The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 136
In brief
Psalm 136, often called the great Hallel, repeats the same refrain in each of its 26 verses: his loving kindness endures forever. It invites us to praise God as Lord of lords, then walks through his work: creation, the exodus from Egypt, the Red Sea, the desert, the gift of the land. It ends with the remembrance of God toward the lowly and the food he gives to all flesh. The refrain anchors faith in the faithfulness of God rather than in circumstances.
The chapter in 5 parts
1Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever.
2Give thanks to the God of gods; for his loving kindness endures forever.
3Give thanks to the Lord of lords; for his loving kindness endures forever:
4to him who alone does great wonders; for his loving kindness endures forever:
5to him who by understanding made the heavens; for his loving kindness endures forever:
6to him who spread out the earth above the waters; for his loving kindness endures forever:
7to him who made the great lights; for his loving kindness endures forever:
8the sun to rule by day; for his loving kindness endures forever;
9the moon and stars to rule by night; for his loving kindness endures forever:
10to him who struck down the Egyptian firstborn; for his loving kindness endures forever;
11and brought out Israel from among them; for his loving kindness endures forever;
12with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm; for his loving kindness endures forever:
13to him who divided the Red Sea apart; for his loving kindness endures forever;
14and made Israel to pass through the middle of it; for his loving kindness endures forever;
15but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea; for his loving kindness endures forever:
16to him who led his people through the wilderness; for his loving kindness endures forever:
17to him who struck great kings; for his loving kindness endures forever;
18and killed mighty kings; for his loving kindness endures forever:
19Sihon king of the Amorites; for his loving kindness endures forever;
20Og king of Bashan; for his loving kindness endures forever;
21and gave their land as an inheritance; for his loving kindness endures forever;
22even a heritage to Israel his servant; for his loving kindness endures forever:
23who remembered us in our low estate; for his loving kindness endures forever;
24and has delivered us from our adversaries; for his loving kindness endures forever:
25who gives food to every creature; for his loving kindness endures forever.
26Oh give thanks to the God of heaven; for his loving kindness endures forever.
Key verses
Give thanks to Yahweh, for he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever.
The opening gives the theme: God is good, and his loving kindness, or faithful love, never ends. The refrain that follows depends on it.
to him who alone does great wonders; for his loving kindness endures forever:
God alone does great wonders. The psalm credits the work of creation and deliverance to him alone, without a rival.
with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm; for his loving kindness endures forever:
The strong hand and the outstretched arm point to the power of God who brought Israel out of Egypt, a central memory of Israel's faith.
who remembered us in our low estate; for his loving kindness endures forever;
God remembers us when we are brought low. The psalm makes this remembrance of God concrete for those going through a time of humiliation.
Oh give thanks to the God of heaven; for his loving kindness endures forever.
The psalm closes with a last call to praise the God of heaven, with the refrain, as if it never wanted to end.
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Frequently asked questions about Psalm 136
Why does Psalm 136 repeat “for his loving kindness endures forever”?
The refrain takes up in every verse the central idea of the psalm: everything God does, from creation to deliverance, comes from his faithful love. The repetition also served in worship, where a singer led the first half and the assembly answered with the refrain. It helps each person take it in and lean on it.
What does mercy mean in Psalm 136?
The Hebrew word is hesed. It means a loyal love, a kindness that does not give way and faithfulness to the covenant. Depending on the translation, you find mercy, goodness, faithful love, loving kindness or kindness. It is one of the key words for understanding the character of God in the Old Testament.
How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 136?
Read it in alternation: you read the first part of each verse, and someone else, or you aloud, answers with the refrain. You can also add your own personal verses, naming specific things God has done for you, each time ending with for his loving kindness endures forever.
Articles quoting Psalm 136
World English Bible translation — public domain.