful deeds" encompass God's historical acts of salvation, judgment, creation, and providence. It acts as an implicit polemic against pagan deities, whose works are not genuinely "wonderful" or life-giving in the same manner as YHWH's.
  • Combined thought: The juxtaposition of "whole heart" and "all your wonderful deeds" shows the depth of the personal commitment ("all heart") is commensurate with the scope of God's works ("all wonderful deeds"). True worship is comprehensive: internally sincere and externally manifest through testimony of God's extraordinary acts. This holistic worship provides witness to God's unparalleled nature.

Psalm 9 1 Bonus section

• Volitional Aspect: The repeated use of the first person singular future/cohortative verbs ("I will give thanks," "I will recount") emphasizes the psalmist's determined and active choice to worship. This is not a passive observance but an intentional act of will.
• Didactic Purpose: The recounting of God's 'wonderful deeds' often serves a didactic purpose, educating subsequent generations and non-believers about God's power and faithfulness, inspiring them to trust and obey Him. This testimony can serve to strengthen the faith of others.
• Worship as a Cycle: This verse suggests a cycle of spiritual engagement: God performs wonderful deeds, which evoke heartfelt thanksgiving, leading to the recounting of those deeds, which then inspire further praise and recognition of God's wonder by others.

Psalm 9 1 Commentary

Psalm 9:1 encapsulates the very essence of true worship and faith. It opens with a declaration of profound devotion, initiating the individual's pledge to praise God fully and without reservation. The psalmist commits to an inner sincerity of heart ('with my whole heart'), signifying that genuine praise must originate from the very core of one's being—one's will, intellect, and affections. This inner conviction is not to remain hidden but finds its natural outflow in external proclamation. The determination to 'recount all of your wonderful deeds' highlights the communicative and testimonial nature of worship. It implies actively telling others about God's extraordinary acts of creation, deliverance, justice, and faithfulness. These 'wonderful deeds' are not merely impressive but are singular, miraculous interventions by God that reveal His unique character and power. Thus, the verse forms a comprehensive call to worship, urging believers to respond to God's active goodness with both genuine internal gratitude and enthusiastic external declaration, showcasing Him as the only God worthy of such absolute devotion.