Psalms 118:17

KJV

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

I shall not die {H4191}, but live {H2421}, and declare {H5608} the works {H4639} of the LORD {H3050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will not die; no, I will live and proclaim the great deeds of Yah!

Berean Standard Bible

I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done.

American Standard Version

I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 118:17 stands as a powerful declaration of divine preservation and purposeful living, voiced by one who has experienced the Lord's miraculous deliverance from the brink of death. It encapsulates a profound commitment to not merely survive, but to dedicate one's life to proclaiming the mighty acts and faithful character of God. This verse is a triumphant affirmation of faith, transforming a moment of vulnerability into an enduring testimony to God's sovereign power and redemptive plan for His servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 118 is the final psalm in the "Egyptian Hallel" (Psalms 113-118), a collection traditionally sung during significant Jewish festivals, particularly Passover. Positioned as a grand finale, it culminates the Hallel's themes of God's universal sovereignty, His care for Israel, and His enduring mercy. The psalm itself shifts from a communal call to praise (verses 1-4) to a personal testimony of distress and deliverance (verses 5-18), before concluding with a triumphant procession to the temple and a final call to worship (verses 19-29). Verse 17 represents the pinnacle of the psalmist's personal testimony, a bold declaration of life and purpose following a period of intense struggle and divine intervention, echoing the broader theme of God's steadfast love that endures forever, as stated in [Psalms 118:1](/psalms/118-1 "Psalm 118:1 - Give Thanks to the Lord").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific author is not named, the psalm's content suggests a king (perhaps David or a later monarch) or a leader of the nation, or even a personification of Israel itself, giving thanks after a significant victory or deliverance from a national crisis. The references to "enemies" (verse 7), "nations" (verse 10), and "the gate of the LORD" (verse 19) suggest a public, possibly liturgical, setting for this declaration. The context of the Egyptian Hallel ties it to the foundational narrative of the Exodus, where God delivered Israel from slavery and death, establishing a pattern of divine rescue that is celebrated annually. The act of "declaring the works of the LORD" was a vital part of Israelite worship and communal memory, ensuring that God's mighty deeds were remembered and passed down through generations, as seen in [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several core themes central to Psalm 118 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, **Divine Preservation and Deliverance** is paramount; the psalmist's survival is not attributed to personal strength or human aid but solely to the Lord's intervention, underscoring God's role as the ultimate protector and deliverer of His people, a theme found throughout [Psalms 27](/psalms/27 "Psalm 27 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation"). Secondly, **Purposeful Living** is highlighted, as life is not merely preserved for its own sake but for a specific, holy mission: "to declare the works of the LORD." This emphasizes that God often saves and sustains individuals not just for their benefit, but so they can glorify Him and bear witness to His faithfulness, a concept echoed in [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - A People Formed for God's Praise"). Thirdly, **Testimony and Praise** are central to the declaration; to "declare the works of the LORD" is to give public, active testimony to His goodness, power, and faithfulness, recounting His mighty deeds and proclaiming His character to others, aligning with the call to praise God for His wondrous works in [Psalms 9:1](/psalms/9-1 "Psalm 9:1 - I Will Give Thanks to the Lord"). Finally, the verse conveys **Unwavering Confidence in God's Faithfulness**, demonstrating absolute trust in God's plan and purpose despite facing peril.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Live (Hebrew, _chayah'_):** This word (חָיָה) means more than mere biological existence; it encompasses vitality, flourishing, restoration, and a vibrant, purposeful life. In the context of deliverance from death, _chayah_ implies a renewed life, a fresh start, and a state of well-being granted by God. It suggests a life that is full, active, and directed towards God's purposes, rather than simply avoiding cessation.
* **Declare (Hebrew, _saphar'_):** The verb (סָפַר) means to recount, to number, to tell, or to proclaim. It implies a detailed, active, and public recounting of events or facts. This is not a passive acknowledgment but an intentional, verbal testimony. The psalmist commits to making God's deeds known widely and thoroughly, ensuring they are not forgotten.
* **Works (Hebrew, _ma'aseh'_):** This noun (מַעֲשֵׂה) refers to deeds, acts, accomplishments, or undertakings. In this context, it specifically denotes God's mighty acts of salvation, intervention, and righteous judgment in history. It speaks to the tangible evidence of God's power and faithfulness, particularly His redemptive and preserving actions on behalf of His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I shall not die, but live":** This powerful antithetical statement expresses an absolute certainty of future survival and vitality, directly contrasting the imminent threat of death. It is a declaration of faith that God's will for the psalmist is life, not demise. This conviction stems from a past experience of divine intervention, transforming fear into a confident expectation of continued existence and flourishing. The psalmist's life is not merely prolonged but infused with renewed purpose.
* **"and declare the works of the LORD":** This clause immediately provides the divine purpose for the preserved life. Survival is not an end in itself but a means to a greater end: to bear witness to God's mighty deeds. The "works of the LORD" refer to His acts of deliverance, power, and faithfulness, particularly those experienced by the psalmist. This declaration is a public testimony, an act of praise and evangelism, ensuring that God receives the glory for His intervention. It transforms the individual's experience into a communal benefit, educating others about God's character and power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 118:17 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, seen in the direct opposition between "not die" and "live." This stark contrast emphasizes the dramatic nature of God's intervention, highlighting the reversal of fortune from impending death to assured life. This rhetorical choice underscores the psalmist's absolute confidence in divine preservation. Additionally, the verse functions as a **Declaration**, a bold and assertive statement of faith and purpose. It is not a request or a lament, but a triumphant proclamation, reflecting a shift from distress to victory. The phrase "the works of the LORD" can be understood as a form of **Metonymy**, where "works" stands in for the character and power of God revealed through those actions. By declaring His works, the psalmist is effectively declaring God Himself—His faithfulness, strength, and saving power. Finally, the verse exhibits **Parallelism of Purpose**, where the act of living is directly linked to the purpose of declaring God's works, demonstrating that existence itself is consecrated to divine testimony.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the overarching biblical narrative of God's sovereign control over life and death, and His call for His people to be witnesses to His glory. It affirms that divine preservation is not arbitrary but purposeful, often intended to enable further testimony to God's faithfulness. The psalmist's commitment to "declare the works of the LORD" foreshadows the Great Commission, where believers are called to proclaim God's redemptive acts to all nations. It underscores the theological truth that our lives, especially those spared or redeemed, are meant to be living testimonies to God's power and grace, transforming personal experience into public worship and evangelism. This divine purpose elevates human existence beyond mere survival, imbuing it with eternal significance and a mandate to magnify the Lord.

