Psalms 71:23 (KJV)

What does Psalms 71:23 mean?

Psalms 71:23 expresses the psalmist’s deep joy and gratitude to God, saying that his lips will rejoice and sing because God has redeemed his soul. The verse highlights a personal response of praise that comes from being rescued or delivered by God.

In this psalm, an older believer is speaking directly to God, reflecting on a lifetime of God’s faithfulness and help. The verse comes in a section where the psalmist promises to praise God openly, especially because of God’s saving actions. The focus is on heartfelt worship that springs from personal experience of God’s rescue.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 71:23

• lips (שָׂפָה, saphah): This word points to spoken or sung praise, making the worship very personal and public.
• rejoice (רָנַן, ranan): This is often understood as a joyful shout or ringing cry, not just quiet happiness but an outward, expressive joy.
• sing (זָמַר, zamar): This word means to make music or sing praises, often with instruments, showing that the praise is active and celebratory.
• soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): This refers to the whole self or life, not just the inner spirit, emphasizing that the entire person is involved in this gratitude.
• redeemed (פָּדָה, padah): This word means to be rescued or ransomed, often from danger or trouble, underlining that the psalmist’s praise is a direct response to God’s saving action.

Why Psalms 71:23 matters

• The verse clarifies that true praise comes from personal experience of God’s help, not just ritual or tradition.
• By mentioning both lips and soul, the psalmist shows that worship involves both outward expression and inner reality.
• The verse connects to the wider psalm, where the writer repeatedly recalls God’s past deliverance as the reason for ongoing trust and praise, especially in old age.