Thanksgiving is a time to come together with family and friends, reflect on all of the blessings we have received and give thanks to God. And these Thanksgiving Bible verses will be sure to inspire a grateful heart!
You may be looking for verses for personal study or preparing a weekend sermon or Bible lesson. In any case, you’ll love these Bible verses.
Thanksgiving is not just about gathering with loved ones and feasting on delicious food (although that’s a great part of this holiday). But this is also a time to reflect on the love of Christ Jesus and God the Father.
Read on for more Thanksgiving bible verses!
Estimated reading time: 16 minutes
Table of contents
What Thanksgiving Scriptures Are in the Old Testament?
According to Pew Research Center, Christians generally feel a lot more grateful than people of other beliefs.
One of the main ways Christians are able to stay grounded in gratefulness is through being consistently encouraged and edified by the Word of God.
The Old Testament offers many Bible verses and scriptures that emphasize the importance of gratitude and thankfulness.
In particular, we see leaders continually offer spiritual songs of thanks. They also encourage people to call on the name of the Lord, worship God acceptably and praise God in every situation for the wonderful deeds He has done.
As we look back through history and study the lives of great men who walked with God, we can confidently see that His steadfast love endures forever and we serve a great god!
So now, let’s move on to the Thanksgiving scriptures.
Old Testament Thanksgiving Bible Verses
Here are 15 Old Testament Bible verses on thanksgiving, praise, and gratitude.
Numbers 6:24-26
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
2 Samuel 22:50
Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.
1 Chronicles 16:4
He appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to extol, thank, and praise the LORD, the God of Israel:
1 Chronicles 16:34
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
1 Chronicles 29:13
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.
2 Chronicles 5:13
The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.” Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud,
2 Chronicles 20:21
After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the LORD and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the LORD, for his love endures forever.”
Ezra 3:11
With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.
Nehemiah 12:27
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.
Isaiah 11:12
In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.”
Jeremiah 30:19
From them will come songs of thanksgiving and the sound of rejoicing. I will add to their numbers, and they will not be decreased; I will bring them honor, and they will not be disdained.
Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
Daniel 2:23
I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.
Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Jonah 2:9
But I with the voice of thanksgiving will sacrifice to you; what I have vowed I will pay. Salvation belongs to the Lord!
What Does the Book of Psalms Say About Thanksgiving?
The book of Psalms in the Bible is unique in many ways. It is a collection of poetry and songs, written by various authors, including King David. Many of the psalms express deep emotions such as grief and anger, but they also remind us to sing praises and give thanks to God.
In fact, the word “psalm” means “song.” Singing psalms was a common form of worship. Throughout the Psalms, we’re called to enter the Lord’s gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise. We’re also reminded that giving thanks to God is an important response to every situation. And that offering a sacrifice of praise is good for our souls.
As we reflect on our personal blessings and the promises in God’s Word, we can’t help but overflow with thanks to the Lord.
The Psalms also teach us that praise is not just an emotion or one-time event, but should be a constant attitude that guides our daily lives. This is why the book of Psalms remains a beloved source of inspiration and comfort for Christians today.
Psalms on Praise and Thanksgiving
These ancient spiritual songs are sure to inspire thankfulness in our hearts. Let us make a joyful noise as we worship in church and at home!
Psalm 7:17
I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.
Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 18:49
Therefore I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing the praises of your name.
Psalm 28:16
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.
Psalm 30:12
That my glory may sing your praise and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!
Psalm 35:18
I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.
Psalm 52:9
For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 79:13
Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will praise you forever; from generation to generation we will proclaim your praise.
Psalm 89:2
For I said, “Steadfast love will be built up forever; in the heavens you will establish your faithfulness.”
Psalm 95:1-2
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Psalm 106:1
Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 107:8-9
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.
Psalm 147:7
Sing to the LORD with grateful praise; make music to our God on the harp.
What Do New Testament Scriptures on Thanksgiving Say?
This list of Thanksgiving Bible verses ends with 20 New Testament thanksgiving scriptures. As you can imagine, many of these Bible verses are about our Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice. He was a great king who willingly laid down His life for others. He gave everything! And in return, let this produce thanksgiving in our hearts and inspire us to give.
Throughout the gospels and New Testament scriptures, we’re admonished to let the love of Christ dwell in our hearts, let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly, and let the peace of Christ rule. When we put all of this into action, we can’t help but give thanks to the Lord God almighty and praise Christ Jesus!
