Give Thanks

(Heb. yadah) (105:1; 122:4; 136:1) Strong’s #3034

Surprisingly in Hebrew, there is not a verb that means “to thank” in the way the English word thank is used as a common expression of gratitude between people. The meaning of the Hebrew word is “to make public acknowledgment,” and its association with the Hebrew noun yad, meaning “hand,” suggests hands outstretched towards God. The word is used regularly in the Bible to depict public commendation of God’s person and attributes and the public testimony to what He has done for His people; this is the core meaning of praise. Old Testament believers such as Leah (Gen. 29:35), David (2 Chr. 7:6), the psalmists (7:17; 42:5; 118:21), and the prophets (Is. 25:1; Jer. 33:11) all gave thanks, praising the Lord for His mercy towards them.

Taken from NKJV Study Bible