Psalms 118:14

KJV

The LORD [is] my strength and song, and is become my salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

The LORD {H3050} is my strength {H5797} and song {H2176}, and is become my salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yah is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.

Berean Standard Bible

The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.

American Standard Version

Jehovah is my strength and song; And he is become my salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:14 is a powerful declaration of faith and gratitude, proclaiming the LORD as the ultimate source of the psalmist's strength, the very reason for their joyful praise, and the complete embodiment of their deliverance. This verse encapsulates a profound confession of absolute dependence on God, acknowledging His active and personal intervention as the sole provider of ability, triumph, and the ground for celebration in the face of adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 118 stands as the final psalm in the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, particularly Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles. It is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely recited by an individual (perhaps a king) or the nation of Israel after a significant deliverance from formidable enemies or a dire situation. The verses immediately preceding Psalms 118:14 (e.g., [Psalms 118:10-13](/psalms/118-10-13 "Psalms 118:10-13 - Surrounded by Enemies")) depict a state of intense distress and encirclement by adversaries, making the declaration of God as "strength, song, and salvation" a triumphant acknowledgment of divine intervention and victory. The psalm culminates in a call to worship and a recognition of God's enduring steadfast love, echoing themes of covenant faithfulness and divine rescue. It also holds profound Messianic significance, with verses like [Psalms 118:22-23](/psalms/118-22-23 "Psalms 118:22-23 - The Rejected Stone") being directly quoted and applied to Jesus' rejection and resurrection in the New Testament.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Hallel psalms were an integral part of Jewish liturgical life, particularly during the three pilgrimage festivals when all Israel gathered in Jerusalem. Singing these psalms would have been a corporate act of worship and remembrance, celebrating God's past deliverances (like the Exodus) and His ongoing faithfulness. The context of a "king" or "nation" being delivered from "enemies" (as implied in the surrounding verses) points to a scenario of military or political threat, where human strength proved insufficient, and divine intervention was desperately needed and gloriously received. The public declaration of God as strength, song, and salvation would have been a profound act of testimony within the temple courts or communal gatherings, reinforcing the community's identity as a people saved by their God. The celebratory nature of the psalm aligns with the festive atmosphere of the pilgrimages, where joy and thanksgiving were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Psalm 118 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Empowerment**, asserting that God is the ultimate source of all true strength and resilience. Any ability to endure, overcome, or succeed in life's battles comes directly from Him, not from human might or resources, as seen in the testimony of [Isaiah 40:29](/isaiah/40-29 "Isaiah 40:29 - God Gives Power to the Faint"). Secondly, it emphasizes **Joy in Deliverance**, transforming fear and sorrow into spontaneous worship and melody. God's saving acts are not merely relief from danger but a profound reason for heartfelt praise and celebration, echoing the triumphant song of Moses and Israel after the Red Sea crossing in [Exodus 15:2](/exodus/15-2 "Exodus 15:2 - The Song of Moses"). Thirdly, the verse underscores **God as Savior**, proclaiming that God Himself is the deliverer and the very act of deliverance. It's not just that God *provides* salvation, but that He *is* salvation, actively and personally involved in rescuing His people from peril. This profound truth is central to the Old Testament's understanding of God's character, as declared in [Isaiah 12:2](/isaiah/12-2 "Isaiah 12:2 - God My Salvation and Strength"). Finally, it conveys a theme of **Complete Dependence and Gratitude**, serving as a testament to the psalmist's absolute reliance on God and expressing profound thanksgiving for His saving work, encouraging all believers to look to God alone for help and to praise Him for every victory.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strength (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_):** This word (H5797) conveys not merely physical might, but also power, fortitude, and a sense of being a fortified place or refuge. When God is declared as "my strength," it signifies that He is the source of all ability to stand firm, endure hardship, and overcome opposition. It implies an indwelling power that enables the psalmist to face challenges that would otherwise be insurmountable, encompassing force, security, majesty, and praise.
* **Song (Hebrew, _zimrâth'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to prune" or "to sing," _zimrâth_ (H2176) refers to a melody or a song of praise, often specifically a song of triumph or deliverance. It is not just *a* song, but the *reason* for singing, the very theme of the psalmist's worship. It signifies the joy and celebration that erupts spontaneously from a heart overwhelmed by God's saving acts, transforming lament into melody and instrumental music into praise.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _yᵉshûwʻâh'_):** This rich Hebrew term (H3444) encompasses deliverance, rescue, victory, well-being, and prosperity. It speaks of a comprehensive liberation from danger, oppression, and distress. The significant aspect here is that God *is* the salvation, not merely its dispenser. This is the same root from which the name Jesus (Yeshua) derives, literally meaning "The LORD saves," highlighting the ultimate embodiment of this divine attribute in the person of Christ. The phrase "is become" (or "has become") signifies a completed, realized act of deliverance, reinforcing God's faithfulness and the psalmist's experiential knowledge of His saving power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The LORD [is] my strength":** This clause establishes God as the singular and ultimate source of the psalmist's power and resilience. It's a declaration that any ability to endure, overcome, or succeed comes not from human might, military prowess, or personal resources, but directly from the divine. It implies a deep personal reliance and an acknowledgment that without God, the psalmist is inherently weak and vulnerable.
* **"and song":** Following the declaration of strength, "and song" indicates that God is also the very reason for the psalmist's joy, praise, and celebration. It speaks of the spontaneous eruption of worship and melody that follows a divine rescue. The deliverance provided by God transforms fear, sorrow, or distress into an overflowing sense of gladness and thanksgiving, making God Himself the theme and content of the psalmist's worship.
* **"and is become my salvation":** This final clause culminates the declaration by emphasizing that God Himself is the deliverer and the very act of deliverance. It's not merely that God *gives* salvation, but that He *is* salvation in its fullest sense. The perfect tense "is become" (or "has become") signifies a completed, accomplished work of rescue, highlighting God's faithfulness in bringing about a definitive victory or liberation. It points to God's active, personal, and effective involvement in rescuing His people from peril, making Him the embodiment of their deliverance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 118:14 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where God is directly equated with "strength," "song," and "salvation." He is not just *like* these things; He *is* them, embodying their essence for the psalmist. This creates a vivid and personal connection between the worshiper and God's attributes. The verse also utilizes **Tricolon** (a series of three parallel clauses or phrases), creating a rhythmic and emphatic declaration: "The LORD is my strength," "and song," "and is become my salvation." This structure builds intensity and reinforces the comprehensive nature of God's provision. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Confession** or **Declaration of Faith**, a personal affirmation of God's character and His saving work. The use of the first-person possessive "my" throughout ("my strength," "my song," "my salvation") underscores the intimate and experiential relationship between the psalmist and the LORD.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 118:14 stands as a bedrock declaration of God's character as the all-sufficient deliverer and the proper response of His people. Theologically, it underscores divine sovereignty and omnipotence, asserting that true strength and ultimate rescue reside solely in God. It highlights the biblical theme of God's active involvement in the lives of His people, not as a distant deity, but as a personal Savior who intervenes in their distress. The verse also connects the experience of salvation with an outpouring of joy and worship, establishing a fundamental link between deliverance and praise. This pattern of God's saving work eliciting a song of thanksgiving is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, demonstrating that gratitude and celebration are the natural and expected responses to divine grace.

