King James Version

What Does Psalms 70:4 Mean?

Psalms 70:4 in the King James Version says “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 70 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 70:4 · KJV

LoveSalvation

Context

2

Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.

3

Let them be turned back for a reward of their shame that say, Aha, aha.

4

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

5

But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified. This verse shifts from personal petition (verses 1-3) to corporate worship, calling all God-seekers to rejoice in Him. 'Seek thee' (mevakshekha, מְבַקְשֶׁיךָ) describes active pursuit of God's presence—those who diligently pursue relationship with Him rather than merely acknowledging His existence. The dual response—'rejoice and be glad'—uses synonymous parallelism to intensify the call for celebration in God Himself, not merely in His gifts.

The second half addresses those who 'love thy salvation' (ohavei yeshu'atekha, אֹהֲבֵי יְשׁוּעָתֶךָ)—not just recipients of salvation but lovers of it, delighting in God's saving work. Their response is to 'say continually' (yomeru tamid, יֹאמְרוּ תָמִיד), emphasizing persistent, ongoing declaration: 'Let God be magnified' (yigdal Elohim, יִגְדַּל אֱלֹהִים). This isn't occasional praise but constant testimony that makes God's greatness visible to the watching world.

For Christians, this verse describes the church's mission. Those who have found salvation in Christ are called to 'continually' magnify God—through worship, testimony, and godly living that displays His glory (Matthew 5:16, 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven'). The joy commanded here isn't circumstantial happiness but deep gladness rooted in God's character and salvation. Paul, imprisoned and facing death, wrote 'Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice' (Philippians 4:4)—embodying this psalm's call to continual magnification of God.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of 'seeking God' permeates Old Testament theology. Abraham 'called upon the name of the LORD' (Genesis 12:8), Moses 'sought the LORD' (Exodus 33:7), and David made this famous: 'One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life' (Psalm 27:4). Seeking God meant frequenting His sanctuary, prayer, meditation on Torah, and ordering one's life around covenant faithfulness.

The call to 'say continually' reflects Israel's liturgical life. Daily sacrifices, festivals, Sabbath observances, and lifecycle rituals created rhythm of ongoing testimony to God's greatness. The Jewish *mezuzah* (Deuteronomy 6:9, scrolls affixed to doorposts) and *phylacteries* (Matthew 23:5, Scripture boxes worn during prayer) physically reminded Israel to continually acknowledge God. Prayer was structured into daily life—morning and evening offerings, mealtime blessings, annual festivals—ensuring constant magnification of God.

The early church inherited and adapted these practices. Corporate worship on Sunday (resurrection day), daily prayers at set hours (Acts 3:1, the apostles maintaining Jewish prayer times), and liturgical prayers ensured continual magnification of God. The Western church developed the *Liturgy of the Hours*, while Eastern Orthodoxy maintained unceasing prayer through monasticism. The Reformation's priesthood of all believers democratized this—all Christians, not just clergy, are called to magnify God continually through word and deed. This psalm captures that vision: God's people constantly declaring His greatness, making Him visible to the world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How actively do you 'seek' God versus passively acknowledging Him?
  2. What does it look like for you to 'love salvation' rather than merely being grateful for it?
  3. How can you magnify God 'continually' in daily life rather than compartmentalizing faith?
  4. In what ways does your life make God's greatness visible to others?
  5. How can you cultivate joy and gladness 'in God' rather than in circumstances?

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

וְיֹאמְר֣וּ6 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)

אֱלֹהִ֑ים9 of 11

“Let God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֹ֝הֲבֵ֗י10 of 11

“in thee and let such as love”

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

יְשׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃11 of 11

“thy salvation”

H3444

something saved, i.e., (abstractly) deliverance; hence, aid, victory, prosperity

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 70:4 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 70:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 3:25Psalms 40:16Psalms 35:27Psalms 97:12Isaiah 61:10Isaiah 65:13-14

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