Log inSign up

Psalm 100 · a question people ask

Was "A Psalm of thanksgiving" (100:1) written for a thank offering?

In the text

The title doesn't say. Its word todah (tap thanksgiving) is given by Brown-Driver-Briggs as "thanksgiving", and also as "thank-offering". The law uses it for an offering: "If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mixed with oil" (Leviticus 7:12). Other psalms speak of "the sacrifice of thanksgiving" (Psalm 50:14) and "the sacrifices of thanksgiving" (Psalm 107:22). But Psalm 100 names no sacrifice, altar or offering. Its thanksgiving goes with entering: "Enter into his gates with thanksgiving" (100:4), and with words: "Give thanks to him, and bless his name" (100:4). These notes don't say which the title means.

The verses

“A Psalm of thanksgiving. Shout for joy to the LORD, all you lands!”
Psalm 100:1 · World English Bible
“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.”
Psalm 100:4 · World English Bible
“If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mixed with oil.”
Leviticus 7:12 · World English Bible
“Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.”
Psalm 50:14 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Psalm 100

Psalm 100: Enter into his gates with thanksgiving

Psalm 100 is the only psalm whose title has todah, "thanksgiving" (100:1). Its seven calls go out to "all you lands" (100:1), and twice a line about the LORD opens with the same small Hebrew word, ki: "Know that the LORD, he is God" (100:3), and "For the LORD is good" (100:5).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekPsalm 100 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Psalm 100

All questions about Psalms →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions