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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 138:1 I will give You thanks with all my heart; before the heavenly beings I will sing Your praises.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/138-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/19_Psa_138_001.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 138:1 - I Will Give You Thanks with All My Heart" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I will give You thanks with all my heart; before the heavenly beings I will sing Your praises." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/138-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/138-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/138.htm">Chapter 138</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/137-9.htm" title="Psalm 137:9">◄</a> Psalm 138:1 <a href="/psalms/138-2.htm" title="Psalm 138:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/138.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/138.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Of David. I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the &#8220gods&#8221 I will sing your praise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/138.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I give you thanks, O LORD, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/138.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/138.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/138.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/138.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/138.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing Your praises before the gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/138.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing praises to You before the gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/138.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I Will give Thee thanks with all my heart; I will sing praises to Thee before the gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/138.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Of David. I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing praises to You before the gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/138.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br /><i>A Psalm</i> of David. I will give You thanks with all my heart; I sing praises to You before the [pagan] gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/138.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. I will give you thanks with all my heart; I will sing your praise before the heavenly beings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/138.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Davidic. I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing Your praise before the heavenly beings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/138.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: Before the gods will I sing praises unto thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/138.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />With all my heart I praise you, LORD. In the presence of angels I sing your praises. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/138.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praises unto thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/138.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[By David.] I will give thanks to you with all my heart. I will make music to praise you in front of the false gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/138.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I thank you, LORD, with all my heart; I sing praise to you before the gods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/138.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />LORD, I thank you with all of my heart; because you heard the words that I spoke, I will sing your praise before the heavenly beings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/138.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Of David. I give You thanks with all my heart; before the gods I sing Your praises.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/138.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />By David. I will give you thanks with all my heart; before the heavenly assembly I will sing praises to you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/138.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[By David.] I will give you thanks, LORD, with my whole heart. Before the gods I will sing praises to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/138.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/138.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />By David. I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/138.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />BY DAVID. I confess You with all my heart, "" I praise You before the gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/138.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> By David. I confess Thee, with all my heart, Before the gods I do praise Thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/138.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />To David. I will praise thee with all my heart: before God I will play to thee on the harp.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/138.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I will praise thee, O lord, with my whole heart: for thou hast heard the words of my mouth. I will sing praise to thee in the sight of his angels: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/138.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 137:1>Of David himself. O Lord, I will confess to you with my whole heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth. I will sing psalms to you in the sight of the Angels.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/138.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Of David. I thank you, Lord, with all my heart; in the presence of the angels to you I sing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/138.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/138.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I WILL praise thee with my whole heart; before the kings will I sing praise to thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/138.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />I shall confess you, LORD JEHOVAH, from my whole heart; in front of Kings I shall sing praise to you!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/138.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />[A Psalm] of David. I will give Thee thanks with my whole heart, In the presence of the mighty will I sing praises unto Thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/138.