Have you ever wondered just how often the Bible tells us to “give thanks”? You’re not alone. Gratitude is one of the most repeated themes throughout Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, the idea of giving thanks pops up again and again so much so that many believe it’s one of the core attitudes God wants from us.
But is it really mentioned that often? Let’s explore the numbers, meanings, and beautiful verses that teach us to live with a thankful heart every single day.
The Exact Number: How Many Times “Give Thanks” Appears in the Bible
The phrase “give thanks” appears 73 times in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. Other translations like the New International Version (NIV) and English Standard Version (ESV) have similar counts, although the exact number can vary due to translation differences.
| Translation | “Give Thanks” Occurrences |
|---|---|
| KJV | 73 |
| NIV | 69 |
| ESV | 72 |
| NASB | 68 |
These mentions aren’t just scattered phrases. They’re commands, encouragements, and reflections. Often, they come in worship songs (Psalms), letters to churches (Epistles), and even in stories where God’s people pause to praise Him.
The Broader Picture: Words Related to Thanks in the Bible
When we widen the scope beyond the exact phrase “give thanks,” we find even more evidence that gratitude is deeply embedded in biblical teaching.
Let’s look at a few related words and how often they appear:
Thanks – appears over 100 times
Thanksgiving – about 30 times
Thankful – around 5 times
Praise – over 250 times
Bless the Lord – used over 25 times
This shows that being thankful is more than just a suggestion it’s a spiritual discipline the Bible encourages again and again.
Daily Reminder: What Phrase Is Repeated 365 Times in the Bible?
There’s a popular belief that the phrase “Do not be afraid” appears 365 times in the Bible one for every day of the year. While some scholars debate the exact count, the message is clear: God wants us to live in peace, not fear.
So, how is that connected to giving thanks?
Well, when you let go of fear and trust in God, gratitude naturally flows. Being thankful reminds us that God is in control. That daily reminder to “fear not” pairs perfectly with the Bible’s message of thankfulness in all things.
Key Bible Verses That Command Giving Thanks at All Times
Here are some of the most powerful verses that tell us to give thanks no matter the situation:
📖 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
This verse is clear: gratitude isn’t conditional. It’s a lifestyle.
📖 Psalm 107:1 (KJV)
“O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.”
God’s goodness is eternal and that’s always a reason to be thankful.
📖 Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
These verses are just a few examples of the consistent call to gratitude. They’re not just for Sunday mornings they’re for daily living.
Why Does the Bible Emphasize Gratitude So Much?
Gratitude isn’t just polite it’s spiritually powerful.
Here’s why the Bible emphasizes it:
It shifts our focus from problems to blessings.
It builds faith by remembering past victories.
It invites God’s presence (Psalm 100:4).
It humbles us, reminding us we’re not self-made.
God knows that a thankful heart is a healthy heart. It keeps us grounded, joyful, and connected to Him especially in tough times.
How Gratitude Shows Up in Biblical Stories
Throughout Scripture, some of the most impactful moments happen when people pause to give thanks even when it doesn’t make sense:
🙏 King David
Wrote dozens of psalms of thanksgiving, many while on the run or in danger (see Psalm 34, 103, 136).
🙏 Daniel
When threatened with death for praying, he still gave thanks three times a day (Daniel 6:10).
🙏 Jesus
Before feeding the 5,000, and even before the Last Supper, Jesus gave thanks (John 6:11, Luke 22:19).
These stories show that thankfulness isn’t tied to comfort it’s an act of faith and worship.
What Word Appears Over 46,000 Times in the Bible and Why It Matters
The word “and” appears more than 46,000 times in the Bible. While it might seem trivial, it teaches something powerful:
The Bible isn’t just a book of standalone truths. It’s a connected message.
And that’s true for gratitude too. “Give thanks” is rarely alone it’s often joined by rejoicing, praying, and trusting. It’s one part of a bigger, beautiful picture of spiritual life.
How to Practice Biblical Thankfulness in Everyday Life
Here are simple ways to live out the Bible’s call to give thanks:
✅ Start your prayers with thanks – before asking anything, thank God for something.
✅ Keep a gratitude journal – write 3 things you’re thankful for every day.
✅ Say thank you to others – practice gratitude toward people, too.
✅ Worship with music – many Christian songs are based on psalms of thanks.
✅ Memorize thankful verses – keep them in your heart for tough days.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
The Bible’s Timeless Message of Gratitude
So, how many times does the Bible say “give thanks”? Around 73 times directly but the spirit of thanksgiving is present on nearly every page.
In good times or hard times, giving thanks is God’s invitation to draw close to Him, to remember His faithfulness, and to live with joy.
Gratitude isn’t just a nice idea it’s a spiritual habit that changes everything..
