Psalms 107:31

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 fourth and final occurrence of the refrain (see vv. 8, 15, 21). After the storm deliverance, it again summons thanksgiving. The repetition across all four scenarios (wilderness wandering, prison darkness, mortal sickness, ocean storm) emphasizes that every divine deliverance—regardless of type—merits the same response: praise for God's goodness and wonderful works. The liturgical structure (scenario → deliverance → refrain) creates rhythm for corporate worship. The psalm's design ensures that diverse experiences of salvation all culminate in unified doxology. All God's works reveal His goodness and deserve thanksgiving.

Historical Context

This refrain structure may have been used antiphonally—leader recounting deliverances, congregation responding with the refrain. This pattern continues in Christian worship: testimonies of God's works followed by corporate praise. The fourfold repetition parallels the four gospels' unified witness to Christ from different perspectives, or Revelation's fourfold 'living creatures' crying 'Holy, holy, holy' (Revelation 4:8). Diverse perspectives create rich, multifaceted praise.

Questions for Reflection