For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse doesn't just state God's love is "great"; it uses a Hebrew word that suggests His steadfast love has "prevailed" or "overwhelmed" us, implying it's stronger than our sin and failings. This powerful, enduring faithfulness is the very reason the psalm calls all nations, not just Israel, to praise Him.
For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
English Standard Version (ESV)
This short psalm follows an extended section of thanksgiving and praise, acting as a grand crescendo that calls all nations to join in. The verses before this one build on God's past actions, highlighting His mighty deeds and faithfulness, while the verses that follow implicitly extend this praise outward, inviting those outside Israel to experience and celebrate God's powerful, enduring love.
The Bible talks about God's love being 'great.' But what does that really mean? Is it just a feeling, or something more powerful?
The word used for 'great' here carries a sense of strength and overwhelming power. It's not just that God's steadfast love is big, but that it prevails. Think about it: God's love is stronger than our sins, stronger than our failures, and stronger than the forces that try to pull us away from Him.
A Love That Overcomes
This isn't a passive love; it's active and mighty. It has 'prevailed over us,' meaning it has overcome obstacles to reach us and protect us. Even when we were far off or unfaithful, God's love found a way. This powerful, persistent love is the very foundation for why all nations are called to praise Him.
We live in a world of shifting sands, where promises can be broken. How can we trust in a faithfulness that lasts forever?
The verse also highlights the 'faithfulness of the LORD' that 'endures forever.' This isn't just about God keeping His word; it's about His inherent character. His faithfulness is tied to His promises, especially those concerning His people and the future redemption through the Messiah.
A Rock in a Storm
This eternal faithfulness means God is utterly reliable. His promises are not contingent on our performance but on His unchanging nature. This truth assures us that His covenant love isn't temporary; it's a constant, reliable source of hope, extending to all who call on Him, not just a select few.
Ask a follow-up
Why does this psalm, so short, begin with an invitation to 'all nations' and 'all people'?
Psalm 117 is a powerful declaration that God's mercy and faithfulness are not limited to one group of people. The call to praise is universal because the attributes praised – steadfast love and enduring faithfulness – are meant to be experienced and celebrated by everyone.
Good News for Everyone
As the apostle Paul notes (Romans 15:8-9), this psalm is a prophecy of the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan. God's mighty love and eternal truth are the very reasons why people from every nation, tribe, and tongue are invited to join in praising Him. His actions in history, particularly His covenant faithfulness, are a preview of His redemptive work that would extend globally through Jesus Christ.
Understand the original words
hesed · Hebrew Noun
A foundational theological term in the Old Testament, 'hesed' describes God’s loyal, covenant-keeping love. It goes beyond mere affection, implying faithfulness, kindness, and devotion that remains steadfast even when the object of that love is unfaithful.
'emeth · Hebrew Noun
Derived from the root 'aman' (to be firm, reliable, or established), this denotes truth, reliability, and firm consistency. It describes God as One who can be trusted completely because His word and character are unchanging and secure.
This passage directly quotes Psalm 117:11 and explains how Christ's ministry confirmed God's promises to Israel and allowed Gentiles to praise God for His mercy, echoing the theme of God's great steadfast love and faithfulness extending to all nations.
Ephesians 2:14Paul speaks of Christ breaking down the dividing wall, making one new humanity from both Jews and Gentiles. This reflects the psalm's call for all nations to praise God, underscoring that God's mercy and faithfulness are for 'us' in a unified, inclusive sense.
Jeremiah 31:3This verse speaks of God appearing from afar to Israel, saying, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my steadfast love to you.' This deeply resonates with Psalm 117:2's emphasis on God's enduring, great steadfast love.
Lamentations 3:22-23The prophet declares, 'The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.' This powerfully affirms the eternal nature of God's mercy and faithfulness highlighted in Psalm 117:2.
pulpitPsalms 117:2: "For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD."
Verse 2. - For his merciful kindness (or, his mercy) is great towards us; literally, has been great over us. The appeal is to history, and the mercy intended is that shown in God's continual protection of Israel. And the truth of the Lord endureth forever. God's "truth" is here, as so often, his faithfulness to his promises, the promises being especially those made to A…
poolePsalms 117:2: "For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD."
Toward us; either, 1. Towards us Jews, to whom he hath given those peculiar privileges which he hath denied to all other nations. But this may seem an improper argument to move the Gentiles to praise God for his mercies to others from which they were excluded. Or, 2. Towards all of us, all the children of Abraham, whether carnal or spiritual, who were to be incorporated…
The verse doesn't just state God's love is "great"; it uses a Hebrew word that suggests His steadfast love has "prevailed" or "overwhelmed" us, implying it's stronger than our sin and failings. This powerful, enduring faithfulness is the very reason the psalm calls all nations, not just Israel, to praise Him.
This short psalm follows an extended section of thanksgiving and praise, acting as a grand crescendo that calls all nations to join in. The verses before this one build on God's past actions, highlighting His mighty deeds and faithfulness, while the verses that follow implicitly extend this praise outward, inviting those outside Israel to experience and celebrate God's powerful, enduring love.
This short psalm follows an extended section of thanksgiving and praise, acting as a grand crescendo that calls all nations to join in. The verses before this one build on God's past actions, highlighting His mighty deeds and faithfulness, while the verses that follow implicitly extend this praise outward, inviting those outside Israel to experience and celebrate God's powerful, enduring love.
"For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!" — The verse doesn't just state God's love is "great"; it uses a Hebrew word that suggests His steadfast love has "prevailed" or "overwhelmed" us, implying it's stronger than our sin and failings. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026