Psalms 71:21

KJV

Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt increase {H7235}{H8686)} my greatness {H1420}, and comfort {H5162}{H8762)} me on every side {H5437}{H8735)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will increase my honor; turn and comfort me.

Berean Standard Bible

You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

American Standard Version

Increase thou my greatness, And turn again and comfort me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:21 is a profound declaration of confident hope from an aging believer, who, having faced significant distress and opposition, anticipates God's comprehensive restoration and solace. Following fervent pleas for divine intervention and a lifelong declaration of trust, the psalmist expresses a deep conviction that God will not abandon His servant in old age or adversity. Instead, God will elevate his dignity and surround him with complete, all-encompassing comfort, affirming His unfailing faithfulness and power to vindicate and sustain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an elderly individual, traditionally attributed to David, who is experiencing great distress, likely from enemies and the vulnerabilities of old age. The psalm opens with an urgent plea for refuge and deliverance, establishing God as the psalmist's lifelong sanctuary from birth, as seen in [Psalms 71:1-6](/psalms/71-1-6 "Psalm 71:1-6 - A Lifelong Refuge and Trust"). Throughout the psalm, the psalmist recounts God's faithfulness from his youth, contrasting it with the current challenges of feeling abandoned and mocked by adversaries who seek his ruin, a sentiment powerfully articulated in [Psalms 71:9-13](/psalms/71-9-13 "Psalm 71:9-13 - Plea Against Enemies and for Deliverance"). Amidst these trials, the psalmist maintains a steadfast hope, vowing to praise God continually and declare His righteousness, as expressed in [Psalms 71:14-16](/psalms/71-14-16 "Psalm 71:14-16 - Steadfast Hope and Declaration of Righteousness"). Verse 21, "Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side," follows a powerful declaration of God's mighty acts and His past deliverance from "great and sore troubles" in [Psalms 71:19-20](/psalms/71-19-20 "Psalm 71:19-20 - God's Mighty Acts and Past Deliverance"). It stands as a confident expectation of future restoration and comprehensive solace, building on a lifetime of experiencing God's deliverance and leading into a renewed commitment to praise and worship in [Psalms 71:22-24](/psalms/71-22-24 "Psalm 71:22-24 - Renewed Praise and Worship").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm is often attributed to David in his later years, its exact historical setting is not explicitly specified, allowing for broader application to any faithful individual facing the challenges of aging and adversity. However, the themes resonate strongly with the experiences of an aging leader or monarch facing challenges to his authority and reputation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, old age could bring vulnerability, a decline in physical strength, and a potential loss of influence or respect. "Greatness" (Hebrew: *gĕdûwlâh*) in this context would encompass not only personal dignity but also public honor, reputation, influence, and even prosperity, all of which could be diminished by adversaries or the natural processes of aging. To be shamed or humiliated was a profound blow to one's standing, and the restoration of honor was a vital aspect of well-being and social integrity. The request for "comfort on every side" reflects a situation where distress and opposition were perceived to come from all directions, highlighting a deep need for comprehensive divine protection and solace that transcended mere emotional relief, encompassing the restoration of peace and security.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes present in Psalm 71 and throughout the Psalter. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Restoration and Vindication**. The psalmist's prayer for God to "increase my greatness" is not a request for self-aggrandizement but a humble plea for God to restore dignity, influence, or blessing that may have been diminished due to trials, age, or the malicious actions of enemies. It speaks to God's sovereign ability to uplift and honor those who trust in Him, even after periods of hardship or humiliation, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness to uphold the righteous, as seen in passages like [Psalm 30:11-12](/psalms/30-11-12 "Psalm 30:11-12 - From Mourning to Dancing"). Secondly, the theme of **Comprehensive Comfort** is central. "Comfort me on every side" emphasizes the psalmist's desire for complete and all-encompassing solace. Having likely experienced distress from various directions, this is a profound request for God's peace to envelop him, leaving no area of his life untouched by divine consolation. This points to God's ability to provide holistic comfort in every affliction, a truth powerfully echoed in [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort"). Finally, the verse underscores **Enduring Faith in God's Faithfulness**. Despite the challenges of old age and persistent opposition, the psalmist maintains a deep conviction that God remains faithful and will act on behalf of His devoted servant. This verse is an expression of unwavering trust in God's power to deliver and bless, a testament to a faith that perseveres through all seasons of life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Increase (Hebrew, _râbâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to increase (in whatever respect)." This word conveys the idea of abundance, enlargement, excelling, or making great. In this context, it signifies God's active role in multiplying, enlarging, or elevating the psalmist's standing, not merely restoring it but making it greater than before. It implies a divine act of superabundant blessing and elevation.
* **Greatness (Hebrew, _gᵉdûwlâh'_):** This feminine noun, derived from the root for "great," signifies magnitude, dignity, honor, or majesty. It can also refer to "mighty acts" (concretely). Here, it denotes the psalmist's personal dignity, public honor, and overall well-being. The request is for God to restore and even enhance this "greatness," implying a vindication and elevation of his status and reputation, particularly after a period of perceived decline or humiliation.
* **Comfort (Hebrew, _nâcham'_):** A primitive root meaning "to sigh," and by implication, "to pity" or "console." When applied to God, it signifies His profound compassion and His active intervention to alleviate distress, grief, or sorrow. It encompasses not only emotional solace but also the restoration of peace, well-being, and security. God's comfort is a powerful, active force that transforms the psalmist's state from one of affliction to one of profound peace and rest.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt increase my greatness":** This clause expresses a confident, future-oriented expectation that God, the sovereign Lord, will actively intervene to elevate the psalmist's standing. "My greatness" (gĕdûwlâh) refers to his dignity, honor, and influence, which may have been diminished by his trials, the taunts of his enemies, or the natural decline of old age. This is a prayer for divine vindication and restoration, a request for God to publicly demonstrate His favor and restore the psalmist to a position of respect and strength, thereby silencing his accusers and glorifying God's faithfulness. The use of "increase" suggests not just a return to a former state, but an even greater measure of divine blessing and honor.
* **"and comfort me on every side":** This second clause complements the first, focusing on the comprehensive nature of God's solace. "Comfort me" (nâcham) signifies God's compassionate act of bringing profound relief, inner peace, and restoration. The idiomatic phrase "on every side" (from the root çâbab, to surround) emphasizes the totality and completeness of this comfort. It suggests that the psalmist has been assailed by distress from all directions—from enemies, the challenges of old age, and perhaps internal anxieties. Therefore, he seeks God's peace to envelop him fully, providing relief from all sources of trouble and leaving no area of his life untouched by divine consolation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several impactful literary devices that enhance its meaning and emotional resonance. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, "Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side." This is a form of synthetic or complementary parallelism, where the second line expands upon or completes the thought of the first. Increasing greatness (public honor and vindication) and providing comfort (inner peace and solace) represent two distinct yet interconnected facets of God's holistic restoration. The phrase "on every side" functions as both **hyperbole** and a **merism**. As hyperbole, it emphasizes the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the distress the psalmist has experienced, suggesting attacks or anxieties from all conceivable directions. As a merism, it signifies totality, indicating that God's comfort will be equally comprehensive, encompassing every aspect of the psalmist's being and every source of his affliction. Finally, the verse implicitly uses **anthropomorphism** by depicting God as an active agent who "increases" and "comforts," attributing human-like actions to the divine to convey God's personal, intimate, and powerful engagement with the psalmist's life and circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:21 profoundly underscores God's active sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness to His people, particularly in times of vulnerability and distress. It reveals that true "greatness" is not self-achieved but is a divine gift, a restoration of dignity and honor bestowed by God upon those who trust in Him, often in the face of public humiliation or perceived decline. This verse affirms God's commitment to vindicate the righteous and reverse their fortunes, demonstrating His power to uplift and restore. Furthermore, it highlights the comprehensive nature of God's comfort, which is not merely emotional solace but an all-encompassing peace that addresses every dimension of human suffering, enveloping the believer from all angles of attack. This holistic divine care speaks to God's intimate knowledge of His children's needs and His boundless capacity to provide complete security and well-being, even when external circumstances remain challenging.

* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "God Prepares a Table in the Presence of Enemies")
* [Isaiah 40:1](/isaiah/40-1 "Comfort My People")
* [Job 42:10](/job/42-10 "God Restores Job's Fortunes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:21 offers enduring hope and profound encouragement for believers today, particularly for those navigating the challenges of aging, prolonged adversity, or feeling diminished and overlooked. It serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate worth and dignity are not derived from worldly achievements, societal recognition, or physical vitality, but from our relationship with God, who is the ultimate source of true honor. When we feel assailed from all sides by trials, anxieties, or the weight of life's burdens, this verse invites us to turn to God with confident expectation, trusting that His comfort is not superficial but comprehensive, capable of enveloping every area of our distress. It challenges us to cultivate a lifelong, unwavering faith in God's faithfulness, knowing that He does not abandon His servants but continues to work on their behalf, restoring and sustaining them through every season of life, regardless of external circumstances. This verse calls us to embrace a perspective where God's vindication and comfort are the ultimate realities, even when outward circumstances seem to contradict them, fostering a deep, abiding peace that transcends understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the psalmist's reliance on God for "greatness" challenge modern notions of self-made success and honor, especially in an age that often prioritizes personal achievement and public acclaim?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you currently feel most vulnerable or "assailed," and how can you intentionally seek God's "comfort on every side" in those areas, trusting in His comprehensive care?**
* **Considering the psalmist's enduring faith into old age, what practices or perspectives can help you cultivate a lifelong trust in God's faithfulness, even when facing the inevitable challenges of decline, adversity, or the unknown future?**