* [Exodus 15:2](/exodus/15-2 "The Song of Moses and Israel")
* [Isaiah 12:2](/isaiah/12-2 "God My Salvation and Strength")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalms/27-1 "The LORD is My Light and My Salvation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:14 offers timeless encouragement and a profound model for faith in the life of every believer. In a world fraught with challenges, where personal strength often falters and circumstances threaten to overwhelm, this verse calls us to fix our gaze on the LORD as our ultimate and unfailing resource. When faced with weakness, fear, or despair, we can find comfort and courage in the truth that God Himself *is* our strength, empowering us beyond our natural capabilities. Even in the midst of trials, His presence and the promise of His deliverance provide an enduring reason for joy and praise, transforming our lament into a song of hope and triumph. This verse compels us to cultivate a posture of complete dependence on God for our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being, acknowledging that true salvation, lasting victory, and authentic joy come only through Him. It encourages a life marked by worship and thanksgiving, recognizing God's active and personal role in every aspect of our existence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging God as *your* strength change your approach to personal weaknesses or overwhelming challenges?**
* **In what specific ways has God become your "song" – the reason for your joy and praise – in times of personal deliverance or blessing?**
* **How does the truth that God *is* your salvation, a completed act, impact your daily trust and worship, especially when facing new uncertainties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to more consistently rely on God as your strength, song, and salvation in your daily life?**

