Psalms 115:1 Meaning and Explanation
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Glory belongs to God's name, not to human achievement, because He is merciful and true.
The Context of Psalms 115:1
Opening invocation that frames the entire psalm's concern with proper worship and God's rightful place.
What Does Psalms 115:1 Mean?
The psalmist opens with urgent repetition—'not unto us'—to refocus all honor toward God. Any deliverance or blessing the community receives reflects God's character, not their own merit.
This is a prayer of reorientation: the plea is that God's reputation (His name, His mercy, His faithfulness) be magnified before the world, even at the cost of the psalmist's own recognition.
Psalms 115:1 in the Original Language
כָּבוֹד (kavod), 'glory' — the heavy, weighty presence that settles on something or someone; here, rightfully belongs to God alone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 115:1
What does Psalms 115:1 mean?
Glory belongs to God's name, not to human achievement, because He is merciful and true.
What is the context of Psalms 115:1?
Opening invocation that frames the entire psalm's concern with proper worship and God's rightful place.