1 Chronicles 16:34 Explained

"O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever." — 1 Chronicles 16:34 (KJV)

The single most repeated sentence in the Old Testament, and it was written for a specific afternoon.

Read it in context: The Book of 1 Chronicles. Also gathered under verses about thankfulness & gratitude.

1 Chronicles 16:34 in context

What does 1 Chronicles 16:34 mean?

Three clauses, and the order is the argument: give thanks, because he is good, because the mercy lasts. The reason offered is not what God has done lately but what he is, which is why the line survived being sung in ruins as well as at dedications. 'Endureth for ever' is one Hebrew word for a duration with no visible end.

What is the context of 1 Chronicles 16:34?

David has brought the ark to Jerusalem and hands Asaph this psalm to be sung before it. The same line recurs at the dedication of the temple, at the return from exile, and through the Psalter — it became Israel's refrain, but it started as one day's liturgy.

How do I pray 1 Chronicles 16:34?

Say it aloud, and say it on a day that does not obviously warrant it — the line earned its place by being sung in exile as well as in triumph. If gratitude is hard to summon, note that the verse does not ask you to feel it first; it gives the reason after the command, not before.

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