### FAQ
**Is Psalm 118:14 a prophecy about Jesus?**

Answer: While not a direct predictive prophecy *of* Jesus in the same explicit manner as some other verses in Psalm 118 (e.g., [Psalms 118:22](/psalms/118-22 "Psalms 118:22 - The Rejected Stone")), Psalms 118:14 profoundly describes God's character and saving work, which finds its ultimate and fullest embodiment in Jesus Christ. The declaration that God *is* salvation is perfectly fulfilled in Jesus, whose very name (Yeshua in Hebrew) means "The LORD saves." Thus, while not a direct prophecy, it is a theological truth that points forward to and is perfectly realized in the person and work of Christ.

**What does "is become" signify in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "is become" (or "has become" in some translations) signifies a completed, realized act of deliverance. It indicates that the psalmist has experientially witnessed and received God's saving power. It's not a future hope, but a present reality based on past divine intervention. This perfect tense highlights God's faithfulness and the psalmist's personal testimony to a definitive rescue or victory that God has already accomplished, making Him the source of their present strength and song.

**How does this verse relate to the "Hallel" psalms?**

Answer: Psalms 118:14 is a climactic declaration within the Hallel psalms (Psalms 113-118), which were traditionally sung during major Jewish festivals, especially Passover. These psalms recount God's mighty acts of deliverance (like the Exodus) and express profound thanksgiving. Psalms 118:14 fits perfectly within this context as a triumphant confession of God's saving power and faithfulness, serving as a powerful summary of the Hallel's overarching theme: God is the great deliverer, and He is worthy of all praise and trust. Its inclusion underscores the celebratory and grateful nature of these liturgical songs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:14 finds its most profound and complete fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies God as our strength, song, and salvation. In Christ, the abstract concept of divine strength becomes a tangible reality for believers; as Paul declares, "I can do all things through [Christ who strengthens me](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me")" (Philippians 4:13). Our weakness is met with His inexhaustible power, enabling us to overcome sin, temptation, and the trials of life. Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate source of our "song," the new song of redemption that echoes throughout eternity. He has transformed our lament into a melody of grace, joy, and thanksgiving, providing the ultimate reason for praise through His redemptive work on the cross ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - The New Song of Redemption")). Most significantly, Jesus *is* our salvation. His very name, "Jesus," is the Greek form of "Yeshua," meaning "The LORD saves," as confirmed by the angel's instruction to Joseph: "You are to give him the name Jesus, because [he will save his people from their sins](/matthew/1-21 "Matthew 1:21 - Jesus Will Save His People")" (Matthew 1:21). Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ has definitively accomplished our deliverance from sin, death, and the power of the grave, becoming our eternal salvation ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). Thus, the strength, the joy, and the deliverance celebrated by the psalmist are perfectly and eternally realized in our Lord Jesus Christ, making Him the focus of our faith and the object of our unending worship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

Psalms 18:2

The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower.

Psalms 27:1

¶ [A Psalm] of David. The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Exodus 15:2

The LORD [is] my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he [is] my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.

Exodus 15:6

Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

Matthew 1:21

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:23

Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.