The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 117
In brief
Psalm 117 has only two verses, which makes it the shortest chapter in the Bible. Yet it makes an immense appeal: all nations and all peoples are invited to praise the Lord. The reason for this praise is twofold: his loving kindness toward us is great, and his faithfulness lasts forever. In the New Testament, Paul quotes this psalm to show that the gospel is also for the nations (Romans 15:11).
The chapter in 3 parts
1Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!
2For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
Key verses
Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!
The invitation reaches beyond the people of Israel: all nations and all peoples are called to celebrate the Lord. This verse already points to the universal reach of the gospel.
For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
Praise rests on two realities of God's character: his kindness, shown toward us, and his faithfulness, which never runs out. We praise God first for who he is.
Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
These two verses form a whole: a call to praise, then its reasons. They give a simple pattern for a personal prayer of praise.
Bible verses to meditate on
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 117
What does Psalm 117 mean?
Psalm 117 invites all nations to praise the Lord because his kindness toward his people is great and his faithfulness lasts forever. Despite its brevity, it sums up the heart of praise: a good and faithful God, worthy of being celebrated by all peoples, not only by Israel.
Why is Psalm 117 the shortest chapter in the Bible?
It contains only two verses, which makes it the shortest chapter in the Bible. It sits in the middle of the book of Psalms, in the group of praise psalms sung at the festivals. Its brevity takes nothing away from its reach: Paul quotes it in the letter to the Romans when he speaks about the nations.
How can I pray with Psalm 117?
You can read it aloud in two steps. Start by praising God while thinking of people and nations who do not yet know him. Then name specific proofs of his kindness and faithfulness in your own life. This psalm takes about a minute and works well as a morning prayer.
Articles quoting Psalm 117
World English Bible translation — public domain.