O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

PSALMS 71:17KJV
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Psalms 71:17 (KJV)

What does Psalms 71:17 mean?

Psalms 71:17 expresses the psalmist’s gratitude to God for teaching and guiding him since his youth, and for enabling him to speak about God’s amazing deeds up to the present. The verse highlights a lifelong relationship with God, marked by learning from Him and sharing His wonders with others.

In this verse, the speaker is reflecting back over his life, recognizing that God has been his teacher and guide from a young age. The psalmist, likely King David or someone in a similar position, is addressing God directly, recalling how he has always spoken about God’s remarkable actions. The verse comes in the context of a prayer for continued help in old age, emphasizing faithfulness and testimony over a lifetime.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 71:17

  • God (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is a common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and majesty. The psalmist’s direct address to אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) shows a personal and respectful relationship.
  • taught (לָמַד, lamad): This word means to teach or instruct. The psalmist credits God as the one who has been his teacher, suggesting a process of learning that has shaped his whole life.
  • youth (נְעוּרִים, ne'urim): This word refers to the early years or youth. The psalmist’s mention of his youth underscores that his relationship with God is not new or recent, but has deep roots.
  • declared (הִגַּדְתִּי, higgadti): This word means to make known or announce. The psalmist is saying he has actively told others about God’s works, not kept them to himself.
  • works (נִפְלְאוֹתֶיךָ, nifl’otecha): This word refers to wondrous or miraculous deeds. The psalmist focuses on God’s extraordinary actions, not just ordinary events.

Why Psalms 71:17 matters

  • Psalms 71:17 clarifies that spiritual growth and understanding can begin early in life and continue throughout a person’s years, not just in moments of crisis or old age.
  • The verse emphasizes that remembering and speaking about God’s “wondrous works” is an important part of faith, showing that testimony is both personal and public.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 71, this verse connects the psalmist’s past experiences with his present plea for help, reinforcing the idea that God’s faithfulness in the past is the basis for trust in the future.

Where else these words appear

“youth” Hebrew H5271 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 8:21 And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man's sake; for the imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done.
  • Psalms 129:1 A Song of degrees. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth, may Israel now say:
  • Jeremiah 48:11 Moab hath been at ease from his youth, and he hath settled on his lees, and hath not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither hath he gone into captivity: therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed.

“works” Hebrew H6381 · used in 69 verses

  • Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
  • Job 5:9 Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:
  • Psalms 107:15 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

“taught” Hebrew H3925 · used in 80 verses

  • Deuteronomy 4:1 Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.
  • Psalms 25:4 Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.
  • Proverbs 30:3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy.