Psalms 71:16

KJV

I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of thy righteousness, [even] of thine only.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will go in {H935}{H8799)} the strength {H1369} of the Lord {H136} GOD {H3069}: I will make mention {H2142}{H8686)} of thy righteousness {H6666}, even of thine only.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will come in the power of Adonai ELOHIM and recall your righteousness, yours alone.

Berean Standard Bible

I will enter in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone.

American Standard Version

I will come with the mighty acts of the Lord Jehovah: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:16 is a profound declaration of unwavering trust and resolute commitment from an aging psalmist, likely facing significant adversity. It articulates a deep personal resolve to navigate life's challenges not by human might, but solely by the enabling power of the Sovereign, Covenant-keeping God. Furthermore, the psalmist vows to continually proclaim God's unique and saving righteousness, emphasizing that true strength, justice, and deliverance originate from God alone, distinguishing His character as unparalleled and the exclusive source of salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an aged individual, traditionally associated with King David, who is facing significant challenges, adversaries, and the vulnerabilities that come with old age. The psalm is a poignant blend of lament, trust, and praise, reflecting a lifelong dependence on God. The psalmist recounts God's faithfulness from youth (e.g., [Psalms 71:5-6](/psalms/71-5-6 "Psalms 71:5-6 - God's Lifelong Faithfulness")) and pleads for continued deliverance in his later years. Verse 16 appears amidst declarations of unwavering trust and a resolute commitment to continue praising God despite present difficulties. It serves as a personal vow, affirming the psalmist's intention to rely exclusively on divine power and to publicly proclaim God's unique character to the world, even as he anticipates his own mortality and seeks God's continued presence and help (e.g., [Psalms 71:18](/psalms/71-18 "Psalms 71:18 - Do Not Forsake Me When I Am Old")). The verse reinforces the psalmist's lifelong pattern of seeking God's intervention and proclaiming His mighty deeds, a theme that permeates the entire psalm.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed during a time of personal distress and vulnerability, this psalm reflects the ancient Near Eastern understanding of old age as a period of diminished physical strength and increased reliance on family or community. For a king or prominent figure, old age could also bring political instability or challenges to authority, making the psalmist's situation particularly precarious. The concept of "strength" was often tied to military might or physical prowess, making the psalmist's declaration of relying on "the strength of the Lord GOD" a powerful counter-cultural statement that defied conventional wisdom. Furthermore, the public "mention" or proclamation of God's righteousness (`tsedaqah`) was a core aspect of Israelite worship and testimony, affirming God's covenant faithfulness and His just, saving acts within the community and to the nations. This was not merely a private meditation but a public declaration of theological truth, reinforcing God's unique position as the only true deliverer and source of justice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several major themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Empowerment**, emphasizing that any effective action or forward movement by the psalmist will not be through personal might but entirely "in the strength of the Lord GOD." This underscores a profound reliance on God's omnipotence and sustaining power, a theme echoed in passages like [Isaiah 40:29-31](/isaiah/40-29-31 "Isaiah 40:29-31 - God Gives Strength to the Faint"). Secondly, the verse speaks to the **Proclamation of God's Righteousness**. The psalmist commits to "make mention of thy righteousness," which is an active declaration, a testimony to God's inherent justice, faithfulness, and His saving acts—His consistent adherence to what is right and good, especially in delivering His people. This public testimony is a recurring motif, as seen in [Psalms 9:1](/psalms/9-1 "Psalms 9:1 - I Will Declare All Your Marvelous Works"). Finally, the phrase "even of thine only" underscores **Exclusive Reliance** on God. It signifies that God alone is the unique and unparalleled source of true strength and the ultimate standard of perfect justice and salvation. Human righteousness is insufficient; only God's can be truly relied upon and proclaimed, a truth central to the entire biblical revelation of salvation through God's grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lord GOD (Hebrew, _ʼĂdônây Yᵉhôvih'_):** This powerful compound title combines `ʼĂdônây` (H136), meaning "Sovereign Lord" or "Master," emphasizing God's absolute authority, ownership, and supreme rule, with `Yᵉhôvih` (H3069), the personal, covenantal name of God (YHWH), highlighting His self-existence, faithfulness, and active presence in the lives of His people. Together, these titles underscore the psalmist's trust in the all-powerful, covenant-keeping God who is both transcendent and intimately involved in human affairs.