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A Psalm for David, of Aggaeus and Zacharias. I will give thee thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; and I will sing psalms to thee before the angels; for thou hast heard all the words of my mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/138-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=17140" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/138.htm">I Will Give You Thanks with All My Heart</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1732.htm" title="1732: lə·ḏā·wiḏ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps beloved one, a son of Jesse. Rarely; Daviyd; from the same as dowd; loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse.">Of David.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3034.htm" title="3034: ’ō·wḏ·ḵā (V-Hifil-Imperf.h-1cs:: 2ms) -- To throw, cast. "> I give You thanks</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḇə·ḵāl- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">with all</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lib·bî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">my heart;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: ne·ḡeḏ (Prep) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the gods</a> <a href="/hebrew/2167.htm" title="2167: ’ă·zam·mə·re·kā (V-Piel-Imperf.h-1cs:: 2mse) -- To make music (in praise of God). ">I sing Your praises.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your loving devotion and Your faithfulness; You have exalted Your name and Your word above all else.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/111-1.htm">Psalm 111:1</a></span><br />Hallelujah! I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the council of the upright and in the assembly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/9-1.htm">Psalm 9:1</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/86-12.htm">Psalm 86:12</a></span><br />I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify Your name forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/108-1.htm">Psalm 108:1</a></span><br />A song. A Psalm of David. My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my being.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-7.htm">Psalm 119:7</a></span><br />I will praise You with an upright heart when I learn Your righteous judgments.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1</a></span><br />Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul; all that is within me, bless His holy name.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/57-7.htm">Psalm 57:7</a></span><br />My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and make music.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/145-1.htm">Psalm 145:1</a></span><br />A Psalm of praise. Of David. I will exalt You, my God and King; I will bless Your name forever and ever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/63-4.htm">Psalm 63:4</a></span><br />So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/71-22.htm">Psalm 71:22</a></span><br />So I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing praise to You with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/95-1.htm">Psalm 95:1-2</a></span><br />Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! / Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">Psalm 34:1</a></span><br />Of David, when he pretended to be insane before Abimelech, so that the king drove him away. I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/92-1.htm">Psalm 92:1</a></span><br />A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/5-19.htm">Ephesians 5:19-20</a></span><br />Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord, / always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Colossians 3:16</a></span><br />Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I will praise you with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise to you.</p><p class="hdg">A.</p><p class="hdg">I will praise</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/9-1.htm">Psalm 9:1</a></b></br> To the chief Musician upon Muthlabben, A Psalm of David. I will praise <i>thee</i>, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/86-12.htm">Psalm 86:12,13</a></b></br> I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/103-1.htm">Psalm 103:1,2</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, <i>bless</i> his holy name… </p><p class="hdg">with my whole.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Psalm 82:1,6</a></b></br> A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-46.htm">Psalm 119:46</a></b></br> I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/22-28.htm">Exodus 22:28</a></b></br> Thou shalt not revile the gods, nor curse the ruler of thy people.</p><p class="hdg">the gods.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/119-7.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/psalms/137-9.htm">David</a> <a href="/psalms/136-2.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/psalms/132-13.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/135-3.htm">Melody</a> <a href="/psalms/136-18.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/psalms/136-26.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/135-3.htm">Praises</a> <a href="/psalms/116-18.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/psalms/137-9.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/137-4.htm">Sing</a> <a href="/psalms/136-26.htm">Thanks</a> <a href="/psalms/119-145.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/138-4.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/psalms/138-8.htm">David</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-13.htm">Gods</a> <a href="/psalms/139-23.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/144-9.htm">Melody</a> <a href="/psalms/144-7.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/psalms/138-2.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/144-9.htm">Praises</a> <a href="/psalms/139-7.htm">Presence</a> <a href="/psalms/138-8.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/138-5.htm">Sing</a> <a href="/psalms/138-2.htm">Thanks</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-12.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 138</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/138-1.htm">David praises God for the truth of his word</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/138-4.htm">He prophesies that the kings of the earth shall praise God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/138-7.htm">He professes his confidence in God</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/138.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/138.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Of David.</b><br>This psalm is attributed to David, the second king of Israel, known for his deep relationship with God and his role in establishing Jerusalem as the center of worship. David's authorship connects this psalm to a period of Israel's history marked by the unification of the tribes and the establishment of a monarchy. David's life, filled with both triumphs and trials, provides a rich backdrop for understanding the depth of his gratitude and worship expressed in this psalm.