The Bible has a lot to say about being thankful. There are many verses with the words thankful, thanks, and even thanksgiving! In addition to those verses, there are even more (lots more) with related concepts, like praising God or rejoicing.
In this post, I’ve put together a list of sixteen of my top picks for thanksgiving Bible verses. That is, Bible verses about giving thanks. The Bible doesn’t know anything about the modern holiday.😉
So, first of all, I’m going to give you the Bible verses, then I’m going to give you some suggestions for how to use them. By the way, I grabbed these from the KJV. If you use a different translation, of course the wording is going to be a little bit different. Tip: look them up in any translation (well, almost any) at Bible Gateway.
Instruction to Be Thankful (Part 1)
These are specifically of an instructional nature, in the form of commands or counsel.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 4:6-7
Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. ~ Psalm 100:4
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. ~ Colossians 3:15
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; ~ Ephesians 5:19-21
Instruction to Be Thankful (Part 2)
These are more like calls to worship, and their very expression is a part of praise and thanksgiving.
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. ~ Psalm 107:1
Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Psalm 105:2
O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Psalm 105:1
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8
Examples of Thanksgiving (Part 1)
These are actual expressions of thanks or praise, in one form or another.
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. ~ Psalm 69:30
Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: ~ Psalm 103: 1-2
I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:8
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 7:12
Examples of Thanksgiving (Part 2)
These are instructions to the ancients Israelites about how to celebrate certain feasts. I thought they were good examples of gatherings to celebrate God’s goodness and rejoice in His blessings. Sounds like what Thanksgiving ought be!
And there ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee. Deuteronomy 12:7
And thou shalt rejoice in thy feast, thou, and thy son, and thy daughter, and thy manservant, and thy maidservant, and the Levite, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, that are within thy gates. Deuteronomy 16:14
How to Use Thanksgiving Bible Verses
#1. Use them.
I mean, use them like there were meant to be used. Read them. Study them. Apply them. That’s the best and most important way to “use” Bible verses, in the history of ever!
If it’s instruction, follow it. If it’s a command, obey. If it’s an example, use it as a guide.
What can you learn from it about being thankful? About expressing thanks to God? About praising God?
#2. Use them as material for prayer.
#3. Decorate your home with them.
#4. Choose some to read during Thanksgiving season family worships.
#5. For Thanksgiving dinner specifically, select a verse to put at each person’s place. Read them before or after the meal.
How about you? What are you favorite thanksgiving Bible verses?
