King James Version

What Does Psalms 71:23 Mean?

Psalms 71:23 in the King James Version says “My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 71 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 71:23 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

24

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. David describes the internal and external dimensions of anticipated worship. "My lips shall greatly rejoice" (תְּרַנֵּנָּה שְׂפָתַי/terannenah sefatai) uses ranan, meaning to cry out, sing for joy, shout with gladness. This isn't somber, formal worship but exuberant celebration. The lips—organs of speech and song—will overflow with joy expressed vocally and publicly.

"My soul, which thou hast redeemed" (נַפְשִׁי אֲשֶׁר פָּדִיתָ/nafshi asher padita) identifies the deeper source of joy. Nefesh (soul/life) represents the whole person—emotions, will, and being. This soul has been "redeemed" (פָּדִיתָ/padita), using redemption language typically applied to buying back enslaved family members or property (Leviticus 25:25-55). God has purchased David back from bondage to sin, death, and enemies.

The connection between redemption and joy is profound: genuine joy flows from experienced salvation. Lips rejoice because the soul has been redeemed. External worship expresses internal transformation. This anticipates Christian understanding of redemption through Christ's blood (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19) producing joy that overflows in worship (Acts 2:46-47, 1 Peter 1:8).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Redemption (padah) was commercial and legal term in ancient Israel, referring to buying back enslaved relatives, lost property, or pledged items (Exodus 13:13, Leviticus 25:25-55, 27:13-33, Ruth 4:4-10). God "redeemed" Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 6:6, 15:13, Deuteronomy 7:8, 9:26, 13:5), establishing redemption as central salvation metaphor. Every subsequent deliverance recalled this foundational redemption.

The psalm's movement from lament (verses 1-13) through petition (verses 14-18) to confident praise (verses 19-24) reflects Israel's worship pattern. Corporate and individual laments moved toward praise as worshipers remembered God's past faithfulness and anticipated future deliverance.

Jesus declared He came "to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45), using redemption language. Paul wrote, "ye are bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23). Peter taught that believers are redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the connection between redemption and joy shape your understanding of worship as response to salvation?
  2. What is the relationship between inner transformation (redeemed soul) and outer expression (rejoicing lips)?
  3. In what ways does Old Testament redemption language inform Christian understanding of Christ's atoning work?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
תְּרַנֵּ֣נָּה1 of 8

“shall greatly rejoice”

H7442

properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)

שְׂ֭פָתַי2 of 8

“My lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

כִּ֣י3 of 8
H3588

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

אֲזַמְּרָה4 of 8

“when I sing”

H2167

properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so

לָּ֑ךְ5 of 8
H0
וְ֝נַפְשִׁ֗י6 of 8

“unto thee and my soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 8
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

פָּדִֽיתָ׃8 of 8

“which thou hast redeemed”

H6299

to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

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 71:23 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 71:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 104:33Psalms 103:4Revelation 5:9Luke 1:46-472 Samuel 4:9Psalms 34:22

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