Bonum Est Confiteri
It is good to sing thy praises
The hymn embodies the Lutheran emphasis on joyful response to God's grace and the goodness of praising the Almighty. It reflects the Reformation's recovery of corporate praise and thanksgiving as central to Christian worship.
History & Background
This medieval Latin hymn is based on Psalm 92 and reflects the monastic liturgical tradition. It appears in various hymnals with English translations, notably in the Lutheran tradition through TLH.
This versification is a poetic summary of Psalm 92 that derives from the 1912 Ps&rwith minor alterations. for textual commentary on Psalm 92. Scripture References st. 1 = Ps. 92:1-3 st. 2 = Ps. 92:4-11 st. 3 = Ps. 92:12-15
Hymnal Appearances
- Psalter Hymnal — 171
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 663
Translation
Bulletin Note
A 12th-century Latin hymn recovered by the Reformation, "Bonum Est Confiteri" embodies the Lutheran conviction that corporate thanksgiving and joyful praise are not optional embellishments but essential Christian responses to grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's exposure of human helplessness into Gospel joy—teaching congregations that confession of unworthiness becomes the doorway to exuberant praise of divine mercy.
Themes
Praise and thanksgiving Trust in God Joy in worship God's faithfulness