Old Testament
Psalms 115:1
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving glory to God rather than seeking personal recognition or honor.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your mercy and for your truth's sake.
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the importance of giving glory to God rather than seeking personal recognition or honor. The psalmist acknowledges that any praise or glory should be directed to the Lord because of His mercy and truth. It reflects a humble attitude, recognizing that human achievements are insignificant compared to God's greatness. The repetition of 'not to us' highlights the desire to deflect any glory away from ourselves and instead focus on God's character and actions. The mention of God's mercy and truth serves as a reminder of His faithful and loving nature, which is the foundation for why He deserves all glory. This verse encourages believers to live in a way that honors God, acknowledging that all good things come from Him and that our lives should reflect His goodness and truth. Explore related humility.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 115:1 to your life
In our daily lives, we should strive to give credit to God for our successes and blessings. This means recognizing His role in our achievements and expressing gratitude. By doing so, we cultivate a humble spirit and encourage others to see God's goodness and truth in our lives.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 115:1 mean?
Psalms 115:1 emphasizes that glory should be given to God rather than to ourselves. It highlights the importance of humility and recognizing God's mercy and truth as the reasons for His deserving of praise.
What is the meaning of 'give glory' in Psalms 115:1?
In Psalms 115:1, 'give glory' means to honor and praise God for His character and actions. It reflects the idea that all recognition should be directed to God, acknowledging His mercy and truth.
How can I apply Psalms 115:1 in my life?
You can apply Psalms 115:1 by giving credit to God for your achievements and blessings. This practice fosters gratitude and humility, helping you to recognize God's role in your life.
Why does Psalms 115:1 repeat 'not to us'?
The repetition of 'not to us' in Psalms 115:1 emphasizes the desire to deflect glory away from ourselves and focus solely on God. It reinforces the message of humility and the importance of honoring God's character.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
Unlock the full Psalms summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.