Psalms 118:21 (KJV)

What does Psalms 118:21 mean?

Psalms 118:21 expresses the speaker’s gratitude to God for responding to prayer and providing rescue or deliverance. The verse is a personal statement of thanks, recognizing God as the one who has answered and become the source of salvation.

The verse is spoken by an individual, likely representing the people of Israel or a worship leader, addressing God directly. The context is one of relief and joy after a time of distress, with the speaker acknowledging that God has heard their plea and acted to save them. This verse sits within a psalm often used in worship, especially during celebrations of God’s faithfulness.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 118:21

• praise (יָדָה, yadah): This word means to give thanks or confess, often with the sense of public acknowledgment. Here, it highlights that the speaker’s gratitude is not just internal but openly expressed.
• heard (עָנָה, anah): This word means to answer or respond. The verse emphasizes that God has actively listened and replied to the speaker’s call, not just passively heard.
• salvation (יְשׁוּעָה, yeshuah): This word refers to deliverance or rescue. The speaker credits God as the one who has brought about their safety or victory, making God personally their “salvation.”

Why Psalms 118:21 matters

• The verse clarifies that salvation in this context is not just a general idea but a personal experience of God’s help in a specific situation.
• By using words that emphasize public thanks and active response, the verse encourages open acknowledgment of God’s actions rather than private gratitude alone.
• This verse connects to the larger theme of Psalms 118, which celebrates God’s enduring love and faithfulness, especially after times of trouble or danger.