Psalms 107:15

Authorized King James Version

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Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

Original Language Analysis

יוֹד֣וּ Oh that men would praise H3034
יוֹד֣וּ Oh that men would praise
Strong's: H3034
Word #: 1 of 6
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
לַיהוָ֣ה the LORD H3068
לַיהוָ֣ה the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
חַסְדּ֑וֹ for his goodness H2617
חַסְדּ֑וֹ for his goodness
Strong's: H2617
Word #: 3 of 6
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
וְ֝נִפְלְאוֹתָ֗יו and for his wonderful works H6381
וְ֝נִפְלְאוֹתָ֗יו and for his wonderful works
Strong's: H6381
Word #: 4 of 6
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
לִבְנֵ֥י to the children H1121
לִבְנֵ֥י to the children
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 5 of 6
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
אָדָֽם׃ of men H120
אָדָֽם׃ of men
Strong's: H120
Word #: 6 of 6
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

This is the second occurrence of the refrain (see v. 8). Following the prisoners' deliverance, it again calls for thanksgiving. The repetition after each rescue scenario emphasizes that God's wonderful works consistently deserve praise, regardless of which specific distress He delivers from. Whether wandering in wilderness or imprisoned in darkness, God's goodness shown in deliverance merits continuous thanksgiving. The refrain's recurrence also suggests corporate worship—possibly responsive reading where congregation repeats this line after hearing each testimony.

Historical Context

In post-exilic worship, this refrain may have been sung responsively as various groups testified to deliverance. The pattern (testimony → refrain) creates liturgical structure for corporate thanksgiving. This continues in Christian worship where testimony and praise alternate. Revelation depicts this pattern in heaven: redeemed from every nation sing 'Worthy is the Lamb,' declaring salvation (Revelation 5:9-12).

Questions for Reflection