I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist isn't just planning a generic "thank you" note to God; he's describing a specific type of offering in ancient Israel: a sacrifice of thanksgiving. This wasn't a mere expression of gratitude, but a tangible, communal meal shared in God's presence, emphasizing that true thankfulness involves both our inner feelings and our outward actions.
I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just recounted a harrowing experience of near death and God's powerful deliverance, the psalmist now resolves to fulfill his promises. He declares his intention to publicly offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, not just any sacrifice but one that expresses his deep gratitude, and to call upon the Lord's name in worship and praise within the community.
The verse talks about offering a 'sacrifice of thanksgiving.' What does that really mean, especially when it might not be a literal animal sacrifice?
In the Old Testament, sacrifices were a central part of worship. However, the prophets and psalms often emphasized that God desired a sincere heart over mere ritual.
A Heartfelt Offering
The 'sacrifice of thanksgiving' mentioned here isn't necessarily a prescribed animal offering from the Law. It's about the attitude of the heart. Think of it as the deepest expression of gratitude, offered to God because of His deliverance and goodness.
The True Sacrifice
When our hearts are overflowing with thankfulness for what God has done—whether it's a huge rescue or a daily blessing—that genuine gratitude is the most pleasing sacrifice to Him. It's about acknowledging His grace and letting that appreciation shape our worship.
The psalmist couples offering thanksgiving with 'calling on the name of the LORD.' Why are these two actions so closely linked?
This verse isn't just a one-time declaration but a commitment to ongoing relationship and reliance on God.
Dependence and Praise
Offering thanksgiving is a response to God's past actions. Calling on His name is an act of present dependence and future trust. The psalmist recognizes that the same God who delivered him is the one he will continue to call upon.
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The Power of His Name
To 'call on the name of the LORD' means to invoke Him, to rely on His character, His power, and His promises. It's an acknowledgment that He is sovereign and that His name carries all authority. This act of calling on Him is itself a form of worship and a sign of faith, demonstrating that our well-being is found solely in Him.
Understand the original words
zebach · Hebrew Noun
A visible, outward expression or ritual act offered to God, often representing gratitude, petition, or atonement.
todah · Hebrew Noun
An expression of gratitude and praise to God for His character and His acts of deliverance and kindness.
This psalm speaks from the context of the Second Temple period. The 'sacrifice of thanksgiving' is not just a meal offering, but a heartfelt expression of praise offered in the Temple, signifying a return to proper worship after the trauma of exile and destruction.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the First Temple, and exile much of the population. This event brings temple worship and sacrifices to a complete halt for the people of God.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Under the Persian King Cyrus, a decree allows Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple. This marks the start of the Second Temple period, but worship is still in its infancy.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple
The Second Temple is completed and dedicated, allowing for the resumption of sacrificial worship and temple services after decades of interruption.
Date uncertain, likely between 516 BC and 70 AD— this verse
Psalmist Offers Sacrifice of Thanksgiving
The psalmist, having been delivered from great peril, vows to offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD in the rebuilt Temple.
This passage echoes the sentiment that a sacrifice of words and praise is more acceptable to God than literal animal sacrifices, aligning with the psalmist's intention to offer a 'sacrifice of thanksgiving'.
Romans 12:1The concept of offering our bodies as a 'living sacrifice' here connects with the psalmist's desire to offer himself and his thanksgiving as a spiritual sacrifice, moving beyond mere ritual.
Hebrews 13:15This verse directly states that through Jesus, we offer a continual sacrifice of praise to God, which is the fruit of lips acknowledging His name, beautifully illustrating the psalmist's action.
Psalm 50:14This earlier psalm also emphasizes fulfilling vows and offering thanksgiving as the true sacrifice God desires, providing a strong thematic parallel to Psalm 116:17.
Psalm 116:4This verse is directly linked as the psalmist calls on the Lord to save him; verse 17 then explains his response *after* deliverance, showing the natural progression from desperate prayer to thankful worship.
pulpitPsalms 116:17: "I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD."
Verse 17. - I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Scarcely an actual sacrifice. Rather, simple thanksgiving, which, from a sincere heart, is the best sacrifice (see Psalm 50:14 and Hosea 14:2). And will call upon the Name of the Lord (comp. vers. 4 and 13).
henryPsalms 116:10-19: "I believed, therefore have I spoken: I was greatly afflicted:"
116:10-19 When troubled, we do best to hold our peace, for we are apt to speak unadvisedly. Yet there may be true faith where there are workings of unbelief; but then faith will prevail; and being humbled for our distrust of God's word, we shall experience his faithfulness to it. What can the pardoned sinner, or what can those who have been delivered from trouble or distress, render to the Lord for his benefits? W…
The psalmist isn't just planning a generic "thank you" note to God; he's describing a specific type of offering in ancient Israel: a sacrifice of thanksgiving. This wasn't a mere expression of gratitude, but a tangible, communal meal shared in God's presence, emphasizing that true thankfulness involves both our inner feelings and our outward actions.
Having just recounted a harrowing experience of near death and God's powerful deliverance, the psalmist now resolves to fulfill his promises. He declares his intention to publicly offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, not just any sacrifice but one that expresses his deep gratitude, and to call upon the Lord's name in worship and praise within the community.
Having just recounted a harrowing experience of near death and God's powerful deliverance, the psalmist now resolves to fulfill his promises. He declares his intention to publicly offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, not just any sacrifice but one that expresses his deep gratitude, and to call upon the Lord's name in worship and praise within the community.
"I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD." — The psalmist isn't just planning a generic "thank you" note to God; he's describing a specific type of offering in ancient Israel: a sacrifice of thanksgiving. This wasn't a mere expression of gratit…
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Last reviewed October 2026