King James Version

What Does Psalms 71:21 Mean?

Psalms 71:21 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 71 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 71:21 · KJV

Comfort

Context

19

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

20

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.

21

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

22

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

23

My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side. Having praised God's incomparability (verse 19), David expresses confident expectation of future blessing. "Increase my greatness" (תֶּרֶב גְּדֻלָּתִי/terev gedulati) prays for expansion of honor, influence, and impact. Gedulah can mean greatness, dignity, or majesty—not worldly ambition but God-given significance and usefulness in kingdom purposes. David, now aged (verse 18), anticipates continued fruitfulness rather than fading irrelevance.

"Comfort me on every side" (תָּסֵב וְתְנַחֲמֵנִי/tasev vetanahmeini) literally means "turn and comfort me" or "surround and comfort me." Nacham (comfort) conveys consolation, encouragement, and restoration after grief or affliction. The phrase "on every side" (tasev—turn, surround) suggests comprehensive comfort addressing all areas of suffering. After describing troubles (verse 20), David confidently expects God's comprehensive consolation.

This anticipates Christian hope of glorification. Believers will be "increased in greatness"—transformed into Christ's likeness with glory (Romans 8:18, 29-30, 2 Corinthians 3:18). God's comfort "on every side" finds fulfillment in the Spirit as Comforter (John 14:16, 26, 15:26, 16:7) and ultimately in resurrection bodies and new creation where God "shall wipe away all tears" (Revelation 21:4).

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Historical & Cultural Context

David's expectation of increased greatness in old age contrasts with ancient (and modern) assumptions that aging means declining influence and fading significance. Biblical theology, however, views faithful longevity as blessing and opportunity for expanded impact. Moses's "strength was not abated" at 120 (Deuteronomy 34:7). Caleb remained vigorous at 85 (Joshua 14:10-11). Zechariah and Elisabeth, though aged, received significant roles in salvation history (Luke 1:5-25).

The prayer for comfort "on every side" reflects David's comprehensive afflictions described earlier in the psalm—enemies threatening life (verses 10-13), reproach (verse 13), multiple troubles (verse 20). Against these many-sided attacks, David seeks many-sided comfort.

Christian theology recognizes present comfort as down payment on future glorification. The Spirit comforts now (Romans 8:26-27, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7), but ultimate comfort awaits resurrection and new creation where "there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" (Revelation 21:4).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to increase greatness in old age challenge cultural assumptions about aging and declining relevance?
  2. In what ways do you need God's comfort 'on every side'—addressing multiple areas of affliction simultaneously?
  3. How does present experience of the Spirit's comfort function as foretaste of ultimate consolation in the new creation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
תֶּ֤רֶב׀1 of 4

“Thou shalt increase”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

גְּֽדֻלָּתִ֗י2 of 4

“my greatness”

H1420

greatness; (concretely) mighty acts

וְתִסֹּ֥ב3 of 4

“me on every side”

H5437

to revolve, surround, or border; used in various applications, literally and figuratively

תְּֽנַחֲמֵֽנִי׃4 of 4

“and comfort”

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

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 71:21 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 71:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 3:1Isaiah 12:1Psalms 18:35Psalms 86:17Psalms 32:102 Corinthians 2:14

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