Psalms 40:16

KJV

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let all those that seek {H1245}{H8764)} thee rejoice {H7797}{H8799)} and be glad {H8055}{H8799)} in thee: let such as love {H157}{H8802)} thy salvation {H8668} say {H559}{H8799)} continually {H8548}, The LORD {H3068} be magnified {H1431}{H8799)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But may all those who seek you be glad and take joy in you. May those who love your salvation say always, "ADONAI is great and glorious!"

Berean Standard Bible

May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!”

American Standard Version

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, Jehovah be magnified.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 40:16 is a fervent communal prayer embedded within David's psalm, transitioning from his personal testimony of deliverance to a universal aspiration. It expresses a profound desire that all who earnestly seek God would find their ultimate joy and gladness in Him, and that those who deeply appreciate His saving work would be compelled to continually declare and exalt His supreme greatness. This verse encapsulates the appropriate response of God's people to His enduring faithfulness and transformative salvation, culminating in an unending proclamation of His worth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 40 is a composite psalm, often understood in two major sections. The first part (verses 1-10) is a powerful song of thanksgiving, where David recounts God's miraculous rescue from a "horrible pit" and miry clay, establishing his steps and putting a new song in his mouth ([Psalms 40:2](/psalms/40-2 "Psalms 40:2 - God's Deliverance from the Pit")). This section emphasizes God's faithfulness and David's commitment to proclaiming His righteousness and salvation. The second part (verses 11-17) shifts to an urgent lament and plea for divine intervention against numerous enemies and overwhelming troubles. Verse 16, while concluding this lament, is a hopeful petition for the righteous. It contrasts with the despair of the wicked mentioned in the surrounding verses and serves as a communal prayer, extending the individual experience of deliverance to a broader desire for all who seek God to respond with joy and continuous praise, thus concluding the psalm with an outward-looking, worshipful aspiration for God's people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by David, this psalm reflects the life of a king who experienced both profound personal suffering and miraculous divine intervention. Ancient Israelite society deeply valued communal worship and the public declaration of God's acts of salvation. The "pit" imagery, common in the ancient Near East, could refer to literal imprisonment, deep distress, or even the grave, symbolizing dire circumstances. The concept of "seeking" God (Hebrew: *bâqash*) was not a passive act but an active, earnest pursuit of His presence, will, and favor, often involving prayer, sacrifice, and obedience to the covenant. The call to "magnify" the Lord was a central aspect of Israelite worship, acknowledging God's supreme authority and power in a world where many deities were worshipped. This public declaration served to reinforce communal faith and witness to God's unique sovereignty among the nations.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 40:16 encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **source of true joy**, asserting that genuine gladness is found *in God* rather than in circumstances or worldly possessions. This aligns with the wisdom tradition that encourages delighting in the Lord ([Psalms 37:4](/psalms/37-4 "Psalms 37:4 - Delight in the Lord")). Secondly, it underscores the **value of God's salvation**, portraying it not merely as a concept but as a tangible experience that elicits profound love and gratitude. This echoes the numerous accounts of God's saving acts in Israel's history, from the Exodus ([Exodus/14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Red Sea Crossing")) to individual deliverances. Finally, the verse emphasizes the **perpetual nature of praise and worship**. The desire for God's name to be "magnified continually" reflects the understanding that God's greatness and His saving work warrant an unending response of adoration from His people, a theme reiterated in calls to praise God from generation to generation ([Psalms 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalms 145:4 - Proclaiming God's Works")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seek (Hebrew, _bâqash'_):** H1245. This primitive root means "to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after." It denotes an earnest, diligent, and often persistent pursuit. It implies a proactive desire for God's presence, will, and favor, rather than a casual or superficial inquiry. It suggests a life oriented towards God, a deliberate turning towards Him in all aspects of existence, often involving a deep spiritual longing.
* **Salvation (Hebrew, _tᵉshûwʻâh'_):** H8668. Derived from a root meaning "to rescue," this noun signifies "rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual); deliverance, help, safety, victory." In this context, it refers to God's saving acts, whether physical deliverance from danger, spiritual redemption from sin, or divine intervention in dire circumstances. It encompasses the entirety of God's redemptive work on behalf of His people.
* **Magnified (Hebrew, _gâdal'_):** H1431. This primitive root means "to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)." In this context, it signifies to exalt, extol, or declare God's greatness. It is an acknowledgment and proclamation of His supreme power, glory, and worthiness above all creation, not making God greater than He is, but acknowledging Him for who He truly is and publicly declaring His infinite worth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee":** This clause expresses a fervent petition or wish for those who earnestly pursue God. The joy and gladness are not external or circumstantial but are found *in God Himself*, indicating that true and lasting delight stems from a relationship with the divine, characterized by actively seeking His presence and will. This joy is a direct result of His character and presence, not merely His blessings.
* **"let such as love thy salvation say continually":** This transitions to those who have experienced and deeply appreciate God's saving acts, whether physical deliverance, spiritual redemption, or divine intervention. Their "love" for His salvation is not merely intellectual assent but a profound affection born of personal encounter with His deliverance. This love fuels their ongoing declaration, demonstrating a heart transformed by His grace.
* **"The LORD be magnified":** This is the core declaration, a perpetual call to exalt God. It is a public and continuous proclamation of His supreme greatness, power, and glory, acknowledging Him as the source of all salvation and worthy of unending praise. It is an active, ongoing testimony that recognizes God's infinite worth and invites others to join in His exaltation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 40:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Parallelism** is evident in the structure, where the first two clauses ("Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee" and "let such as love thy salvation say continually") present similar ideas in different phrasing, reinforcing the connection between seeking God, loving His salvation, and responding with praise. The verse also features **Metonymy**, where "salvation" stands for the entire redemptive work and character of God that brings about deliverance. Furthermore, the imperative "Let... be magnified" functions as a **Jussive**, expressing a strong wish or prayer, indicating a fervent desire for this continuous exultation of God to occur among His people. The phrase "continually" acts as **Hyperbole** to emphasize the unending nature of the praise, highlighting the profound and constant gratitude due to God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 40:16 powerfully articulates the appropriate human response to divine grace: a joyful, continuous magnification of God's name, rooted in a deep love for His saving work. This verse underscores the biblical truth that true joy is not found in self-sufficiency or worldly pursuits, but in an active, earnest relationship with God. It connects the experience of salvation (deliverance, help, well-being) directly to an outpouring of praise, demonstrating that gratitude for God's intervention naturally leads to His exaltation. The desire for God to be "magnified continually" reflects an understanding of His enduring faithfulness and the perpetual need for His people to bear witness to His greatness in every generation. This communal aspiration for God's glory is a central theme throughout Scripture, uniting individual testimonies with corporate worship and pointing to the ultimate purpose of humanity: to glorify God.

