Question 1

What does Psalms 71:14 mean?

Accepted Answer

Psalms 71:14 expresses the psalmist’s determination to keep hoping in God and to praise God more and more, no matter what happens. The verse shows a resolve to trust and honor God continually, even in difficult times. In this psalm, an older person is speaking to God, likely King David, reflecting on a lifetime of faith and struggle. The verse comes in the middle of prayers for help and protection, showing that even as troubles continue, the speaker chooses to keep hoping and to increase his praise. This is a personal commitment to ongoing trust and gratitude toward God.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Psalms 71:14

Accepted Answer

The word for “hope” is יָחַל (yachal), which often means to wait expectantly or to trust with patience. This highlights that the psalmist’s hope is not passive but involves active, ongoing trust. “Continually” is תָּמִיד (tamid), meaning something that is ongoing or constant. The verse emphasizes that the psalmist’s hope and praise are not just occasional, but persistent and unending. “Praise” is תְּהִלָּה (tehillah), which refers to spoken or sung praise, especially in the sense of public acknowledgment of God’s greatness. The phrase “more and more” uses the Hebrew word יָסַף (yasaf) twice, which means to add or increase. This repetition stresses that the psalmist’s praise will keep growing, not just stay the same.

Question 3

Why Psalms 71:14 matters

Accepted Answer

The verse clears up the idea that hope and praise are only for good times; here, they are shown as choices made even in hardship. By repeating the word for “more,” the verse emphasizes that praise is not static but can deepen and expand over time, especially through challenges. This verse connects to the wider psalm, where the speaker looks back on a life of faith and commits to trusting God even as new difficulties arise, showing faith as a lifelong journey.

Psalms 71:14 (KJV)