"Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!" - Psalm 100:4
As we approach Thanksgiving, a cherished season of gratitude in the United States, we invite you to explore the deeper meaning of the Hebrew word for “thank you” – Todah. This simple yet profound word echoes throughout the Bible and holds layers of significance that invite us to reflect, confess, and express gratitude from our hearts. While today, todah is part of everyday Hebrew, rooted in the biblical texts, it has a profound dual meaning – thankfulness and confession – that brings us closer to God’s loving presence in both celebration and humility.
Todah in Scripture: More than a Word of Thanks
The Hebrew todah first appears in the Bible in Genesis 29:35. When Leah names her son Judah (Yehudah), she says, “This time I will praise [in Hebrew: odeh, I will thank] the Lord.” She expresses gratitude purely toward God, unburdened by her challenges. In its earliest form, todah was used only in relation to God and His blessings, demonstrating how gratitude flows from the acknowledgment of His hand in our lives.
Even more, in Hebrew, the word odeh which is derived from the word todah, and “confession” are closely connected. Odeh is not only a way to say “thank you” but also a confession of sin. We see this in Joshua 7:19 when Joshua calls Achan to “give thanks to God” and confess. This call to thanksgiving is a call to stand humbly before God and admit the truth in His presence.
Then Joshua said to Achan, “My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and honor [in Hebrew: thanks] him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.” - Joshua 7:19
The Thanksgiving Offering: A Gift of Praise and Acknowledgment
The ancient thanksgiving offering, or zevach todah, was a significant practice in the Temple. As described in Leviticus 7:12-15, it was more than an act of charity or duty; it was a genuine outpouring of thanks. The worshippers who brought these offerings expressed appreciation for God’s provision, acknowledging that every good thing in their lives came from Him. This heartfelt acknowledgment in todah reflects a truth that rings just as powerful today.
Rashi, a prominent biblical commentator, shares insight from Psalm 50:14: “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High.” Here, the sacrifice of thanksgiving was an acknowledgment of sins alongside a thank offering, a blend of humility, and honor to God.
Todah in the New Testament: Jesus’ Thanksgiving at the Last Supper
We see the connection to todah continue in the New Testament, where Jesus gives thanks to the Father. Before breaking bread at the Last Supper, He pauses to express gratitude for the provision of God. In Matthew 26:26-27, “Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, ‘Drink from it, all of you.’” Jesus’ thanksgiving points to the fulfillment of the original sacrificial system in His own offering, ultimately reconnecting us with God’s forgiveness, love, and grace.
A Word that Brings Us Closer
Today, as we give thanks to the Lord, todah reminds us of the power of humility, gratitude, and truth in our lives. It’s a beautiful word that bridges generations, still commonly used in Israeli life and language today. When you say todah in your prayers, you can feel connected to the same gratitude that inspired worshipers and prophets thousands of years ago.
We are deeply grateful for you, our supporters, as you join us in these acts of todah. Because of you, we are able to continue sharing God’s blessings in the Land of Israel. Thank you for your faithful partnership as we work to provide healing and hope.
Let us give thanks together, saying with the psalmist:
