Psalms 107:21
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
Historical Context
In post-exilic worship, this liturgical refrain created rhythm for thanksgiving. Testimonies of various deliverances (geographical, political, physical) all culminated in the same response: praise for God's goodness. This pattern continues in Christian worship—diverse testimonies of salvation, healing, provision, and deliverance all lead to unified doxology. Heaven's worship follows this pattern: diverse redeemed peoples singing unified praise (Revelation 5:9-10; 7:9-12).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does every form of God's deliverance merit the same response of praise?
- How can diverse testimonies create unity in worship?
- What role should thanksgiving play in response to God's wonderful works in our lives?
Analysis & Commentary
This is the third occurrence of the refrain (see vv. 8, 15). After the healing scenario, it again calls for thanksgiving. The consistency demonstrates that all of God's deliverances—from lostness, imprisonment, or sickness—equally merit praise. God's wonderful works encompass diverse forms of salvation, but all proceed from His goodness and covenant love (chesed). The repeated call suggests that praise is both duty and delight: redeemed people should overflow with thanksgiving for God's saving works.