Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8600 Prayer and worship of the believer  »  8676 thanksgiving

The offering of thanks, especially for gifts received. Scripture emphasises the importance of giving thanks to God for all his gifts and works, both as an expression of our dependence upon him and gratitude to him.

Thanksgiving is sometimes linked with praise to God

Psalm 69:30 See also 1 Chronicles 16:4; Psalm 42:4; Psalm 100:4

The duty of thanksgiving to God

1 Timothy 4:3-4 See also Psalm 107:8-9; Psalm 147:7-9; Luke 17:17-18; Romans 1:20-21; Romans 14:6

The expression of thanksgiving to God

Through OT offerings

Psalm 50:14 See also Leviticus 7:12-15; Jonah 2:9

In Christian gatherings

1 Corinthians 10:16 See also 1 Corinthians 10:30; Corinthians 14:16-17

Through song

Psalm 95:2 See also 1 Chronicles 16:7-9; Ezra 3:11; Nehemiah 12:8,24,27,46; Psalm 147:7; Isaiah 51:3; Jeremiah 30:19; Ephesians 5:19-20

Through prayer

1 Timothy 2:1 See also Nehemiah 11:17; Daniel 6:10

Through giving

2 Corinthians 9:11-12

In conversation

See also Ephesians 5:4

Believers are to give thanks in all circumstances

1 Thessalonians 5:18 See also Philippians 4:6; Colossians 3:17

Thanksgiving for the blessings of salvation

1 Corinthians 15:57 See also Romans 7:24-25; 2 Corinthians 2:14 for victory through Christ; 2 Corinthians 4:15 for God's grace; 2 Corinthians 9:15 for Jesus Christ himself; Colossians 1:12; Colossians 2:6-7 for union with Christ

Examples of those who gave thanks to God

Jesus Christ

Matthew 14:19 pp Luke 9:16; Mark 8:6; Luke 24:30; 1 Corinthians 11:24

Paul

Acts 28:15; Romans 6:17; Ephesians 1:16; 1 Timothy 1:12

Heavenly beings

Revelation 4:9; Revelation 7:12; Revelation 11:17

See also

3221  Holy Spirit & prayer
5476  property
7322  burnt offering
7364  fellowship offering
7476  thank-offering
7933  Lord's Supper
7960  singing
8352  thankfulness
8435  giving oneself
8609  prayer as praise & thanksgiving
8622  worship
8664  praise