Psalms 116:12 Meaning and Explanation
“What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist seeks a worthy response to God's abundant goodness.
The Context of Psalms 116:12
The question that opens a meditation on how to repay God's goodness.
What Does Psalms 116:12 Mean?
This is the question of gratitude: how can I repay such generosity? There is an implicit recognition that nothing human-offered can match what God has given. The question is not whether to respond but how to respond adequately.
The word 'benefits' (gamlulim) suggests a long accumulation of divine favors—not one rescue but a lifetime of goodness. The psalmist is asking: what single or sustained act could possibly balance the cosmic account between human and divine generosity?
Psalms 116:12 in the Original Language
Gamal (גָּמַל), 'benefits' — a completed action of kindness, a finished work of care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 116:12
What does Psalms 116:12 mean?
The psalmist seeks a worthy response to God's abundant goodness.
What is the context of Psalms 116:12?
The question that opens a meditation on how to repay God's goodness.