* **strength (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** This feminine passive participle (H1369) denotes inherent power, might, or ability. It implies a dynamic, enabling force that empowers, sustains, and allows for effective action. It is not merely static power but an active, empowering energy that the psalmist intends to "go in," indicating an active reliance on God's enabling power for his life's journey and mission, particularly in the face of his own diminishing physical capabilities.
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_):** This rich Hebrew word (H6666) encompasses more than just moral rectitude. It refers to God's inherent justice, His faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His saving acts on behalf of His people. It is His character manifest in His actions, particularly His deliverance and vindication of the oppressed. When the psalmist vows to "make mention" of God's `tsᵉdâqâh`, he is committing to declare God's just, faithful, and saving nature as revealed in His deeds, which are always right and true.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD":** This clause expresses the psalmist's active resolve and intentional direction for his life. "To go" (H935, `bôwʼ`) implies forward movement, progress, and engagement with life's challenges. The crucial qualification is "in the strength of the Lord GOD," signifying that his actions, endeavors, and very existence are not powered by his own diminishing human capabilities but by the inexhaustible, enabling power of the Sovereign, Covenant-keeping God. It is a declaration of humble, yet confident, dependence on divine might.
* **"I will make mention of thy righteousness":** This is a commitment to public proclamation and testimony. "To make mention" (H2142, `zâkar`) means to recount, declare, or tell of, implying an active remembrance and vocalization. The psalmist is not merely thinking about God's righteousness but actively articulating it to others. This declaration serves as a witness to God's just character, His faithfulness to His promises, and His saving acts, which are the very essence of His `tsᵉdâqâh`. It is a vow to glorify God by sharing His truth and His redemptive history.
* **"even of thine only":** This emphatic phrase underscores the exclusivity and uniqueness of God's righteousness. It highlights that God's righteousness stands alone, unparalleled by any human or created source. It is the only true and perfect standard of justice, the sole source of genuine salvation, and the only righteousness worthy of mention and reliance. This phrase elevates God's character above all others, affirming His singular supremacy in providing strength and salvation, and distinguishing His divine nature from all lesser powers or claims of justice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices. The most prominent is **Vow** or **Declaration**, as the psalmist explicitly states his future actions ("I will go," "I will make mention"), indicating a firm resolve and commitment to a life of divine dependence and public testimony. The phrase "even of thine only" serves as a powerful **Emphasis** and **Exclusivity**, highlighting the singular and unparalleled nature of God's righteousness, distinguishing it from any other purported source of strength or justice. There is also a subtle **Contrast** implied between human weakness (especially in old age) and divine strength, reinforcing the necessity of relying solely on God. The entire verse functions as an **Affirmation of Faith**, a confident assertion of trust in God's character and power despite challenging circumstances, demonstrating a deep, abiding conviction.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:16 beautifully encapsulates the profound biblical truth that human strength is insufficient for life's journey, especially when facing adversity or the vulnerabilities of age. It calls believers to a radical dependence on God's omnipotence and His unwavering faithfulness. The psalmist's commitment to "make mention of thy righteousness" underscores the vital role of testimony and proclamation in the life of faith, recognizing that God's character, particularly His justice and saving acts, is not merely for private contemplation but for public declaration. This righteousness is not earned by human effort but is a divine attribute and a gracious provision, uniquely belonging to God. The exclusivity implied by "thine only" points to God as the singular source of all true and saving righteousness, a foundational concept for understanding salvation throughout Scripture, emphasizing that salvation is by God's grace alone.

* [Ephesians 6:10](/ephesians/6-10 "Ephesians 6:10 - Be Strong in the Lord")
* [Psalms 71:15](/psalms/71-15 "Psalms 71:15 - My Mouth Shall Show Forth Your Righteousness")
* [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:16 offers profound encouragement and a clear directive for believers today. In a world that often promotes self-sufficiency, personal achievement, and reliance on human ingenuity, this verse redirects our focus entirely to God. It reminds us that true effectiveness, resilience in the face of trials, and meaningful progress in our spiritual walk come not from our own skill, wisdom, or limited strength, but from the boundless, enabling power of the Lord GOD. This calls for a posture of humility, constant dependence, and fervent prayer in every endeavor—whether navigating personal challenges, pursuing professional callings, or engaging in spiritual battles. Furthermore, the psalmist's commitment to "make mention of thy righteousness" compels us to be active witnesses. We are called not only to experience God's faithfulness and justice in our lives but also to boldly proclaim it to others. Sharing testimonies of His saving grace, His unwavering character, and His mighty acts is a vital part of our Christian walk, pointing a broken world to the unique and unparalleled source of all goodness, truth, and salvation. This perspective shapes our worship, our prayers, and our daily living, inviting us to walk by faith, empowered by the Almighty, and to glorify Him by declaring His matchless character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently relying more on your own strength than on the strength of the Lord GOD?**
* **How does the psalmist's commitment to "make mention of thy righteousness" challenge or encourage your own practice of sharing God's truth with others?**
* **What does it mean practically to "go in the strength of the Lord GOD" in your daily decisions and interactions?**
* **How does the phrase "even of thine only" impact your understanding of God's uniqueness and your exclusive reliance on Him for salvation and strength?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to "go in the strength of the Lord GOD" in a practical sense?**

Answer: To "go in the strength of the Lord GOD" means to undertake all of life's activities, challenges, and responsibilities with a conscious and active reliance on God's power, rather than one's own limited abilities. Practically, this involves:
* **Prayer and Dependence:** Consistently seeking God's guidance, wisdom, and empowerment through prayer before, during, and after any endeavor. It's an acknowledgment that "apart from me you can do nothing" ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me")).
* **Humility:** Recognizing that any success or ability comes from God, not from personal merit or inherent talent. It fosters a posture of humility, giving God the glory.
* **Obedience and Faith:** Acting in accordance with God's will and commands, trusting that He will provide the necessary resources and strength to accomplish what He calls us to do, even when it seems impossible from a human perspective.
* **Resilience:** Finding inner fortitude and perseverance in difficult times, knowing that God's strength sustains us even when our own fails, as highlighted in [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2_corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - My Grace Is Sufficient for You")). It's about drawing from an inexhaustible divine wellspring.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who "went in the strength of the Lord GOD." Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated complete dependence on the Father, declaring, "The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do" ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus' Dependence on the Father")). His miracles, teachings, and even His endurance of the cross were all accomplished by the power of God, not by His human might alone. Furthermore, Jesus perfectly embodied and revealed God's righteousness. He lived a life of flawless obedience, fulfilling every requirement of the law, and ultimately became our righteousness (as seen in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Our Righteousness")). His sacrificial death on the cross was the ultimate manifestation of God's saving righteousness, demonstrating both His justice in condemning sin and His love in providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. The psalmist's vow to "make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only" is fully realized in the New Testament's proclamation of Christ as the unique Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) and the only name under heaven by which we must be saved ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through No Other Name")). Thus, for the believer, to "go in the strength of the Lord GOD" now means to live by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers us through Christ, and to continually "make mention" of the saving righteousness revealed and accomplished in Jesus, our only hope and strength.

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

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Psalms 51:14

¶ Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: [and] my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.

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:

Ephesians 3:16

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Zechariah 10:12

And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD.

Ephesians 6:10

¶ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Psalms 71:15

My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness [and] thy salvation all the day; for I know not the numbers [thereof].