Psalms 107:22
And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭יִזְבְּחוּ
And let them sacrifice
H2076
וְ֭יִזְבְּחוּ
And let them sacrifice
Strong's:
H2076
Word #:
1 of 6
to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)
זִבְחֵ֣י
the sacrifices
H2077
זִבְחֵ֣י
the sacrifices
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
תוֹדָ֑ה
of thanksgiving
H8426
תוֹדָ֑ה
of thanksgiving
Strong's:
H8426
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers
וִֽיסַפְּר֖וּ
and declare
H5608
וִֽיסַפְּר֖וּ
and declare
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
Cross References
Psalms 50:14Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:Psalms 118:17I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.Psalms 9:11Sing praises to the LORD, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.Hebrews 13:15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.Psalms 116:17I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.Psalms 73:28But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.Leviticus 7:12If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.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.1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Historical Context
Thanksgiving offerings were common in Israel's worship, bringing peace offerings with confession of God's deliverance (Psalm 50:14, 23; 116:17). After return from exile, Israel celebrated with sacrifices and thanksgiving (Ezra 3:10-11; Nehemiah 12:27-43). For Christians, the Lord's Supper incorporates thanksgiving (Eucharist = thanksgiving), declaring Christ's saving work with rejoicing until He returns (1 Corinthians 11:26).
Questions for Reflection
- What is the relationship between thanksgiving offerings then and spiritual sacrifices of praise now?
- How should believers 'declare His works with rejoicing' in contemporary worship?
- Why is public testimony and celebration important, not just private gratitude?
Analysis & Commentary
This verse expands the call to thanksgiving with specific actions. 'And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving' calls for formal worship. 'Sacrifices of thanksgiving' (zevach todah, זֶבַח תּוֹדָה) were peace offerings accompanied by testimony (Leviticus 7:12-15). 'And declare his works with rejoicing' uses sapper (סָפַר), meaning to recount, declare, or tell. 'With rejoicing' (rinnah, רִנָּה) means with shouts of joy or singing. Thanksgiving isn't merely private gratitude but public testimony with sacrifice and celebration. In Christ, believers offer spiritual sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:5)—declaring God's works with joyful testimony.