Psalms 71:19 (KJV)

What does Psalms 71:19 mean?

Psalms 71:19 praises God for His unmatched righteousness and the great things He has done, declaring that no one else is like Him. The verse highlights God’s moral perfection and the extraordinary acts He performs, setting Him apart from all others.

In this verse, the psalmist (traditionally understood as David) is speaking directly to God, reflecting on God’s character and past deeds. The context is one of trust and gratitude, as the psalmist looks back on a lifetime of God’s faithfulness and wonders at how high God’s righteousness stands above all else. The verse serves as both a statement of awe and a rhetorical question, emphasizing that God is truly unique.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 71:19

• צִדְקָה (tsidqah, H6666): This word is translated as "righteousness" and refers to God’s perfect justice and moral rightness. The psalmist describes God’s righteousness as "very high," suggesting it is far above human standards.
• אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, H430): Used twice in this verse for "God," this is a common Hebrew term for God, emphasizing His power and majesty. The repetition underlines God’s central role in the psalmist’s praise.
• מָרוֹם (marom, H4791): Translated as "very high," this word often means something exalted or lofty. Here, it stresses the greatness and inaccessibility of God’s righteousness compared to anything else.
• עָשָׂה (asah, H6213): This verb means "to do" or "to make," referring to the "great things" God has accomplished. It points to God’s active involvement in the world, not just His character.

Why Psalms 71:19 matters

• This verse clears up any idea that God’s righteousness is ordinary or comparable to human standards; it is described as being "very high," far above anything else.
• The rhetorical question "who is like unto thee?" draws attention to God’s uniqueness, a theme that runs throughout the psalms and the wider Old Testament.
• By focusing on both God’s character (righteousness) and His actions (great things done), the verse connects personal faith to the larger story of God’s work in history, encouraging readers to see God as both morally perfect and actively involved.