Psalms 71:16 (KJV)

What does Psalms 71:16 mean?

Psalms 71:16 describes the psalmist’s intention to move forward relying on the strength of the Lord GOD and to speak only of God’s righteousness, not his own. The verse emphasizes that the psalmist’s confidence and message are rooted entirely in God’s power and character.

In this psalm, an older believer (traditionally thought to be David) is speaking to God during a time of trouble, reflecting on a lifetime of relying on God. The psalmist is not boasting about personal achievements but is determined to trust in God’s might and to publicly acknowledge only God’s righteousness as the source of hope and help.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 71:16

• "Strength" (עֹז, ʿoz): This word often points to might, power, or force. Here, it highlights that the psalmist is not relying on personal ability but on the enduring strength that comes from God.
• "LORD" (אֲדֹנָי, Adonai) and "GOD" (יְהוִה, Yahweh): Both titles are used together, underlining both God’s authority (Adonai, meaning "Master" or "Lord") and His personal, covenant name (Yahweh). This pairing stresses the psalmist’s deep reverence and personal relationship with God.
• "Mention" (זָכַר, zakar): This verb means "to remember" or "to make mention of." The psalmist is choosing to publicly recall and declare God’s righteousness, not his own deeds.
• "Righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedaqah): This word refers to what is right, just, or morally upright. The psalmist is clear that only God’s righteousness is worth proclaiming, setting aside any claim to personal merit.

Why Psalms 71:16 matters

• Psalms 71:16 clarifies that true spiritual confidence is not self-reliance but dependence on God’s strength and character.
• The verse draws attention to the importance of giving God credit for righteousness, rather than focusing on human goodness or achievement.
• In the context of the psalm, this verse helps frame the speaker’s entire approach to life’s challenges: facing them by trusting in God’s power and consistently pointing others to God’s faithfulness.