1 Chronicles 16:8
Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.
Original Language Analysis
הוֹד֤וּ
Give thanks
H3034
הוֹד֤וּ
Give thanks
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
1 of 7
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
לַֽיהוָה֙
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָה֙
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קִרְא֣וּ
call
H7121
קִרְא֣וּ
call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 7
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בִשְׁמ֔וֹ
upon his name
H8034
בִשְׁמ֔וֹ
upon his name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
4 of 7
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
הוֹדִ֥יעוּ
make known
H3045
הוֹדִ֥יעוּ
make known
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
5 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Isaiah 12:4And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.2 Kings 19:19Now therefore, O LORD our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD God, even thou only.1 Corinthians 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:1 Chronicles 16:34O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.Acts 9:14And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.1 Kings 8:43Hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do according to all that the stranger calleth to thee for: that all people of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as do thy people Israel; and that they may know that this house, which I have builded, is called by thy name.
Historical Context
David composed this psalm (drawn from Psalms 105, 96, 106) for the ark's installation in Jerusalem (c. 1000 BCE). Appointing Levites for continual worship (16:4-6) established liturgical patterns that would shape temple worship and influence synagogue and Christian worship traditions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing thanksgiving as a command rather than a feeling reshape your worship practices?
- In what specific ways can you 'make known God's deeds among the peoples' in your context?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This thanksgiving psalm's opening imperative 'Give thanks unto the LORD' establishes worship's foundation - gratitude for God's character and deeds. The command to 'call upon his name' (qara b'shem YHWH) signifies public proclamation and prayer invoking God's revealed character. Making known His deeds 'among the people' ('ammim - nations/Gentiles) reveals worship's missional dimension. Israel's worship was never merely private devotion but testimony to the nations about YHWH's uniqueness and saving acts. This anticipates the Great Commission and the church's calling to declare God's mighty acts in Christ to all peoples.