Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

PSALMS 71:18KJV
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Psalms 71:18 (KJV)

What does Psalms 71:18 mean?

Psalms 71:18 is a prayer from an older person asking God not to abandon them in their old age, so they can continue to tell the next generation about God’s strength and power. The verse expresses a desire to keep sharing what God has done, even as the speaker grows old and gray.

The speaker in Psalms 71:18 is traditionally understood to be David, talking directly to God. He is reflecting on his life as he ages, concerned about being left alone but also feeling a responsibility to pass on stories of God’s might to younger people and future generations. The verse highlights both a personal need for God’s presence and a commitment to teaching others about God’s deeds.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 71:18

  • "Old" (זָקֵן, zaqen) and "grayheaded" (שֵׂיבָה, seivah) both emphasize the advanced age of the speaker, showing that the request comes from someone who feels the limits of age and experience.
  • "Forsake" (עָזַב, azav) means to leave or abandon. The plea is for God not to withdraw support or presence, especially in a vulnerable time of life.
  • "Strength" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroaʿ) literally means "arm" and often symbolizes power or might. The speaker wants to show God’s active, powerful help to others.
  • "Generation" (דּוֹר, dor) refers to a group of people living at the same time, stressing the importance of passing on faith and stories to those who come after.

Why Psalms 71:18 matters

  • Psalms 71:18 clarifies that feeling useful and having a purpose can continue into old age, especially in sharing wisdom and faith with younger people.
  • The verse highlights the idea that each generation has a role in teaching the next about God’s actions, making faith a living, ongoing story.
  • It connects to the wider psalm, which is about trusting God throughout all stages of life, not just in youth or strength.

Where else these words appear

“old” Hebrew H2209 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 24:36 And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath.
  • 1 Kings 11:4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father.
  • Psalms 71:9 Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

“grayheaded” Hebrew H7872 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 15:15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
  • Deuteronomy 32:25 The sword without, and terror within, shall destroy both the young man and the virgin, the suckling also with the man of gray hairs.
  • Job 41:32 He maketh a path to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.

“power” Hebrew H1369 · used in 61 verses

  • Exodus 32:18 And he said, It is not the voice of them that shout for mastery, neither is it the voice of them that cry for being overcome: but the noise of them that sing do I hear.
  • Job 12:13 With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
  • Proverbs 8:14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.

“strength” Hebrew H2220 · used in 84 verses

  • Genesis 49:24 But his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob;(from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel:)
  • Job 38:15 And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.
  • Isaiah 59:16 And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.