What does the Bible say about thanksgiving?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that thanksgiving is the fitting response of God’s redeemed people, flowing from trust in his goodness, mercy, and sovereign care. Believers are called to give thanks in every circumstance, not because every event is good, but because God’s will in Christ is good and he remains faithful (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The Psalms summon God’s people to enter his presence with grateful praise, remembering that he is good and his steadfast love endures forever (Psalms 107:1; Psalms 100:1-5). In Christ, thankful hearts replace anxiety with prayer and praise (Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:15). Thanksgiving is also spiritual worship, offered through Jesus as the fruit of lips that confess God’s name (Hebrews 13:15).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

1 Thessalonians 5:18
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
Psalms 107:1
Give thanks to Yahweh, For he is good, For his loving kindness endures forever.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.
Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;
Psalms 50:14
Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.
Psalms 100:4
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, Into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name.
Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
Psalms 7:17
I will give thanks to Yahweh according to his righteousness, And will sing praise to the name of Yahweh Most High.
Psalms 100:1-5
[1] > Shout for joy to Yahweh, all you lands! [2] Serve Yahweh with gladness. Come before his presence with singing. [3] Know that Yahweh, he is God. It is he who has made us, and we are his. We are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. [4] Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, Into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, and bless his name. [5] For Yahweh is good. His loving kindness endures forever, His faithfulness to all generations.
Hebrews 13:15
Through him, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.

Study outline

Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.

Nave's Topical Bible

See PRAISE
See THANKFULNESS

Torrey's New Topical Textbook

Christ set an example of Matthew 11:25; Matthew 26:27; John 6:11; John 11:41
The heavenly host engaged in Revelation 4:9; Revelation 7:11; Revelation 7:12; Revelation 11:16; Revelation 11:17
Commanded Psalms 50:14; Philippians 4:6
Is a good thing Psalms 92:1
Should be offered
To God Psalms 50:14
To Christ 1 Timothy 1:12
Through Christ Romans 1:8; Colossians 3:17; Hebrews 13:15
In the name of Christ Ephesians 5:20
In behalf of ministers 2 Corinthians 1:11
In private worship Daniel 6:10
In public worship Psalms 35:18
In everything 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Upon the completion of great undertakings Nehemiah 12:31; Nehemiah 12:40
Before taking food John 6:11; Acts 27:35
Always Ephesians 1:16; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:2
At the remembrance of God’s holiness Psalms 30:4; Psalms 97:12
For the goodness and mercy of God Psalms 106:1; Psalms 107:1; Psalms 136:1-3
For the gift of Christ 2 Corinthians 9:15
For Christ’s power and reign Revelation 11:17
For the reception and effectual working of the word of God in others 1 Thessalonians 2:13
For deliverance through Christ from in-dwelling sin Romans 7:23-25
For victory over death and the grave 1 Corinthians 15:57
For wisdom and might Daniel 2:23
For the triumph of the gospel 2 Corinthians 2:14
For the conversion of others Romans 6:17
For faith exhibited by others Romans 1:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:3
For love exhibited by others 2 Thessalonians 1:3
For the grace bestowed on others 1 Corinthians 1:4; Philippians 1:3-5; Colossians 1:3-6
For the zeal exhibited by others 2 Corinthians 8:16
For the nearness of God’s presence Psalms 75:1
For appointment to the ministry 1 Timothy 1:12
For willingness to offer our property for God’s service 1 Chronicles 29:6-14
For the supply of our bodily wants Romans 14:6; Romans 14:7; 1 Timothy 4:3; 1 Timothy 4:4
For all men 1 Timothy 2:1
For all things 2 Corinthians 9:11; Ephesians 5:20
Should be accompanied by intercession for others 1 Timothy 2:1; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 1:4
Should always accompany prayer Nehemiah 11:17; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 4:2
Should always accompany praise Psalms 92:1; Hebrews 13:15
Expressed in psalms 1 Chronicles 16:7

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