Thanksgiving isn’t often looked at as a Biblical holiday, but it’s truly one that represents all that God asks of us. Thanksgiving is a recurring theme in the Bible, focusing on gratitude to God for all the many blessings He has given us. In this article there are nine Thanksgiving Bible stories and passages that illustrate thanksgiving, along with their scripture references.
9 Thanksgiving Bible Stories to Celebrate Gratitude for God
Hannah’s Prayer of Thanksgiving- 1 Samuel 2:1-10
“Then Hannah prayed and said: ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord;’“ – 1 Samuel 2:1
After God answers Hannah’s prayer for a child, she offers a heartfelt prayer of thanksgiving, praising God for His greatness and sovereignty.
David’s Song of Thanksgiving- 1 Chronicles 16:8-36
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, ‘Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.’” – 1 Chronicles 16:34-35
King David composed a song of thanksgiving and led the people in worship, celebrating God’s mighty deeds and faithfulness.
The Healing of the Ten Lepers- Luke 17:11-19
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.” – Luke 17:15-16
Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank Him. Jesus commends the thankful leper for his faith and gratitude.
The Thank Offering (Peace Offering)- Leviticus 7:11-15
“Along with their fellowship offering of thanksgiving they are to present an offering with thick loaves of bread made with yeast.” – Leviticus 7:13
The peace offering included a component of thanksgiving, where worshippers offered a sacrifice to express their gratitude to God.
Solomon’s Dedication of the Temple- 2 Chronicles 7:1-3
“When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.’” – 2 Chronicles 7:3
After the completion of the Temple, Solomon dedicates it with a prayer of thanksgiving, and God responds by filling the Temple with His glory.
The Israelites’ Thanksgiving After Crossing the Red Sea- Exodus 15:1-19
““The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” – Exodus 15:2
After their deliverance from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sing a song of thanksgiving to God for their miraculous salvation.
Paul’s Thanksgiving in His Letters- Philippians 1:3-5
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul expresses his gratitude for their partnership in the gospel and their support during his imprisonment.
The Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles- Nehemiah 8:9-12
“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” – Nehemiah 8:10
After the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s walls, the Israelites celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with joy and thanksgiving for God’s provision and faithfulness.
The Widow’s Offering- Mark 12:41-44
“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’” – Mark 12:43-44
Jesus observes a poor widow who gives two small coins as an offering. He commends her for her sacrificial giving and genuine heart of gratitude.
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Final Thoughts On These Bible Verses for Thanksgiving
We hope you enjoyed these Thanksgiving Bible stories, as they highlighted the importance of acknowledging God’s many blessings, and the role of giving thanks in the Christian faith. Be sure to share these Bible verses for the holidays this year, and share them with friends and family to enjoy too!