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Psalm 116:12
What will I give to the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
10I believed, therefore I said, “I was greatly afflicted.”
11I said in my haste, “All people are liars.”
12What will I give to the LORD for all his benefits toward me?
13I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the LORD’s name.
14I will pay my vows to the LORD, yes, in the presence of all his people.
Notice
The question turns attention from YHWH’s gifts to the response they deserve, asking what gratitude might become when it moves beyond recognition.
Questions to write on. Each one opens a new entry with this verse already attached.
Which of YHWH’s benefits comes to mind as you consider what to give?
Write on thisWhat response of thanks could take shape in your life this week?
Write on thisHow does the mention of affliction just before this question affect your reading of it?
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Where else Scripture says this
12 passages readers most often link with this verse, and the thread each one shares with it.
This verse's connections, by chapterThe Bible's strongest chapter linksHover or tap a book to trace it
Romans 12:1Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.Both connect God’s goodness with a response: the psalm asks what to give, and Romans urges offering the body in service.
Psalm 103:2Praise the LORD, my soul, and don’t forget all his benefits,Both name the LORD’s benefits: Psalm 103 urges remembering them, while Psalm 116 asks what to give in response.
1 Corinthians 6:20for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.Both turn from what God has done toward a human response, with Corinthians naming glorifying God as the response to being bought.
2 Corinthians 5:14–15For the love of Christ compels us; because we judge thus: that one died for all, therefore all died.Psalm 116 asks how to respond to divine benefits; Paul describes Christ’s love and death as the reason that compels a response.
2 Chronicles 32:25But Hezekiah didn’t reciprocate appropriate to the benefit done for him, because his heart was lifted up. Therefore there was wrath on him, Judah, and …Both concern a response to benefits received; Hezekiah’s failure to reciprocate contrasts with the psalmist’s desire to give to the LORD.
Psalm 51:12–14Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit.Salvation appears in both settings: Psalm 51 asks for its joy to be restored, while Psalm 116 names its cup after acknowledging benefits.
Isaiah 6:5–8Then I said, “Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips, for my eyes have seen the King, the …The link is broad: both speakers recognize the LORD, though Isaiah confesses uncleanness and the psalmist considers received benefits.
Psalm 66:17I cried to him with my mouth. He was extolled with my tongue.Psalm 116 asks what to give the LORD; Psalm 66 describes praise spoken to the God who receives the speaker’s cry.
Psalm 107:22Let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his deeds with singing.Both connect God’s deeds with a response of giving, with Psalm 107 naming sacrifices of thanksgiving and declaring his deeds.
Numbers 31:50We have brought the LORD’s offering, what every man found: gold ornaments, armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make atonement for our …Both speak of giving to the LORD; Numbers names an offering for atonement, while the psalm asks about responding to benefits.
Deuteronomy 32:6Is this the way you repay the LORD, foolish and unwise people? Isn’t he your father who has bought you? He has made you and established you.Both ask about repaying the LORD in light of his goodness; Deuteronomy names his making and establishing his people.
Mark 1:31He came and took her by the hand and raised her up. The fever left her immediately, and she served them.The psalm asks what to give after receiving God’s benefits; in Mark, the woman serves after Jesus heals her.
Where this verse fits
Gratitude. answered prayer. praise and worship.
One step
Something small to carry out of this verse
Encouragement
Gratitude here comes from someone who has spoken of great affliction. Your thanks need not erase what has hurt. YHWH’s goodness deserves remembrance even when the story includes sorrow.
Now put it in your words.
Start an entry on Psalm 116:12. Write what it stirs. Psalmlog sets your words beside Scripture and gives you one next step. Your first entry is free, no account needed.
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Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY). Scripture from the World English Bible (public domain). Arc diagram after Chris Harrison and Christoph Römhild (2007).