King James Version

What Does Psalms 71:20 Mean?

“Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.”

Context

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

Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!

Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

I will also praise thee with the psaltery , even thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel. the psaltery: Heb. the instrument of psaltery

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(20) **Quicken me.**—According to the written text, *quicken us, *an indication that the psalm is a hymn for congregational use. As for the change from singular to plural, that is common enough. **Depths . . .**—Abysses, properly of water. (See Psalm 33:7.) Perhaps here with thought of the waters on which the earth was supposed to rest. If so, the image is the common one of a “sea of trouble.”

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 71:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.