Short answer: Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible and the shortest psalm. Despite its brevity, it contains a universal call to praise. All nations and all peoples are called to praise the Lord because his steadfast love is great toward us and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. This short psalm anticipates the New Testament mission to the Gentiles and the worship of every tribe and tongue.
The setting of the psalm
Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the Bible and the shortest psalm, consisting of only two verses. Despite its brevity, it contains a universal call to praise that encompasses all nations and all peoples. 'Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!' The call is breathtaking in its scope.
The reason for this universal praise is given in the second verse: 'For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.' Two attributes of God are the foundation of all praise — his steadfast love (chesed) and his faithfulness (emunah). These covenant qualities are the basis for worship.
The psalm ends with the single word 'Praise the Lord!' — Hallelujah. This short doxology sums up the proper response of all creation to the revelation of God's character. The brevity of the psalm makes its message memorable and accessible.
This short psalm is a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. The call for all nations to praise the Lord anticipates the Great Commission and the inclusion of the Gentiles in the people of God. The Apostle Paul quotes this psalm in Romans 15:11 to demonstrate that the Messiah came to confirm the promises to the patriarchs and to bring the Gentiles to glorify God.
For Christians, this psalm captures the heart of the gospel. God's steadfast love and faithfulness, which endure forever, are most fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The call for all nations to praise is the mission of the church. This shortest of psalms contains the widest vision — all peoples, all nations, praising the God whose love never fails.
Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
Psalm 117:1-2 (World English Bible)
Key words and their meaning
The Hebrew word for 'praise' (halal) in verse 1 is addressed to all nations. This is the most universal call to praise in the Psalter. The imperative is directed to every people group on earth.
The word 'steadfast love' (chesed) in verse 2 describes God's covenant loyalty. It is great toward us — overwhelming and abundant. The greatness of God's love is the reason for universal praise.
The word 'faithfulness' (emet) in verse 2 means truth, reliability, and faithfulness. God's faithfulness endures forever. The combination of chesed and emet is the foundation of God's covenant relationship with his people.
Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
Psalm 117:1-2 (World English Bible)
What the psalm claims
First, God's praise is for all nations. The shortest psalm contains the widest vision — all peoples are called to praise the Lord.
Second, God's steadfast love and faithfulness are the foundation of all praise. These two attributes — love that is loyal and truth that endures — are the reasons for worship.
Third, the universality of praise anticipates the gospel. The call for all nations to praise points to the Great Commission and the worship of every tribe and tongue.
Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
Psalm 117:1-2 (World English Bible)
Where readers disagree
The relationship between this psalm and the Apostle Paul's use in Romans 15:11 has been discussed. Paul quotes this psalm to demonstrate that the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's people was always part of God's plan.
The relationship between this psalm and the Hallel psalms has been discussed. As the shortest of the Hallel psalms, it serves as a concluding doxology or a bridge between psalms.
The theological significance of the psalm's brevity has been discussed. That the shortest chapter in the Bible contains the widest vision of God's purposes has been seen as a profound theological statement.
Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
Psalm 117:1-2 (World English Bible)
How this psalm connects to the gospel
The themes of Psalm 117 find their ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament frequently draws on the Psalms to explain who Jesus is and what he accomplished. The psalm's language of deliverance, kingship, and steadfast love all point toward the gospel.
In Jesus, believers see the perfect fulfillment of everything this psalm celebrates. The deliverance the psalmist experienced was a foreshadowing of the greater deliverance Christ would accomplish. The kingship celebrated in the psalm points to Christ's eternal reign. The steadfast love described in the psalm is fully revealed in Jesus's sacrificial death and resurrection.
For Christians, reading this psalm is an opportunity to see God's faithfulness across the entire biblical story. The same God who heard the psalmist's cry also hears the prayers of his people today. The same deliverance finds its ultimate expression in the salvation Christ offers. The psalm invites believers to trust in this faithful God and to make his praise known to all generations.
The New Testament writers understood the Psalms as a prophetic witness to Christ. Jesus himself told his disciples that everything written about him in the Psalms must be fulfilled (Luke 24:44). When the apostles preached about Jesus, they regularly quoted the Psalms to demonstrate that his suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation were all part of God's redemptive plan.
Psalm 117 participates in this prophetic witness. Whether through its language of kingship, its descriptions of suffering and deliverance, or its celebration of God's steadfast love, this psalm contributes to the biblical portrait of the Messiah. Reading it in light of Christ does not diminish its original meaning but reveals its deepest significance.
Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples! For his loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
Psalm 117:1-2 (World English Bible)
Biblical fidelity check
Psalm 117 is theologically sound and consistent with the broader biblical witness. Its themes of God's steadfast love, faithfulness, and righteousness are central to biblical theology. The psalm contributes to the Psalter's comprehensive portrait of God's relationship with his people. While each psalm reflects its original historical context, its truths are enduring and applicable to believers today. The New Testament affirms and deepens the themes found in this psalm, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main message of Psalm 117?
The main message of Psalm 117 is praise the lord, all nations. The psalm teaches that God is worthy of trust and praise. It calls believers to respond to God's character with faith, obedience, and worship.
How does Psalm 117 point to Christ?
Psalm 117, like all Scripture, ultimately points to Jesus Christ. The themes of God's deliverance, steadfast love, and kingship find their fullest expression in Christ. The New Testament frequently quotes the Psalms to explain Christ's person and work. As Jesus himself said, the Scriptures bear witness to him (John 5:39).
How does Psalm 117 apply to Christians today?
Psalm 117 applies to believers today by providing language for prayer, praise, and lament. It teaches about God's character and how believers should respond to him. The psalm's truths are timeless, addressing the universal human experiences of joy, suffering, hope, and trust.
Deepen your Bible study
Get weekly Bible studies, sermon notes, and devotionals delivered to your inbox. Subscribe to our newsletter for free resources to help you grow in your knowledge of Scripture.
Support our ministry
If this study has helped you understand God's Word better, please consider making a donation to support Sermon Academy. Your generosity helps us continue providing free, high-quality Bible study resources.