* [Psalms 71:15](/psalms/71-15 "Psalm 71:15 - My Mouth Will Tell of Your Righteous Acts")
* [Isaiah 38:19](/isaiah/38-19 "Isaiah 38:19 - The Living Will Praise You")
* [Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Acts 20:24 - Finishing My Course and Ministry")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 118:17 offers a profound framework for understanding our own lives in light of God's sovereignty and grace. It challenges us to move beyond a mere desire for survival and embrace a life of intentional purpose, recognizing that every breath is a gift from God, especially when we have been delivered from trials, sickness, or despair. This verse calls us to view our existence not as our own possession, but as a stewardship given for the glory of God. When we face overwhelming odds, sickness, or spiritual attacks, this declaration reminds us that God has a purpose for our continued life, a purpose that transcends our immediate circumstances. It compels us to ask: If God has preserved me, for what purpose has He done so? The answer, as the psalmist reveals, is to declare His works – to share His goodness, power, and faithfulness through our words, actions, and very lives. This is a call to active, grateful testimony, transforming our personal stories of deliverance into public acts of worship that inspire faith in others and bring glory to our Deliverer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways has the Lord preserved your life or delivered you from difficult situations?**
* **How does recognizing God's preservation influence your understanding of your life's purpose?**
* **What "works of the LORD" in your life or in the world are you currently called to declare?**
* **How can you more intentionally live out the purpose of declaring God's works in your daily interactions and through your vocation?**

### FAQ

**What does "declare the works of the LORD" practically mean for a believer today?**

Answer: For a believer today, "declare the works of the LORD" means actively and intentionally bearing witness to God's character, power, and faithfulness in all aspects of life. Practically, this involves:
1. **Verbal Testimony:** Sharing personal stories of God's intervention, grace, and provision in your life, whether in casual conversations, small groups, or public settings. This aligns with the call to always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in you, as seen in [1 Peter 3:15](/1_peter/3-15 "1 Peter 3:15 - Always Be Prepared").
2. **Living a Godly Life:** Allowing your actions, integrity, and love to reflect God's nature, so that others see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven, as Jesus taught in [Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine").
3. **Proclaiming the Gospel:** Actively sharing the good news of Jesus Christ—His life, death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers—which is God's ultimate work of redemption. This is the core of the Christian mission, as commanded in [Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - Preach the Gospel to All Creation").
4. **Engaging in Worship and Praise:** Publicly and privately acknowledging God's attributes and deeds through songs, prayers, and thanksgiving, contributing to the corporate declaration of His greatness.
5. **Serving Others:** Participating in acts of justice, mercy, and compassion that demonstrate God's love and character to a broken world, thereby making His "works" visible.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 118:17 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's declaration, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD," perfectly prefigures Christ's resurrection from the dead and His subsequent glorification. Jesus truly "did not die, but lived" in a way that no other human has, conquering death definitively through His resurrection, as foretold in passages like [Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up"). His victory over the grave was not merely for His own existence but for the ultimate purpose of declaring the greatest "works of the LORD"—God's redemptive plan for humanity, culminating in the cross and empty tomb. Through His resurrection, Jesus became the firstfruits of those who sleep, demonstrating God's power to grant eternal life to all who believe in Him, as explained in [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ the Firstfruits"). Furthermore, Christ's life and ministry were entirely dedicated to "declaring the works of the LORD," revealing the Father's character, kingdom, and saving will through His teachings, miracles, and sacrificial love. His resurrection empowered His disciples to continue this declaration, sending them out to proclaim the "works of the LORD" to the ends of the earth, a mission initiated by the risen Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, as recorded in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - You Will Be My Witnesses"). Thus, the psalmist's ancient cry becomes a prophetic echo of the triumph of Christ, whose life and resurrection are the supreme declaration of God's mighty and saving works.

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

John 11:4

When Jesus heard [that], he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby.

Psalms 6:5

For in death [there is] no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

Psalms 71:17

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Psalms 71:18

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 73:28

But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.

Isaiah 38:16

O Lord, by these [things men] live, and in all these [things is] the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live.

Isaiah 38:20

The LORD [was ready] to save me: therefore we will sing my songs to the stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the LORD.