* [Psalms 34:3](/psalms/34-3 "Psalms 34:3 - Magnify the Lord with me")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord always")
* [Luke 1:46-47](/luke/1-46-47 "Luke 1:46-47 - Mary's Magnificat")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 40:16 serves as a profound blueprint for the life of a believer, calling us to an active, joyful, and worshipful engagement with God. It challenges us to examine the true source of our gladness: is it rooted in fleeting circumstances or in the unchanging character and saving work of God? To "seek" God implies a deliberate, daily pursuit of His presence through prayer, meditation on His Word, and obedience to His commands, recognizing that He is the ultimate wellspring of life and joy. Our "love" for His salvation should not be a passive appreciation but an active, overflowing gratitude that compels us to declare His greatness. In a world often consumed by self-magnification and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, this verse redirects our focus to the only One truly worthy of all praise. It encourages a lifestyle where our lips and lives continually bear witness to the magnitude of God's goodness and power, inspiring others to seek Him and experience His transformative salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for me to "seek" God in my daily life? Am I actively pursuing His presence and will?**
* **Where do I primarily find my joy and gladness? Is it truly "in God," or in external circumstances and achievements?**
* **How does my "love for God's salvation" translate into practical, continuous magnification of His name in my words and actions?**
* **In what ways can I more consistently and publicly declare God's greatness in my sphere of influence, both personally and communally?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "seek God"?**

Answer: To "seek God" (Hebrew: *bâqash*) implies an earnest, diligent, and intentional pursuit of His presence, will, and favor. It's not a casual inquiry but a proactive desire for a deeper relationship with Him. This involves spending time in prayer, studying His Word ([Joshua 1:8](/joshua/1-8 "Joshua 1:8 - Meditate on the Law")), obeying His commands, and prioritizing Him above all else. It's about orienting one's entire life towards knowing and experiencing God as the ultimate source of meaning and satisfaction, recognizing that He is the ultimate good.

**Why is it important to "rejoice and be glad in God" rather than in circumstances?**

Answer: Rejoicing and being glad "in God" means that our joy is rooted in His unchanging character, His sovereignty, and His saving work, rather than in the fluctuating conditions of our lives. Circumstantial joy is fleeting and dependent on external factors, but joy in God is steadfast and resilient, providing an anchor during trials. As [Habakkuk 3:17-18](/habakkuk/3-17-18 "Habakkuk 3:17-18 - Rejoicing in the Lord despite hardship") powerfully illustrates, even when all earthly comforts fail, we can still rejoice in the God of our salvation. This kind of joy is a fruit of the Spirit ([Galatians 5:22](/galatians/5-22 "Galatians 5:22 - Fruit of the Spirit")) and a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in a fallen world.

**How can we "continually" magnify the Lord in our daily lives?**

Answer: Magnifying the Lord continually means living a life that consistently points to His greatness. This isn't limited to formal worship services but permeates every aspect of life. It involves expressing gratitude in prayer, speaking of His goodness to others, living righteously, using our gifts for His glory ([1 Peter 4:10-11](/1_peter/4-10-11 "1 Peter 4:10-11 - Using Gifts for God's Glory")), and allowing our actions to reflect His character and love. It's a mindset of worship that transforms ordinary moments into opportunities to declare His supreme worthiness, in both word and deed, making our entire existence a living testimony to His greatness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 40:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the one who perfectly "sought" the Father's will, demonstrating complete obedience even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). In Him, believers find the true and lasting joy that the psalmist longed for, a joy that transcends earthly circumstances because it is rooted in His finished work of redemption and the promise of eternal life ([John 15:11](/john/15-11 "John 15:11 - Jesus' Joy Made Complete")). Christ Himself is the embodiment of God's "salvation" (*tᵉshûwʻâh*), for His very name, Jesus (Yeshua), means "The Lord saves." Those who "love His salvation" are those who have received the grace offered through His atoning sacrifice, experiencing forgiveness of sins and new life through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace through Faith")). Therefore, the call to "magnify the Lord continually" becomes a Christ-centered imperative: to proclaim the greatness of God revealed in the person and work of Jesus, who is "the image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")) and through whom all things were created. Our continuous praise is a response to the unparalleled salvation accomplished by the Lamb of God, who alone is worthy of all glory and honor ([Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb")).

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

Psalms 35:27

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

Psalms 68:3

But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God: yea, let them exceedingly rejoice.

Acts 19:17

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

Psalms 119:123

¶ Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness.

Psalms 105:3

Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD.

Philippians 3:7

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Philippians 3:9

¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: