Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

PSALMS 40:16KJV
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Psalms 40:16 (KJV)

What does Psalms 40:16 mean?

Psalms 40:16 calls for everyone who seeks God and loves His salvation to be joyful and to continually praise and honor the LORD. The verse encourages those who are devoted to God to openly celebrate and magnify Him.

In this verse, David is speaking, likely addressing both himself and others who are faithful to God. The setting is one of worship and gratitude, as David urges all who earnestly look for God and cherish His rescue to express their gladness and to keep declaring how great the LORD is. The verse highlights a community of people united by their desire for God and their thankfulness for His help.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 40:16

  • "Seek" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word means to search for or desire earnestly. It emphasizes an active, ongoing pursuit of God, not just a casual interest.
  • "Rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach) and "be glad" (שָׂשָׂה, sus): These words both point to deep, heartfelt joy, but with slightly different shades—one is about happiness, the other about exultation or delight.
  • "Love" (אָהַב, ahav): This word means a deep affection or devotion, showing that the response to God’s salvation is not just duty but genuine love.
  • "Salvation" (תְּשׁוּעָה, teshuah): This word refers to deliverance or rescue, reminding readers that God’s saving acts are at the heart of the joy and praise.
  • "LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is the personal name of God, underscoring that the praise is directed specifically to Israel’s covenant God.
  • "Magnified" (גָּדַל, gadal): This word means to make great or to declare as great, focusing on lifting up God’s reputation and honor.

Why Psalms 40:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that joy and praise are natural responses for those who truly seek God and value His salvation, not just formal religious acts.
  • The emphasis on continual praise (“say continually”) shows that honoring God is meant to be an ongoing, daily part of life, not just an occasional event.
  • By connecting joy, love, and praise, the verse ties together emotion, devotion, and worship, showing that all three belong together in a healthy relationship with God.

Where else these words appear

“rejoice” Hebrew H7797 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 28:63 And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you; so the LORD will rejoice over you to destroy you, and to bring you to nought; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither thou goest to possess it.
  • Psalms 70:4 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified.
  • Isaiah 65:19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

“salvation” Hebrew H8668 · used in 32 verses

  • Judges 15:18 And he was sore athirst, and called on the LORD, and said, Thou hast given this great deliverance into the hand of thy servant: and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?
  • 1 Chronicles 19:12 And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me: but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will help thee.
  • Psalms 119:41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word.

“continually” Hebrew H8548 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 25:30 And thou shalt set upon the table shewbread before me alway.
  • Deuteronomy 11:12 A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year.
  • Psalms 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

“magnified” Hebrew H1431 · used in 112 verses

  • Genesis 12:2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:24 Let it even be established, that thy name may be magnified for ever, saying, The LORD of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and let the house of David thy servant be established before thee.
  • Isaiah 23:4 Be thou ashamed, O Zidon: for the sea hath spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, I travail not, nor bring forth children, neither do I nourish up young men, nor bring up virgins.