It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just saying giving thanks is nice; it calls it "good," implying it's not only pleasant but profoundly right and beneficial for us. It frames praise not just as an action, but as a fundamental, wholesome posture for the soul, especially directed towards God as the "Most High," recognizing His supreme authority over all things.
It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
English Standard Version (ESV)
This psalm, designated for the Sabbath day, opens with an enthusiastic declaration about the joy and rightness of giving thanks and singing praises to God. It sets the stage for reflecting on God's powerful and just actions, particularly how He deals with both the wicked and the righteous. The verses leading up to this highlight the importance of remembering God's goodness and faithfulness, urging a daily practice of gratitude that sets the tone for worship.
The Bible calls giving thanks a "good thing." But what makes it so good? Is it just a nice idea, or is there more to it?
The psalmist declares, "It is good to give thanks to the LORD." This isn't just a suggestion; it's a profound statement about the nature of worship.
A Fitting Response
This "goodness" points to something that is fitting, appropriate, and morally right. It's what ought to be done because of who God is and what He has done. Giving thanks is a debt we owe to the Creator.
A Beneficial Practice
Beyond being fitting, the act of giving thanks is good for us. It shifts our focus from our problems to God's provision, fostering contentment and peace. It's a way to recall His mercies, which brightens our perspective and combats a gloomy or complaining spirit.
We're called to praise God's "name." What does that encompass, and why is He called the "Most High" in this context?
The verse calls us not only to give thanks but also to "sing praises to your name, O Most High."
Praising God's Name
Praising God's "name" means celebrating His character, His attributes, and all that He is. It's an acknowledgment of His perfections and a public declaration of His worth.
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The Majesty of the Most High
Calling God the "Most High" emphasizes His supreme authority, His sovereignty over all creation, and His ultimate power. He is exalted above everything. This title reminds us that our praise is directed towards the One who is supreme in every way. Recognizing His exalted status makes our praise both fitting and awe-inspiring.
Understand the original words
yadah · Hebrew Verb
An expression of gratitude and acknowledgment of God's character and actions, often in the context of worship. It signifies an inward attitude of appreciation and outward declaration of God's grace.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal name of the one true God, Yahweh, emphasizing His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and relationship with His people.
Elyon · Hebrew Adjective/Noun
The Hebrew word 'Elyon, meaning "highest" or "uppermost," used to describe God’s supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and authority over all creation.
This passage echoes the sentiment of Psalm 92:1, calling for praise and thanksgiving to God, highlighting the continuous nature of worship.
Psalm 147:1This verse also declares 'It is good to sing praises to our God,' emphasizing that praise is a fitting and pleasant activity, directly paralleling the opening of Psalm 92.
Philippians 4:6This New Testament passage connects thanksgiving with prayer and petition, showing that bringing requests to God with a thankful heart is a pleasing practice to Him.
Hebrews 13:15This verse encourages believers to offer a continual sacrifice of praise to God, reinforcing the idea that thanks and praise are an ongoing and essential part of our devotion.
pulpitPsalms 92:1: "<or Song for the sabbath day.>> It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:"
Verse 1. - It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord (comp. Psalm 147:1). By "a good thing" is meant that which is at ones right and pleasant. And to sing praises unto thy Name, O Most High. Israel's Lord, Jehovah, is also "the Most High over all the earth" (Psalm 83:18), and should at all times be thought of as both.
henryPsalms 92:1-6: "<or Song for the sabbath day.>> It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High:"
92:1-6 It is a privilege that we are admitted to praise the Lord, and hope to be accepted in the morning, and every night; not only on sabbath days, but every day; not only in public, but in private, and in our families. Let us give thanks every morning for the mercies of the night, and every night for the mercies of the day; going out, and coming in,…
The verse isn't just saying giving thanks is nice; it calls it "good," implying it's not only pleasant but profoundly right and beneficial for us. It frames praise not just as an action, but as a fundamental, wholesome posture for the soul, especially directed towards God as the "Most High," recognizing His supreme authority over all things.
This psalm, designated for the Sabbath day, opens with an enthusiastic declaration about the joy and rightness of giving thanks and singing praises to God. It sets the stage for reflecting on God's powerful and just actions, particularly how He deals with both the wicked and the righteous. The verses leading up to this highlight the importance of remembering God's goodness and faithfulness, urging a daily practice of gratitude that sets the tone for worship.
This psalm, designated for the Sabbath day, opens with an enthusiastic declaration about the joy and rightness of giving thanks and singing praises to God. It sets the stage for reflecting on God's powerful and just actions, particularly how He deals with both the wicked and the righteous. The verses leading up to this highlight the importance of remembering God's goodness and faithfulness, urging a daily practice of gratitude that sets the tone for worship.
"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High;" — The verse isn't just saying giving thanks is nice; it calls it "good," implying it's not only pleasant but profoundly right and beneficial for us. It frames praise not just as an action, but as a…
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Last reviewed October 2026