How can I repay the LORD
This phrase reflects a rhetorical question, emphasizing the psalmist's awareness of the impossibility of repaying God for His blessings. It echoes the sentiment found in other scriptures, such as Micah 6:6-8, where the prophet questions what offerings could suffice for God's favor. The psalmist's question is not about literal repayment but about expressing gratitude and devotion. This reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of covenant relationships, where loyalty and gratitude were expected responses to a benefactor's generosity.

for all His goodness to me?
The "goodness" mentioned here refers to the manifold blessings and deliverance the psalmist has experienced, possibly from illness or danger, as suggested by the context of the entire psalm. This goodness is a testament to God's covenant faithfulness, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms. The phrase invites reflection on God's character, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, where God is described as compassionate and gracious. The psalmist's acknowledgment of God's goodness is a call to worship and a reminder of the believer's dependence on divine grace, which is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies God's goodness and offers salvation to humanity.

1. The Psalmist
The author of Psalm 116, traditionally believed to be King David, though the specific identity is not definitively known. The psalmist expresses gratitude and seeks to respond to God's goodness.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.

3. The Event of Deliverance
The psalmist reflects on a personal experience of deliverance from distress, which prompts the question of how to repay God's goodness.Gratitude as a Response to Grace
Recognize that our response to God's goodness should be rooted in gratitude. Reflect on the many ways God has shown His goodness in your life and cultivate a heart of thankfulness.

Living a Life of Worship
Understand that repaying God is not about earning His favor but living a life that honors Him. Worship is a lifestyle, not just an activity, and involves offering ourselves wholly to God.

Service as an Expression of Gratitude
Consider how acts of service to others can be a way to express gratitude to God. Serving others in love is a tangible way to reflect God's goodness.

Stewardship of God's Blessings
Be mindful of how you use the blessings God has given you. Stewardship involves using your time, talents, and resources in ways that glorify God and further His kingdom.

Prayer and Praise as Daily Practices
Incorporate regular prayer and praise into your daily routine as a means of acknowledging God's goodness and maintaining a close relationship with Him.1. What is the meaning of Psalm 116:12?

2. How can we "repay the LORD" for His goodness in our daily lives?

3. What does Psalm 116:12 teach about gratitude towards God's blessings?

4. How does Psalm 116:12 connect with the concept of thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 5:18?

5. In what ways can we practically "repay" God through service and worship?

6. How does recognizing God's goodness in Psalm 116:12 strengthen our faith journey?

7. How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me, as stated in Psalm 116:12?

8. What historical context influenced the writing of Psalm 116:12?

9. How does Psalm 116:12 reflect the theme of gratitude in the Bible?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 116?

11. What is their reward?

12. What does the Bible say about revenge and vengeance?

13. (2 Samuel 16:10-12) Does David's acceptance of Shimei's cursing contradict other texts where blasphemy or cursing of God's anointed is forbidden?

14. What is the Bible's stance on terrorism?How can I repay

The psalmist opens with a question that admits his limitations; no gift could ever equal what God has done. Yet the very asking shows a heart eager to respond.

• Scripture never suggests we earn God’s favor, but it does call us to grateful surrender: “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices…” (Romans 12:1).

• Micah wrestles with the same issue—burnt offerings or rivers of oil will not do; what God wants is “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly” (Micah 6:6-8).

• Our repayment is relational, not transactional. Like the healed leper who returned to thank Jesus (Luke 17:11-19), worship flows from astonishment at grace.

Practical ways the psalm itself later lists (Psalm 116:13-19) help answer the question:

– Lifting “the cup of salvation” (public praise)

– Calling on the Lord’s name (ongoing dependence)

– Fulfilling vows (obedient living)

– Offering “a sacrifice of thanksgiving” (verbal gratitude)

---

the LORD

The focus quickly shifts from our effort to the Person we owe: “the LORD,” the covenant-keeping God.

• He is the same One who proclaimed His compassionate, gracious character to Moses (Exodus 34:6-7).

• His unchanging nature guarantees every promise (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).

Because of who He is, repayment can never be a cold obligation; it becomes a response of love to the Father who first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Attributes that stir worship:

– Creator and Shepherd (Psalm 100:3)

– Righteous Judge yet merciful Redeemer (Psalm 103:8-12)

– Faithful in every generation (Psalm 119:90)

---

for all His goodness

The psalmist’s gratitude is comprehensive—“all” covers physical, emotional, and spiritual rescue. Just a few verses earlier he celebrated, “You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling” (Psalm 116:8).

• God’s goodness is abundant: “Bless the LORD… and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2-5).

• It is constant: “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).

• It is saving: “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:3-4) and gave “His one and only Son” (John 3:16).

A brief inventory can help us see what the psalmist saw:

– Life preserved

– Prayers answered

– Sins forgiven

– Hope secured

– Daily needs met

---

to me?

God’s blessings are not abstract; they land personally. The psalmist marvels that the Almighty’s goodness has reached “me.”

• David echoes the same personal note: “I love You, O LORD, my strength” (Psalm 18:1).

• Paul takes it farther—Christ “loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Personalizing grace moves us to action:

– Ownership: “You are not your own… you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

– Thanksgiving: “Give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

– Public witness: “I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people” (Psalm 116:14).

---

summary

Psalm 116:12 turns gratitude into a quest: since God has poured out immeasurable goodness, how can I possibly answer back? Scripture’s consistent reply is that repayment is never payback; it is wholehearted worship, obedient living, joyful testimony, and ongoing dependence on the character of the LORD who is forever good to me.

Verses 12-19. - The psalm closes with a thanksgiving for the deliverance vouchsafed. What return can the psalmist make? First, he will accept the blessing joyfully; next, he will ever continue to call upon God (ver. 13; comp. vers. 4, 17); thirdly, he will pay his vows openly in the temple, in the presence of the whole congregation (vers. 14, 18); fourthly, he will offer continually the sacrifice of thanksgiving (ver. 17) for the benefits vouchsafed him. The enumeration of his pious intentions is itself a song of praise to the Almighty. Verse 12. - What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? Natural piety suggests a return for favors received. What shall this be? the psalmist asks, and then proceeds to give the answer.

Parallel Commentaries ...


How
מָֽה־ (māh-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

can I repay
אָשִׁ֥יב (’ā·šîḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

the LORD
לַיהוָ֑ה (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

for all
כָּֽל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

His goodness
תַּגְמוּל֥וֹהִי (taḡ·mū·lō·w·hî)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8408: A bestowment

to me?
עָלָֽי׃ (‘ā·lāy)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


Psalm 116:12 NIV
Psalm 116:12 NLT
Psalm 116:12 ESV
Psalm 116:12 NASB
Psalm 116:12 KJV

Psalm 116:12 BibleApps.com
Psalm 116:12 Biblia Paralela
Psalm 116:12 Chinese Bible
Psalm 116:12 French Bible
Psalm 116:12 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Psalm 116:12 What will I give to Yahweh (Psalm Ps Psa.)