“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1, ESV
Repetition is when a single word or phrase is used multiple times in short succession for effect. It can help emphasize a point. This Psalm certainly does that.
Since this post is pretty much about repetition, I’m going to share some different versions that different translators have interpreted the last phrase of all 26 verses. Keep in mind the last phrase is used is repeating itself word for word in each translation.
Now here are seven different English translations of the end of every verse.
AMP: …for His lovingkindness (graciousness, mercy, compassion) endures forever.
NASB: …for His faithfulness is everlasting.
KJV: …for his mercy endureth for ever.
NCV: …His love continues forever.
CJB: …for his grace continues forever.
MSG: …His love never quits.
NET: …for his loyal love endures.
The word, translated in these different ways, is “hesed” in Hebrew. It means a forever love, loyalty, faithfulness or kindness. It is something everlasting or eternal that’s based all on covenant. Yes, every translation is different, but the same.
I suppose this repeated phrase (26 times) may seem a bit redundant. I for one am prone to skip Psalms 136 because of that, I mean it seems boring. Just repeating this over and over I start to wonder if there’s something better to read.
But we dare not make this mistake.
If we respectfully dismantle this phrase we find it deals with seeing God as eternally steadfast. We are called to state out loud His love for us that never wavers or ends. A “steady” forever love that will not change, flicker, or diminish. It just goes on and on and on.
The phrase then moves even deeper than that. “Endures forever,” shapes the whole thought. You might say that these two words extend or amplify the complete verse and strengthen the entire Psalm.
O.K. Here’s another bone to chew on.
First, I need to point out that the first part of each verse states the unique circumstance that declares what exactly has been done. For instance notice the wonder and power of each verse. This is verse 15, for example,
“He overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, (the unique phrase)
for his steadfast love endures forever.” (the repeated phrase)
The first part describes a miracle of deliverance from Egypt. The second is that same repeated phrase we find in all 26 verses. First the unique phrase, and but then comes the repeated one. But let’s add even more flavor. We must teach ourselves to remember. You must consider each event He has led you through to be a testimony to others.
You then must tell your children about your own personal experiences with God.
We forget these miracles unless we consciously recall what God has done. Miracles, healings, provisions, and His amazing grace. Never disremember these things. Bring them to mind, over and over again. You should never forget those “God-things.” They’re uniquely yours. He has done distinctive and tremendous things for you alone.
I guess the main point of this post is to emphasize to you to value those unique miracles that you’ve experienced in your own life.
In life it seems we remember what is important to us. What He has done for you is your own unique testimony. It’s yours, and yours alone. What you’ve experienced is completely your own testimony.
When we enter a forever kind of an endless eternity that each of us will have amazing stories to tell each other about God’s special touch, His miracles and all of the grace and forgiveness that He uniquely loved us with. We all will have our own unique and singular stories. What we share will be our evidence of His love.
That’s pretty amazing when you think about it.
But please remember.
“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony,”
Rev. 12:11, ESV
Alaska Bible Teacher 