### FAQ
**Does "increase my greatness" imply a desire for worldly power or pride?**

Answer: No, in the context of Psalm 71, "increase my greatness" (Hebrew: *gĕdûwlâh*) is not a request for selfish ambition or worldly power. Instead, it is a humble prayer for divine vindication and the restoration of dignity, honor, and influence that may have been diminished by the psalmist's trials, age, or the malicious actions of his enemies. It reflects a desire for God to publicly demonstrate His favor and faithfulness, thereby silencing accusers and restoring the psalmist's rightful standing. True greatness, from a biblical perspective, is a gift from God, often given to those who humble themselves before Him, as seen in [1 Peter 5:6](/1_peter/5-6 "1 Peter 5:6 - Humble Yourselves Under God's Mighty Hand"). It is about God being glorified through His servant's restoration, not the servant's self-exaltation.

**How can God comfort "on every side" when suffering and trials persist in life?**

Answer: God's promise to comfort "on every side" does not necessarily mean the immediate removal of all suffering or the absence of trials. Rather, it speaks to the comprehensive and pervasive nature of His presence and peace *within* those trials. It signifies that no matter the source or direction of distress, God's comfort is all-encompassing, touching every aspect of our being—emotional, spiritual, and even physical through resilience and strength. This divine comfort is an internal peace that transcends external turmoil, enabling believers to face adversity with hope and fortitude. It is the peace of God that "surpasses all understanding" and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, as described in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The Peace of God"). It is a comfort that sustains us through, rather than always removes us from, our afflictions, demonstrating God's unwavering presence and power to uphold His children.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The psalmist's plea for increased greatness and comprehensive comfort in Psalms 71:21 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the psalmist, likely David, yearned for restoration of his earthly dignity and solace from his temporal afflictions, Jesus, the Greater David, perfectly embodies God's response to such cries. He, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). Through His ultimate act of humility and suffering on the cross, Jesus experienced the deepest humiliation and distress "on every side," bearing the sins and sorrows of humanity. Yet, it was precisely through this profound abasement that God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Christ's Exaltation")), thus increasing His "greatness" beyond measure. As the resurrected and ascended Lord, Christ is now the ultimate source of all comfort, sending the Holy Spirit, the "Comforter" or "Advocate," to indwell believers ([John 14:16](/john/14-16 "The Promise of the Comforter")). Through Him, believers are promised not only a future share in His glory and "greatness" as co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Heirs with Christ")) but also a present, all-encompassing comfort that transcends all earthly tribulation, rooted in the unbreakable love of God ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "God's Love in Christ")). Thus, Christ's journey from humiliation to exaltation, and His provision of the Spirit, perfectly fulfill the psalmist's longing for divine vindication and comfort on every side, offering a hope that is both eternal and deeply personal.

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

2 Samuel 3:1

¶ Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker.

Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

2 Corinthians 1:4

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Corinthians 1:5

For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

Psalms 86:17

Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see [it], and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.

Isaiah 49:6

And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Psalms 18:35

Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.