Psalm 118:3
New International Version
Let the house of Aaron say: “His love endures forever.”

New Living Translation
Let Aaron’s descendants, the priests, repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”

English Standard Version
Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”

Berean Standard Bible
Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”

King James Bible
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

New King James Version
Let the house of Aaron now say, “His mercy endures forever.”

New American Standard Bible
Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His mercy is everlasting.”

NASB 1995
Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

NASB 1977
Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness endures forever.”

Amplified Bible
Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness endures forever.”

Christian Standard Bible
Let the house of Aaron say, “His faithful love endures forever.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Let the house of Aaron say,” His faithful love endures forever.”

American Standard Version
Let the house of Aaron now say, That his lovingkindness endureth for ever.

Contemporary English Version
Let the family of Aaron the priest shout, "God is always merciful!"

English Revised Version
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The descendants of Aaron should say, "His mercy endures forever."

Good News Translation
Let the priests of God say, "His love is eternal."

International Standard Version
Let the house of Aaron now say, "His gracious love is eternal."

NET Bible
Let the family of Aaron say, "Yes, his loyal love endures!"

New Heart English Bible
Let the house of Aaron now say that his loving kindness endures forever.

Webster's Bible Translation
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”

World English Bible
Let the house of Aaron now say that his loving kindness endures forever.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Now let the house of Aaron say, "" His kindness [is] for all time.

Young's Literal Translation
I pray you, let the house of Aaron say, That, to the age is His kindness.

Smith's Literal Translation
The house of Aaron shall now say that his mercy is forever.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Let the house of Aaron now say: For his mercy is forever.

New American Bible
Let the house of Aaron say, his mercy endures forever.

New Revised Standard Version
Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Let the house of Aaron now say that his mercy endures for ever.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Let the House of Aaron say, "His mercies are to eternity!"
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So let the house of Aaron now say, For His mercy endureth for ever.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Let now the house of Aaron say, that he is good: for his mercy endures for ever.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Give Thanks to the LORD, for He is Good
2Let Israel say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” 3Let the house of Aaron say, “His loving devotion endures forever.” 4Let those who fear the LORD say, “His loving devotion endures forever.”…

Cross References
Psalm 115:9-11
O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. / O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield. / You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and shield.

Psalm 135:19-20
O house of Israel, bless the LORD; O house of Aaron, bless the LORD; / O house of Levi, bless the LORD; you who fear the LORD, bless the LORD!

Isaiah 41:8-10
“But you, O Israel, My servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham My friend— / I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said, ‘You are My servant.’ I have chosen and not rejected you. / Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43:1-2
But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine! / When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 44:1-2
But now listen, O Jacob My servant, Israel, whom I have chosen. / This is the word of the LORD, your Maker, who formed you from the womb and who will help you: “Do not be afraid, O Jacob My servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

Isaiah 51:12-13
“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? / But you have forgotten the LORD, your Maker, who stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth. You live in terror all day long because of the fury of the oppressor who is bent on destruction. But where is the fury of the oppressor?

Jeremiah 30:10-11
As for you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, and do not be dismayed, O Israel. For I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return to quiet and ease, with no one to make him afraid. / For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”

Jeremiah 46:27-28
But you, O Jacob My servant, do not be afraid, and do not be dismayed, O Israel. For I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their captivity! Jacob will return to quiet and ease, with no one to make him afraid. / And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, for I am with you. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have banished you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”

Zechariah 8:13
As you have been a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid; let your hands be strong.”

Exodus 14:13-14
But Moses told the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. / The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or terrified of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

2 Chronicles 20:20
Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.”

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:37-39
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. / For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, / neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!


Treasury of Scripture

Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endures for ever.

Psalm 134:1-3
A Song of degrees. Behold, bless ye the LORD, all ye servants of the LORD, which by night stand in the house of the LORD…

1 Peter 2:5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Revelation 1:6
And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

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Aaron Age Endures Endureth Everlasting Forever House Kindness Loving Loving-Kindness Mercy Steadfast Unchanging
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Aaron Age Endures Endureth Everlasting Forever House Kindness Loving Loving-Kindness Mercy Steadfast Unchanging
Psalm 118
1. An exhortation to praise God for his mercy
5. The psalmist by his experience shows how good it is to trust in God
19. Under the type of the psalmist the coming of Christ in his kingdom is expressed














Let the house of Aaron say
The "house of Aaron" refers to the priestly lineage established by God through Aaron, the brother of Moses. This phrase emphasizes the role of the priests in leading worship and declaring God's truths. The priests were responsible for maintaining the spiritual health of Israel and were often seen as mediators between God and the people. In the context of Psalm 118, the call for the house of Aaron to proclaim God's enduring love highlights their duty to lead in acknowledging God's faithfulness. Historically, the priests served in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, central places of worship in Israel. This call to the house of Aaron underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in affirming God's eternal attributes.

