Psalms 71:22 (KJV)

What does Psalms 71:22 mean?

Psalms 71:22 expresses a personal promise to praise God with music, specifically mentioning the psaltery and harp, and to honor God’s truth and holiness. The speaker addresses God as the “Holy One of Israel” and commits to singing in recognition of God’s faithfulness.

In this verse, the psalmist—traditionally understood to be David—speaks directly to God, likely during a time of reflection on God’s help throughout his life. The mention of musical instruments highlights a heartfelt, public act of worship, while calling God the “Holy One of Israel” emphasizes God’s unique relationship with the people of Israel and His trustworthy character.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 71:22

• praise (יָדָה, yadah): This word often means to give thanks or confess, and here it carries the sense of openly acknowledging God’s goodness with gratitude.
• psaltery (כְּלִי, keli; נֶבֶל, nevel): Two Hebrew words are tagged for “psaltery.” נֶבֶל (nevel) refers to a stringed instrument, similar to a lyre or harp, used in temple worship. כְּלִי (keli) is a general word for “vessel” or “instrument,” but here it likely points to a specific musical instrument.
• truth (אֱמֶת, emet): This word means firmness, faithfulness, or reliability. The psalmist praises God not just for what He does, but for His dependable character.
• sing (זָמַר, zamar): This verb means to make music or sing praises, often with accompaniment, showing that worship here is both vocal and instrumental.
• harp (כִּנּוֹר, kinnor): This is another stringed instrument, commonly associated with joyful worship in ancient Israel.
• One (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): Used in the phrase “Holy One of Israel,” this word highlights God’s set-apartness and purity.

Why Psalms 71:22 matters

• The verse clarifies that worship in ancient Israel was both musical and deeply personal, involving specific instruments and heartfelt praise.
• By calling God the “Holy One of Israel,” the psalmist connects his personal praise to the larger story of God’s relationship with the nation, not just an individual experience.
• The focus on God’s “truth” (אֱמֶת, emet) reminds readers that worship is rooted in God’s faithfulness and reliability, not just in emotional expression.