# Is “Count your blessings” in the Bible?

> No. “Count your blessings” is not a Bible verse. It comes from Christian tradition, not Scripture.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/count-your-blessings
By Andrew Kittridge · November 9, 2026

The Psalms say it another way: bless Yahweh and forget none of his benefits (Psalm 103:2). Paul says to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Christian tradition, not Scripture. Origin: The 1897 hymn “Count Your Blessings,” by Johnson Oatman Jr.

## What the Bible says instead

> Bless Yahweh, my soul, and forget none of his benefits:
>
> — [Psalm 103:2](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/103#2) (Lumin Translation)

> Give thanks in everything, for in Christ Jesus this is God’s will for you.
>
> — [1 Thessalonians 5:18](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-thessalonians/5#18) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Is “Count your blessings” in the Bible?

No. “Count your blessings” is not a Bible verse. It comes from Christian tradition, not Scripture. The Psalms say it another way: bless Yahweh and forget none of his benefits (Psalm 103:2). Paul says to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

### Where does “Count your blessings” come from?

The 1897 hymn “Count Your Blessings,” by Johnson Oatman Jr.

### What does the Bible say instead?

Read Psalm 103:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:18. The Psalms say it another way: bless Yahweh and forget none of his benefits (Psalm 103:2). Paul says to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

## More

- [Is “The blind leading the blind” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/the-blind-leading-the-blind.md)
- [Is “Eat, drink and be merry” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/eat-drink-and-be-merry.md)
- [Is “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/father-forgive-them.md)
- [Is “Go the extra mile” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/go-the-extra-mile.md)
- [Is “Iron sharpens iron” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/iron-sharpens-iron.md)
- [Is “A law unto themselves” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/a-law-unto-themselves.md)
- [Is “Love is patient, love is kind” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/love-is-patient-love-is-kind.md)
- [Is “My cup runneth over” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/my-cup-runneth-over.md)
- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)
