King James Version

What Does Psalms 71:16 Mean?

Psalms 71:16 in the King James Version says “I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 71 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.”

Psalms 71:16 · KJV

Strength

Context

14

But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.

15

My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers thereof.

16

I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

17

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. when: Heb. unto old age and gray hairs thy strength: Heb. thine arm

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalmist will 'go in the strength of the Lord God' and 'make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.' Going in God's strength, not personal power, ensures success. Mentioning 'thy righteousness only' eliminates boasting in human achievement. This exclusive focus on divine righteousness anticipates Paul's teaching that believers have no righteousness of their own but rely entirely on Christ's imputed righteousness (Philippians 3:9). Sola gratia—grace alone—grounds all Christian confidence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's temptation was crediting victories to their own strength (Deuteronomy 8:17). Prophets consistently redirected glory to God, whose power alone secured triumph.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean practically to 'go in the strength of the Lord God' rather than your own?
  2. How can you ensure you mention God's righteousness 'only,' without mixing in claims to personal merit?
  3. In what areas are you tempted to rely on your own righteousness rather than Christ's?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אָב֗וֹא1 of 7

“I will go in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בִּ֭גְבֻרוֹת2 of 7

“the strength”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

אֲדֹנָ֣י3 of 7

“of the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

יְהוִ֑ה4 of 7

“GOD”

H3069

god

אַזְכִּ֖יר5 of 7

“I will make mention”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

צִדְקָתְךָ֣6 of 7

“of thy righteousness”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

לְבַדֶּֽךָ׃7 of 7
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

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 71:16 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 71:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 4:13Philippians 3:9Psalms 51:14Psalms 71:15Psalms 29:11Zechariah 10:12

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