<p><b>I give You thanks with all my heart;</b><br>David's expression of wholehearted thanks reflects a sincere and undivided devotion to God. In biblical terms, the heart is the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. This phrase emphasizes the importance of genuine worship and gratitude, not merely as outward expressions but as reflections of an inner reality. The call to love God with all one's heart is echoed in the Shema (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-5.htm">Deuteronomy 6:5</a>), a central tenet of Jewish faith, and is reiterated by Jesus in the Gospels (<a href="/matthew/22-37.htm">Matthew 22:37</a>).<p><b>before the gods I sing Your praises.</b><br>The mention of "gods" can be understood in several ways. It may refer to the pagan deities worshiped by surrounding nations, highlighting the supremacy of the God of Israel over all other so-called gods. Alternatively, it could refer to earthly rulers or judges, as the Hebrew word "elohim" can denote powerful beings or authorities. This phrase underscores the boldness of David's worship, declaring God's greatness in the presence of any competing powers or authorities. It also foreshadows the ultimate victory of God's kingdom over all earthly and spiritual dominions, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, culminating in the New Testament's depiction of Christ's triumph over all powers (<a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Colossians 2:15</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, David is expressing his personal devotion and gratitude to God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure to whom David is directing his thanks and praise.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_gods.htm">The gods</a></b><br>This term can refer to earthly rulers, judges, or even false gods, indicating David's commitment to praise God above all other entities.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/w/wholehearted_worship.htm">Wholehearted Worship</a></b><br>David's example teaches us to engage in worship with our entire being, not holding back any part of our heart.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/public_declaration_of_faith.htm">Public Declaration of Faith</a></b><br>By praising God "before the gods," we are reminded to boldly declare our faith in all circumstances, even in the presence of those who may not share our beliefs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/supremacy_of_god.htm">Supremacy of God</a></b><br>Recognizing God's supremacy over all other powers and authorities should inspire confidence and reverence in our worship.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/gratitude_as_a_lifestyle.htm">Gratitude as a Lifestyle</a></b><br>Cultivating a heart of gratitude aligns us with God's will and brings peace, as seen in the connection to <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6-7</a>.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_praise.htm">Consistency in Praise</a></b><br>Like Daniel, maintaining a consistent practice of praise and thanksgiving, regardless of external pressures, strengthens our faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_138.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 138</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_138_1_imply_polytheism.htm">Psalm 138:1 mentions praising God “before the gods.” Does this suggest the existence of multiple deities, hinting at polytheism within a supposedly monotheistic text? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_skeptics_view_god's_love_vs._judgment.htm">Psalm 138 as a whole emphasizes God’s unfailing love and truth. How do skeptics reconcile this with accounts of divine judgment that appear severe or contradictory elsewhere in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/were_adam_and_eve_of_caucasian_descent.htm">Is His Word prioritized over His Name?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_jesus'_place_of_residence.htm">What defines a psalm?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/138.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(1) <span class= "bld">Before the gods.--</span>Undoubtedly, as in <a href="/psalms/82-1.htm" title="God stands in the congregation of the mighty; he judges among the gods.">Psalm 82:1</a> : "before the great" or "mighty." (Comp. <a href="/psalms/119-46.htm" title="I will speak of your testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.">Psalm 119:46</a>, "before kings.")<p><span class= "bld">Sing praise.--</span>Rather, <span class= "ital">play.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/138.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I will praise thee with my whole heart</span> (comp. <a href="/psalms/9-1.htm">Psalm 9:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/111-1.htm">Psalm 111:1</a>). <span class="cmt_word">Before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.</span> Some suppose the expression, "before the gods," to mean "before the great ones of the earth," and quote <a href="/psalms/119-46.htm">Psalm 119:46</a> as parallel. Others think that the imaginary vain gods of the heathen are intended. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/138-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Of David.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְדָוִ֨ד ׀</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḏā·wiḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1732.htm">Strong's 1732: </a> </span><span class="str2">David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will give You thanks</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹדְךָ֥</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·wḏ·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3034.htm">Strong's 3034: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with all</span><br /><span class="heb">בְכָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ḵāl-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my heart;</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבִּ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(lib·bî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">נֶ֖גֶד</span> <span class="translit">(ne·ḡeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> </span><span class="str2">A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the heavenly beings</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will sing Your praises.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲזַמְּרֶֽךָּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·zam·mə·re·kā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2167.htm">Strong's 2167: </a> </span><span class="str2">Play, to make music, celebrate in song and music</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/138-1.htm">Psalm 138:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/138-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 138:1 By David (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/137-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 137:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 137:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/138-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 138:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 138:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>