The word translated “Thanksgiving” in the Bible is found 19 times in the Old Testament is תּוֹדָה tôwdâh (Strong’s H8426). The Greek word translated “Thanksgiving” is found 11 times and is εὐχαριστία eucharistía (Strong’s G2169).
Thanksgiving is directed specifically to יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh Jehovah (Strong’s H3068), translated LORD as in “And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will.”Leviticus 22:29
And directed to אֱלֹהִים ʼĕlôhîym translated as God (Strong’s H430) as found in “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High.” Psalm 50:14
And in the New Testament, Thanksgiving is directed towards θεός theós (Strong’s G2316) translated as “God” as in “Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.” Revelation 7:12
All three names in the original languages of Scripture, Jehovah, Elohiym and Theos identify the same Creator; God Almighty, The Father, The Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirt all the same.
What is it then do we know from these 28 times the word, “Thanksgiving” is found in the Bible is thanks given for?
The Hebrew word מַעֲשֶׂה maʻăseh (Strong’s H4639) is translated as “works” in “And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.” Psalm 107:22.
In Jonah 2:9 we find, “But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the LORD.”
“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” II Corinthians 4:15
“Behold, the LORD hath proclaimed unto the end of the world, Say ye to the daughter of Zion, Behold, thy salvation cometh; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him.” Isaiah 62 :11
Who will thanks be directed too today at your Thanksgiving dinner? God’s Word indicates thanks should primarily and most importantly be given to Christ’s work in all things He accomplished for the sake of His elect (daughters of Zion) as the Lamb Slain before the Foundation of the World (Revelation 13:8) in successfully paying for their sins which He alone provided for their salvation.
Who will be cognizant not so much of the temporal significance Thanksgiving Day holds for many like time spent with family, or the meal, or the football game but rather give thanks in the solitude of mind and heart for Christ’s work for the sake of His elect in accomplishing all things unto their salvation?
Our ultimate thanks should be given unto Our Father, and The Lord Jesus Christ for His work providing all things pertaining to the salvation of His elect.
