Psalm 117 — A Call to All Nations to Praise
Psalm 117 is a brief but powerful hymn calling all nations and peoples to praise the Lord for His great mercy and enduring faithfulness.
1Praise the LORD,*LORD or GOD in all caps is from the Hebrew יהוה Yahweh except when otherwise noted as being from the short form יה Yah. all you nations!
2For his loving kindness is great toward us.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Psalm 117:1
“Praise the LORD, all you nations!”
This verse emphasizes that the call to worship God is intended for every nation on earth, not just a single group.
Psalm 117:2
“For his loving kindness is great toward us.”
It identifies God's mercy and steadfast love as the primary foundation for humanity's praise.
Chapter Summary
Psalm 117 holds the distinction of being the shortest chapter in the Bible, consisting of only two verses. Despite its brevity, it carries a global message, inviting all nations and all peoples to join in the praise of the Lord. The psalmist provides the primary reason for this universal worship: the greatness of God's loving kindness toward His people. This chapter serves as a succinct reminder of the scope of God’s grace, reaching beyond a single nation to encompass the entire world. It concludes the invitation to praise by focusing on the character and mercy of the Lord.
Frequently Asked Questions
Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the entire Bible, containing only two verses. It is a concise hymn of praise that focuses on God's love for all people.
The psalmist calls upon all nations and all peoples to praise the Lord. This indicates that the message of God's goodness is universal and meant for the entire world.
The text states that praise is due because the Lord's 'loving kindness' is great toward us. It focuses on the character of God as the motivation for worship.
Study Note
Psalm 117 is the shortest of the 'Hallel' psalms (113–118), which were traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals such as Passover.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.