Psalms 71:23

KJV

My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

KJV (with Strong's)

My lips {H8193} shall greatly rejoice {H7442}{H8762)} when I sing {H2167}{H8762)} unto thee; and my soul {H5315}, which thou hast redeemed {H6299}{H8804)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My lips will shout for joy; I will sing your praise, because you have redeemed me.

Berean Standard Bible

When I sing praise to You my lips will shout for joy, along with my soul, which You have redeemed.

American Standard Version

My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises unto thee; And my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:23 is a jubilant declaration of personal praise and profound gratitude, stemming from the psalmist's deep-seated experience of God's redemptive work. It portrays an overflowing joy expressed through vocal praise ("lips") and a deeply thankful inner being ("soul"), both of which are inextricably linked to the Lord's faithful act of deliverance and restoration. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's lifelong confidence in God as his rescuer and the wellspring of his worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 stands as a poignant prayer, often attributed to an aged supplicant, possibly King David in his later years, who finds himself beleaguered by enemies and the frailties of old age. Throughout the psalm, the speaker recounts God's steadfast faithfulness from his youth, repeatedly appealing for divine deliverance and protection (e.g., [Psalms 71:1-3](/psalms/71-1 "Psalm 71:1-3 - God as Refuge and Rock")). The psalm progresses from earnest pleas to expressions of unwavering trust and vows of continuous praise. Verse 23, positioned near the psalm's conclusion, serves as a climactic affirmation of confidence and a resolute commitment to lifelong worship. It reflects the psalmist's settled assurance that God, who has always been his refuge and strength, will continue to uphold him, much like the "strong habitation" he describes in [Psalms 71:3](/psalms/71-3 "Psalm 71:3 - God as a Strong Habitation"). This verse is a triumphant crescendo, demonstrating that despite ongoing struggles, the foundation of the psalmist's hope is God's past and present redemption.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of singing praise was a central component of Israelite worship, both in communal settings (like the Temple) and private devotion. Psalms, by their very nature, were songs and prayers intended to be sung, recited, or meditated upon. The concept of "redemption" (Hebrew: *padah*) was deeply ingrained in the Israelite consciousness, often referring to liberation from slavery (e.g., the Exodus from Egypt, [Exodus 6:6](/exodus/6-6 "Exodus 6:6 - Redemption from Egypt")), release from captivity, or deliverance from death. It often implied a "buying back" or a costly intervention. For an individual, especially one facing adversaries or the vulnerability of old age, the experience of God's personal redemption was a profound testament to His covenant faithfulness. This personal testimony, expressed vocally, would have been a natural and expected response within the cultural framework of ancient Israelite piety.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 71 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores **Redemption as the Source of Joy and Praise**. The psalmist's exuberant joy and commitment to sing are not arbitrary but directly flow from the profound experience of God having "redeemed" his soul. This highlights that true, heartfelt worship is a response to God's saving acts, a theme echoed throughout Scripture, from the liberation of Israel to the ultimate redemption found in Christ, as seen in [Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through Christ's Blood"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Holistic and Authentic Worship**. By mentioning both "lips" (outward expression) and "soul" (inner being), it conveys that praise should be comprehensive, engaging one's entire being, not merely a superficial ritual. This resonates with calls for genuine worship found elsewhere, such as in [Psalms 96:1](/psalms/96-1 "Psalm 96:1 - Sing to the Lord a New Song"). Finally, it speaks to the **Assurance of God's Saving Work**. The past tense "thou hast redeemed" indicates a settled, certain conviction of God's prior intervention, which then fuels the psalmist's present and future commitment to praise. This assurance provides a stable foundation for joy even amidst ongoing trials.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoice (Hebrew, _rānan_'):** The Hebrew word רָנַן (*rānan*) means "to give a ringing cry," "to shout for joy," "to exult," or "to sing joyfully." It denotes an exuberant, loud, and uninhibited expression of delight, triumph, or praise. It's not a quiet, internal happiness but an outward, vocal outburst of extreme gladness, often associated with a public declaration of victory or celebration. The addition of "greatly" (מְאֹד, *mĕ’ōd*) intensifies this, indicating an overwhelming and abundant expression of joy.
* **Redeemed (Hebrew, _pādâ_'):** The Hebrew word פָדָה (*pādâ*) signifies "to ransom," "to deliver," "to rescue," or "to buy back." This term implies an act of liberation from bondage, danger, or a perilous situation, often at a cost or through a powerful intervention. In this context, it speaks of God's divine action to set the psalmist's soul free from distress, sin, or the threat of death, emphasizing God's sovereign power and gracious initiative in bringing about salvation.
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh_'):** The Hebrew word נֶפֶשׁ (*nephesh*) refers to the entire person, the self, the life-force, or the inner being. It is not merely a spiritual component distinct from the body but encompasses the whole individual, including their emotions, desires, and vitality. When the psalmist speaks of his "soul" being redeemed, it signifies a holistic deliverance and restoration that affects every aspect of his existence, making the redemption deeply personal and comprehensive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My lips shall greatly rejoice":** This clause emphasizes the outward, vocal, and enthusiastic nature of the psalmist's praise. "Lips" serve as a metonymy for speech and song, indicating that the joy is not merely internal but finds its full expression in audible adoration. The adverb "greatly" underscores the intensity and abundance of this rejoicing, suggesting an uncontainable overflow of delight.
* **"when I sing unto thee;":** This specifies the manner and object of the psalmist's rejoicing. The joy is channeled into song, a common and powerful form of worship in ancient Israel. Crucially, the praise is directed "unto thee"—that is, to God. This highlights the personal, intimate relationship between the psalmist and his divine Redeemer, making the worship a direct address to the Lord.
* **"and my soul,":** This phrase introduces the internal dimension of the psalmist's being. "Soul" (nephesh) here represents the psalmist's entire inner self—his mind, will, emotions, and very life. By connecting the soul to the lips, the verse insists on the authenticity and depth of the praise; it is not just an outward performance but flows from the core of his being.
* **"which thou hast redeemed.":** This final clause provides the foundational reason and ultimate motivation for all the preceding joy and praise. The psalmist's lips rejoice and his soul sings because God, personally and powerfully ("thou hast"), has performed a mighty act of redemption. The past tense "hast redeemed" signifies a completed, certain act, providing an unshakeable basis for present and future worship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Metonymy** is evident in "My lips," where the part (lips) stands for the whole act of vocal praise and singing. This emphasizes the physical, audible manifestation of joy. **Parallelism** is also present, though not strictly synonymous, as the "lips" rejoicing and the "soul" being redeemed create a complementary relationship, highlighting both the outward expression and the inward cause of the praise. The phrase "greatly rejoice" uses **intensification** or **hyperbole** to convey the overwhelming nature of the psalmist's joy, suggesting an emotion so profound it cannot be contained. Furthermore, the entire verse functions as a **personal confession** or **testimony**, using first-person pronouns ("My," "I," "my soul") and direct address to God ("unto thee," "thou hast"), which lends an intimate and heartfelt quality to the declaration of praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:23 stands as a profound theological statement on the intrinsic link between divine redemption and human worship. It asserts that genuine, exuberant praise is not merely an obligation but an inevitable, joyous response to God's saving work in a person's life. The psalmist's experience of being "redeemed" by God forms the bedrock of his identity and the wellspring of his adoration. This highlights a core biblical truth: our worship is always a grateful echo of God's prior grace. The verse also underscores the holistic nature of true worship, engaging both the outward expression (lips/song) and the deepest inner being (soul). This reflects the biblical emphasis on worship that is both sincere and demonstrative, flowing from a heart transformed by divine intervention. The certainty of past redemption ("thou hast redeemed") fuels present and future praise, establishing a pattern of faith that remembers God's faithfulness and trusts in His ongoing deliverance.

