Long before Thanksgiving became an American holiday, Scripture called God’s people to give thanks. These verses have been read at tables, in churches and in quiet prayers for generations.
Every verse below is quoted in the exact King James Version wording, with a short note from our editors on when to use it.
Top Thanksgiving Bible verses
- “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 107:1 (KJV)
- “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
- “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” — Psalm 100:4 (KJV)
- “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” — James 1:17 (KJV)
- “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” — 2 Corinthians 9:15 (KJV)
Short Thanksgiving verses for cards
Short enough for a card or place setting.
- “Be ye thankful.” — Colossians 3:15 (KJV)
- “Give thanks unto the LORD.” — Psalm 105:1 (KJV)
- “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD.” — Psalm 92:1 (KJV)
- “Rejoice evermore.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (KJV)
- “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad.” — Psalm 126:3 (KJV)
Bible verses about gratitude
For a thankful heart.
- “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Ephesians 5:20 (KJV)
- “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” — Colossians 3:17 (KJV)
- “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” — Psalm 103:2 (KJV)
- “I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart.” — Psalm 9:1 (KJV)
- “Offer unto God thanksgiving.” — Psalm 50:14 (KJV)
Bible verses about harvest and provision
For the Thanksgiving table.
- “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest … shall not cease.” — Genesis 8:22 (KJV)
- “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness.” — Psalm 65:11 (KJV)
- “The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season.” — Psalm 145:15 (KJV)
- “My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
- “Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us.” — Psalm 67:6 (KJV)
Bible verses of praise
For worship and table readings.
- “Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD.” — Psalm 150:6 (KJV)
- “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” — Psalm 34:1 (KJV)
- “O come, let us sing unto the LORD.” — Psalm 95:1 (KJV)
- “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised.” — Psalm 145:3 (KJV)
- “Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving.” — Psalm 95:2 (KJV)
Verses for Thanksgiving prayers
For praying before the meal.
- “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” — Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
- “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” — Colossians 4:2 (KJV)
- “And he took bread, and gave thanks.” — Luke 22:19 (KJV)
- “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — 1 Chronicles 16:34 (KJV)
Frequently asked questions
How we put this list together: All verses are quoted in the exact King James Version wording and checked by our editors. Written and reviewed by John Moler, editor at Graceful Names. See our editorial policy.
