The exact words
“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”Psalm 107:1, King James Version (1611)
✓ VerifiedFound in a primary source: the original book, speech transcript, letter or recording.
What people get wrong
Common reading
“Mercy” here means forgiveness only.
“Mercy” here means forgiveness only.
Closer to the original
The Hebrew word behind “mercy,” chesed, means loyal, steadfast love, which is why many modern translations say “his love endures forever.”
The Hebrew word behind “mercy,” chesed, means loyal, steadfast love, which is why many modern translations say “his love endures forever.”
Timeline
- Ancient IsraelThe line is a temple refrain. The Bible describes it being sung when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 16:34) and it opens several psalms of thanksgiving.
- 1611The King James Version gives English its best-known wording.
- TodayThe verse is one of the most common graces said before Thanksgiving dinner.
Use it in a speech
Before we eat, a short grace from Psalm 107. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever. Amen.
~8 secondsto say aloud
Pauseafter “for he is good”
Best spotgrace before the meal
Questions people ask
Where is “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good” in the Bible?
It opens Psalms 106, 107, 118 and 136, and appears in 1 Chronicles 16:34. Psalm 107:1 is the most quoted.
What does “his mercy endureth for ever” mean?
That God's loyal love never ends. Modern versions often translate it “his steadfast love endures forever.”
Cite this quote
These cite the original source directly, so you can use them in an essay or paper. Always check your teacher's required style.
MLAThe Bible. Authorized King James Version, 1611. Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10.
APAThe Holy Bible, King James Version. (1611/2026). Project Gutenberg. https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10
IN TEXT (APA)(The Bible, Psalm 107:1; also Psalms 106, 118 and 136, and 1 Chronicles 16:34, King James Version)