Psalms 116:17
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
זֶ֣בַח
to thee the sacrifice
H2077
זֶ֣בַח
to thee the sacrifice
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
תּוֹדָ֑ה
of thanksgiving
H8426
תּוֹדָ֑ה
of thanksgiving
Strong's:
H8426
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers
וּבְשֵׁ֖ם
upon the name
H8034
וּבְשֵׁ֖ם
upon the name
Strong's:
H8034
Word #:
5 of 7
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
Cross References
Psalms 50:14Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:Psalms 107:22And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.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.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 116:13I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
Historical Context
This psalm reflects post-exilic temple worship (note the emphasis on Jerusalem in v. 19). The todah sacrifice was central to Israel's worship, combining ritual offering with verbal testimony. Participants shared the sacrificial meal, creating communal celebration of God's deliverance. Jesus instituted the Eucharist as a todah meal, transforming thanksgiving sacrifice into remembrance of ultimate deliverance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing worship as "sacrifice" challenge modern consumeristic approaches to church attendance?
- What public testimony of God's faithfulness might the Lord be calling you to share as your "sacrifice of thanksgiving"?
Analysis & Commentary
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving (זֶבַח תּוֹדָה, zevach todah)—The psalmist responds to God's deliverance with a todah offering, one of the five Levitical sacrifices (Lev 7:12-15). Unlike sin offerings, this was a voluntary sacrifice of gratitude, often accompanied by public testimony of God's faithfulness. The verb אָשִׁיב (ashiv, "I will pay/render") connects to verse 14, showing covenant faithfulness: vows made in distress must be fulfilled in deliverance.
And will call upon the name of the LORD (וּבְשֵׁם יְהוָה אֶקְרָא)—Public invocation of Yahweh's covenant name completes the todah ritual. This isn't private prayer but public proclamation "in the courts of the LORD's house" (v. 19). Hebrews 13:15 echoes this: "the sacrifice of praise... the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name"—the New Covenant todah that supersedes animal offerings.