King James Version

What Does Psalms 40:16 Mean?

Psalms 40:16 in the King James Version says “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be ma...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.”

Psalms 40:16 · KJV

LoveSalvation

Context

14

Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

15

Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

16

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

17

But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalm turns from imprecation to blessing, praying that 'all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad.' The contrast between those who seek God's destruction and those who seek God Himself is stark. The phrase 'such as love thy salvation' defines true worshipers: those who delight not merely in deliverance but in the God who saves.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The dual response to God--enemies confounded, seekers rejoicing--appears throughout biblical literature as the pattern of divine judgment. God's actions simultaneously save and judge, depending on one's relationship to Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distinguishes those who 'love God's salvation' from those who merely want deliverance from trouble?
  2. How does seeking God rather than just His gifts transform worship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
יָ֘שִׂ֤ישׂוּ1 of 11

“thee rejoice”

H7797

to be bright, i.e., cheerful

וְיִשְׂמְח֨וּ׀2 of 11

“and be glad”

H8055

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

בְּךָ֗3 of 11
H0
כָּֽל4 of 11
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מְבַ֫קְשֶׁ֥יךָ5 of 11

“Let all those that seek”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

יֹאמְר֣וּ6 of 11

“say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

תָ֭מִיד7 of 11

“continually”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

יִגְדַּ֣ל8 of 11

“be magnified”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

יְהוָ֑ה9 of 11

“The LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֹֽ֝הֲבֵ֗י10 of 11

“in thee let such as love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

תְּשׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃11 of 11

“thy salvation”

H8668

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 40:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 40:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 35:27Psalms 68:3Acts 19:17Psalms 119:123Psalms 105:3Philippians 3:7-9

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