Psalms 117:2 Meaning and Explanation
“For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's kindness and truth are eternal, calling forth continued praise.
The Context of Psalms 117:2
The reason and assurance for the universal call to praise.
What Does Psalms 117:2 Mean?
This verse provides the theological foundation for the universal praise command in verse 1. The "merciful kindness" (hesed in Hebrew) refers to God's covenant loyalty—his faithful, steadfast love that endures beyond human measure. Paired with "truth," this establishes that God's character unites both relational warmth and absolute reliability, making him trustworthy as the object of worship.
The final call to "Praise ye the LORD" returns to the opening imperative, creating a bookend structure. By grounding praise in God's eternal nature and unfailing character, the psalm answers the implicit question: why should all nations praise? Because God's merciful kindness is great and his truth endures forever—realities that transcend time, culture, and circumstance.
Psalms 117:2 in the Original Language
Merciful kindness (hesed, חֶסֶד) — covenant loyalty and steadfast love; the enduring relational commitment of God to his people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 117:2
What does Psalms 117:2 mean?
God's kindness and truth are eternal, calling forth continued praise.
What is the context of Psalms 117:2?
The reason and assurance for the universal call to praise.