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.