Bible Strands
Psalms 138:1
Of David. I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — David addresses God directly as he begins a vow of thanksgiving. The declaration occurs in a formal setting where spiritual or earthly rulers are present.
The words — אֱלֹהִים ('E.lo.Him) translates literally as "gods" and sits beside נֶגֶד (Ne.ged), meaning "before," to mark the location of the praise. The opening verb אוֹדְךָ ('od./Kha) means "I will give thanks," establishing the psalm's primary action.
The thread — The phrase "with all my heart" recurs in Psalms 111:1, and the contrast with other gods aligns with Psalms 95:3. Corporate praise is later mirrored in 1 Corinthians 14:15.
Why it lands — The text requires a complete internal commitment paired with an external declaration. It demands that a reader acknowledge God's supremacy openly and align personal gratitude with public worship.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.
Cross-references
- Psalms 111:1 Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.
- Psalms 95:3 For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods.
- 1 Corinthians 14:15 What then shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind. I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind.
- Psalms 82:6 I have said, ‘You are gods; you are all sons of the Most High.’
- Psalms 86:12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.
- Psalms 96:4 For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods.
- Psalms 119:46 I will speak of Your testimonies before kings, and I will not be ashamed.
- John 10:34 Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your Law: ‘I have said you are gods’?
- Psalms 9:1 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A Psalm of David. I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will recount all Your wonders.
- Psalms 103:1 Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.