King James Version

What Does Psalms 71:9 Mean?

Psalms 71:9 in the King James Version says “Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 71 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 71:9 · KJV

Strength

Context

7

I am as a wonder unto many; but thou art my strong refuge.

8

Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.

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.

Read Psalms 71 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The plea 'Cast me not off in the time of old age' addresses the fear of abandonment when strength fails. 'Forsake me not when my strength faileth' acknowledges aging's vulnerability. This prayer rests on God's covenant faithfulness—He who began the work will complete it (Philippians 1:6). The aged believer's confidence isn't in sustained vigor but in God's unchanging commitment. Physical decline doesn't diminish divine faithfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient cultures often neglected the elderly and infirm, making old age precarious without family support. God's character as faithful protector contrasted sharply with human fickleness toward the weak.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's promise to sustain you through old age provide peace about aging and mortality?
  2. What responsibilities do believers have toward elderly saints to demonstrate God's faithful care?
  3. How can you prepare spiritually now for the physical challenges old age may bring?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אַֽל1 of 8
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּ֭שְׁלִיכֵנִי2 of 8

“Cast me not off”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

לְעֵ֣ת3 of 8

“in the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

זִקְנָ֑ה4 of 8

“of old age”

H2209

old age

כִּכְל֥וֹת5 of 8

“faileth”

H3615

to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)

כֹּ֝חִ֗י6 of 8

“me not when my strength”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

אַֽל7 of 8
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תַּעַזְבֵֽנִי׃8 of 8

“forsake”

H5800

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

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 71:9 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 71:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 1:12Isaiah 46:4Psalms 71:18Psalms 92:13-15Psalms 90:10Ecclesiastes 12:1-7

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