And this isn’t just during the month of November, but all year long, giving thanks in all circumstances.
The apostle Paul mentions gratitude many times in his letters to the churches. He expresses his thankfulness for his fellow believers, church, leaders, and friends. He also regularly expresses his gratitude to our Lord Jesus, and encourages others to do the same!
New Testament Thanksgiving Bible Verses
Here are some thanksgiving scriptures from the New Testament to encourage you.
Mark 14:22-23
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.
Luke 2:38
Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 10:16
Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Corinthians 4:15
All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 9:11-12
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
Ephesians 1:15-16
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Ephesians 5:19-20
speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Colossians 2:6-7
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:1
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people
1 Timothy 4:4-5
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.
Hebrews 12:28
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let’s show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe
Hebrews 13:15
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Revelation 7:11-12
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
Revelation 11:17
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign…”
Thanksgiving Verses in Sermons
Using Thanksgiving Bible verses effectively in your sermons involves integrating them into your message in a way that engages your congregation and helps them understand the significance of gratitude in their faith. Here are some tips and tricks on how to use Thanksgiving Bible verses in your sermons.
Select Relevant Verses
Choose Bible verses that align with the theme of Thanksgiving and gratitude. The verses should help convey your intended message and resonate with your congregation. 51 of these amazing verses are listed above.
Provide Context
Explain the historical and biblical context of the selected verses. Share the background and circumstances in which the verses were written. This isn’t relevant for every verse, but it can be used to make some of them more impactful.
Relate to Real Life
Connect the verses to real-life situations and experiences that your congregation can relate to. Show how these verses are not just ancient words but have practical significance today.
Highlight the Message
Clearly state the message or lesson the verses convey about thanksgiving, gratitude, and God’s goodness. Some Bible verses can have a lot of connections and reference different themes, so make sure you are highlighting the right message.
Personalize and Share Stories
Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate the message and demonstrate how gratitude has impacted your own life or the lives of others. Telling stories from the pulpit has a unique power to engage listeners and make the themes you are preaching more personal.
Encourage Reflection
Encourage your congregation to reflect on the verses and the message. Ask questions like, “How can we apply this in our daily lives?” or “What are you thankful for?”
Connect to Other Scripture
Relate the Thanksgiving verses to other relevant Scripture passages or biblical teachings to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Explain Practical Application
Offer practical advice on how to cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving in their daily lives. Share tips and suggestions for incorporating gratitude into their routines.
Invoke Gratitude in Worship
Encourage your congregation to express their gratitude in the worship service, whether through songs, prayers, or communal thanksgiving. There are many worship songs specifically meant to give thanks to God such as “Gratitude” or “Worthy is the Lamb.
Challenge and Motivate
Challenge your congregation to take action based on the sermon’s message. Offer ways for them to put gratitude into practice, such as volunteering, helping those in need, or keeping gratitude journals.
Close with Prayer
End your sermon with a prayer of thanksgiving, asking God to help your congregation embrace gratitude and live it out in their lives.
Visual Aids and Illustrations
Use visuals, illustrations, or props that can help reinforce the message and engage your congregation. These can be especially useful to engage younger or newer members of your church.
Involve the Congregation
Encourage your congregation to share their own expressions of gratitude, either during the sermon or in response to it.
Follow Up
Encourage ongoing reflection and application of the message throughout the week or until your next sermon. Share resources for further study or reflection.
Remember to speak with sincerity and passion, demonstrating your own commitment to the message of thanksgiving. This will help inspire and connect with your congregation on a deeper level.
Thanksgiving Bible Verses to Share
Remember to make a joyful noise, whether that’s singing hymns and spiritual songs or simply sharing these Thanksgiving verses with others.
Giving thanks to God is an important daily practice and builds up our faith. After all, we serve a great God!
When we meditate on these thanksgiving Bible verses, and focus on how much we love God, the hope we have in Christ Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit…we’re sure to be transformed and overflow with thanks to the Lord.
In addition, as we meditate on all His benefits in these Bible verses, we can’t help but experience gratitude. And this ripple effect impacts others as we share about our Lord Jesus Christ and the incredible things He has done for us.
May the Lord bless you during this holiday season. Let us know one thing you’re thankful for in the comments below!
Further Resources on Thanksgiving
About The Author
Comments 1
Grateful to God for life, sustenance, provision, protection. He has kept my family and I thru difficult n challenging times.
My prayer is for the daily visitation of the holy spirit on my family to guide us aright, as we live each day.