King James Version

What Does Psalms 71:11 Mean?

Psalms 71:11 in the King James Version says “Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 71 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.

Psalms 71:11 · KJV


Context

9

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

10

For mine enemies speak against me; and they that lay wait for my soul take counsel together, lay: Heb. watch, or, observe

11

Saying, God hath forsaken him: persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver him.

12

O God, be not far from me: O my God, make haste for my help.

13

Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Enemies conclude 'God hath forsaken him' and therefore 'persecute and take him; for there is none to deliver.' They interpret suffering as evidence of divine abandonment, emboldening their attacks. This lie—that trouble means God's absence—contradicts covenant promises. Satan used this tactic against Job. Christ's cry 'My God, why hast thou forsaken me?' (Matthew 27:46) experienced true abandonment for our sake, ensuring believers are never actually forsaken (Hebrews 13:5).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient theology often equated prosperity with divine favor and suffering with divine judgment. While Scripture teaches God disciplines His children, it rejects the idea that all suffering indicates abandonment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you counter the lie that difficulties mean God has forsaken you?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing Christ experienced true God-forsakenness so you never would be?
  3. How can you encourage others who feel abandoned by God in their suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֵ֭אמֹר1 of 8

Saying

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים2 of 8

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

עֲזָב֑וֹ3 of 8

hath forsaken

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

רִֽדְפ֥וּ4 of 8

him persecute

H7291

to run after (usually with hostile intent; figuratively [of time] gone by)

וְ֝תִפְשׂ֗וּהוּ5 of 8

and take

H8610

to manipulate, i.e., seize; chiefly to capture, wield, specifically, to overlay; figuratively, to use unwarrantably

כִּי6 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֵ֥ין7 of 8
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

מַצִּֽיל׃8 of 8

him for there is none to deliver

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense


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 71:11 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 71:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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