“His loving devotion endures forever.”
This declaration of God's "loving devotion" or "steadfast love" is a central theme throughout the Psalms and the Old Testament. The Hebrew word "chesed" is often translated as lovingkindness, mercy, or steadfast love, and it signifies God's covenantal faithfulness to His people. This phrase is a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises. The repetition of this phrase in Psalm 118 and other psalms serves as a liturgical refrain, encouraging the community to remember and celebrate God's eternal love. This enduring devotion is ultimately fulfilled in the New Testament through Jesus Christ, who embodies God's love and faithfulness. The phrase connects to other scriptures such as Lamentations 3:22-23, which speaks of God's mercies being new every morning, and it is a prophetic assurance of God's unending grace and mercy towards His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. House of Aaron
Refers to the descendants of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was the first high priest of Israel. The house of Aaron held a special role in leading the people in worship and sacrifices to God.

2. Psalm 118
A part of the Hallel, a collection of psalms (113-118) traditionally sung during Jewish festivals such as Passover. It is a psalm of thanksgiving and praise to God for His enduring love and deliverance.

3. Loving Devotion (Hebrew: "chesed")
A key theme in this psalm, "chesed" is often translated as lovingkindness, mercy, or steadfast love. It signifies God's covenantal faithfulness and enduring love for His people.
Teaching Points
The Role of Spiritual Leadership
The house of Aaron represents spiritual leaders who are called to remind the people of God's enduring love. Today, pastors and church leaders have a similar role in guiding and encouraging the congregation.

God's Covenant Faithfulness
God's "chesed" is a reminder of His unchanging nature and faithfulness to His promises. Believers can trust in His steadfast love regardless of circumstances.

Corporate Worship and Declaration
The call for the house of Aaron to declare God's loving devotion highlights the importance of corporate worship and the power of collective affirmation of God's attributes.

Endurance of God's Love
God's love is not temporary or conditional; it endures forever. This assurance provides comfort and hope, especially in times of trial and uncertainty.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Psalm 118:3?

2. How can we encourage others to trust in the Lord's enduring love today?

3. What does "endures forever" in Psalm 118:3 reveal about God's nature?

4. How does Psalm 118:3 connect with God's covenant promises in the Old Testament?

5. In what ways can we proclaim God's enduring love in our daily lives?

6. How does understanding God's eternal love impact our faith and trust in Him?

7. What does Psalm 118:3 reveal about the role of the house of Aaron in worship?

8. How does Psalm 118:3 emphasize the importance of communal praise in faith?

9. Why is the house of Aaron specifically mentioned in Psalm 118:3?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 118?

11. How do Morning and Evening Prayers differ?

12. Will zeal for your house consume me?

13. What is the meaning of Psalm 27:4?

14. Psalm 132:2-5: Is there reliable historical record that David made such a solemn vow, or might this be a later tradition retrofitted into his story?
What Does Psalm 118:3 Mean
Let the house of Aaron say

- The “house of Aaron” points directly to Israel’s priests, descendants of Moses’ brother Aaron (Exodus 28:1; 1 Chronicles 23:13).

- In Psalm 118 the psalmist first calls “all Israel” (v. 2) to praise, then narrows the focus to priests (v. 3), and finally addresses “those who fear the LORD” (v. 4). This cascading invitation illustrates that worship begins with spiritual leaders and then flows outward.

- Priests bore unique responsibility to guard the sanctuary, teach the law, and intercede for the people (Leviticus 10:11; Deuteronomy 33:10). Their voices, lifted first, model wholehearted trust in God for the rest of the nation.

- By insisting that priests themselves join the chorus, the psalmist underscores that no one is exempt from praise—not even those who serve daily at the altar (Psalm 134:1–2). Their declaration validates the message they proclaimed to others (Malachi 2:7).


His loving devotion endures forever

- The refrain “His loving devotion endures forever” (v. 1, 2, 3, 4) anchors the entire psalm, repeating the truth proclaimed at the dedication of Solomon’s temple (2 Chronicles 5:13) and in battle preparations under Jehoshaphat (2 Chronicles 20:21).

- “Loving devotion” speaks of God’s steadfast covenant love that never wavers (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 136). Because His character is unchanging (James 1:17; Hebrews 13:8), His mercy is not momentary but constant.

- For priests who daily offered sacrifices, this enduring mercy was more than theory: every burnt offering, sin offering, or grain offering pointed to the greater, never–ending grace later fulfilled in Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 7:26-27; 1 Peter 2:24).

- The verse reassures all who minister—and all who follow—that God’s covenant loyalty outlasts every failure, crisis, or season. Lamentations 3:22-23 echoes the same confidence: “Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed… they are new every morning.”


summary

Psalm 118:3 calls the priests—the “house of Aaron”—to declare publicly, “His loving devotion endures forever.” By enlisting those charged with teaching and intercession to voice this truth first, the psalmist reminds every generation that worship starts with spiritual leaders and spreads outward. Their declaration affirms that God’s steadfast, covenant love remains unbroken and unending, providing a sure foundation for all who trust Him.

Verse 3. - Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth forever. Let the priests endorse what the people generally have declared, that God's mercy is ever lasting.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Let the house
בֵֽית־ (ḇêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

of Aaron
אַהֲרֹ֑ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

say,
יֹֽאמְרוּ־ (yō·mə·rū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“His loving devotion
חַסְדּֽוֹ׃ (ḥas·dōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

endures forever.”
לְעוֹלָ֣ם (lə·‘ō·w·lām)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5769: Concealed, eternity, frequentatively, always


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OT Poetry: Psalm 118:3 Let the house of Aaron now say (Psalm Ps Psa.)
Psalm 118:2
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