What does the Bible say about Thanksgiving? The word “thanksgiving” is used dozens of times in the Bible. Christianity is steeped in gratitude and thanksgiving. It’s important that we embrace an attitude of gratitude and remain constantly thankful for what God has done for each of us.
The word “thanksgiving” is used nearly thirty times in the New International Version of the Bible. It’s used in books of the Law, historical books, and Psalms. St. Paul liberally used the word, thanksgiving. He peppered the concept of thanksgiving in ten of his epistles. No doubt, he had a deep understanding of forgiveness and was thankful to God.
Here are several instances of the word thanksgiving being used in the Bible.
Enjoy!
Offering of Thanksgiving
Leviticus 7:13 Along with their fellowship offering of thanksgiving they are to present an offering with thick loaves of bread made with yeast.
Leviticus 7:15 The meat of their fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered; they must leave none of it till morning.
Thanksgiving And Praise
It’s super challenging to remain angry, sour, or embittered when offering praise and thanksgiving.
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 12:8 The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and also Mattaniah, who, together with his associates, was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.
Nehemiah 12:24 And the leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their associates, who stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving, one section responding to the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.
Praise and thanksgiving were abundant after the wall was complete.
Nehemiah 12:46 For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the musicians and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Prayer and Thanksgiving
Nehemiah 11:17 Mattaniah son of Mika, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, the director who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
Thanksgiving in Psalms
Psalm 69:30 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.
Psalm 95:2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
Giving thanks is in our spiritual DNA.
Psalm 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Thanksgiving in the Prophets
Isaiah 51:3 The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing.
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.
Thanksgiving Bible Verses — New Testament
I Corinthians 1:4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
I 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?
We’re thankful for the sacrifice of Christ at the Lord’s Table.
I Corinthians 14:16 Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying?
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 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.
Thanksgiving Scriptures — EPC
Ephesians 5:4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Bible Verses About Thanksgiving — Pastoral Letters
I Timothy 2:1-2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
I Timothy 4:3-5 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 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.
Celebrating Thanksgiving
We can all honestly celebrate Thanksgiving. Life can be tough. It can also be joyful and glorious. Take some time and meditate on the goodness of God. Thank Kim for His healing, provision, and grace in your life.
Enjoy your family on this special day. Watch the game. Kick off the Christmas season with gratitude, joy, and thanksgiving. Here’s an article that I wrote to help you celebrate Christmas simply and peacefully.