* [Psalms 107:2](/psalms/107-2 "Psalm 107:2 - Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So")
* [Isaiah 43:1](/isaiah/43-1 "Isaiah 43:1 - Called by Name, Redeemed")
* [Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed by Blood, Singing a New Song")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that the most profound and authentic praise flows from a deep, personal encounter with God's redemptive power. It challenges us to move beyond superficial or ritualistic worship and to allow the magnitude of God's saving work in our lives to ignite an uncontainable joy that finds expression in our words and actions. When we truly grasp that our souls have been bought back, set free from bondage to sin, death, and despair, our response cannot be anything less than exuberant gratitude. This verse calls us to reflect on our own salvation story—the specific ways God has delivered, restored, and redeemed us—and to let that personal testimony fuel our worship. Our praise should not merely be a duty but an overflow of a heart captivated by grace, engaging both our outward expressions and our innermost being in sincere adoration of our Redeemer.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific acts of God's redemption in your life cause your "lips to greatly rejoice" today?**
* **How does your worship, both private and communal, reflect the holistic engagement of your "lips" and your "soul"?**
* **In what ways can remembering God's past acts of redemption strengthen your present faith and fuel your future praise?**
* **If your praise is a response to redemption, what might be hindering a more "greatly rejoicing" expression in your life?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for the "soul" to be redeemed in this context?**

Answer: In biblical understanding, particularly in the Old Testament, the "soul" (Hebrew: *nephesh*) refers to the entire person, the living being, including their vitality, emotions, and inner self. When the psalmist says "my soul, which thou hast redeemed," it signifies a holistic deliverance and liberation that affects his entire being. It's not just a spiritual redemption in a narrow sense, but a comprehensive rescue from distress, danger, sin, or the threat of death. For an aged psalmist, this could encompass physical deliverance from enemies, emotional restoration from despair, and spiritual assurance of God's continued presence and faithfulness throughout his life's journey. It implies that God has intervened powerfully to set the psalmist free and restore him to a place of wholeness and peace, making his entire existence a testament to God's saving grace.

**How does this verse encourage believers in their worship today?**

Answer: Psalms 71:23 provides a profound encouragement for contemporary worship by highlighting that its truest source is God's redemptive work. It calls believers to engage in worship that is not merely formal or habitual but deeply personal, heartfelt, and exuberant. The psalmist's "greatly rejoicing" lips and redeemed "soul" emphasize that authentic praise flows from an inner experience of God's grace and finds outward, joyful expression. This means our worship should be a conscious, grateful response to what God "has redeemed" in our lives, whether it's deliverance from sin, healing from brokenness, or comfort in sorrow. It encourages us to allow our personal testimony of God's saving power to fuel our songs, prayers, and declarations, making our worship a dynamic and holistic expression of gratitude and adoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalms 71:23 speaks of the psalmist's personal experience of God's redemption in his lifetime, its fullest and most glorious fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "redemption" the psalmist celebrates, though mighty and real, was ultimately a foreshadowing of the ultimate liberation accomplished through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Our "lips shall greatly rejoice" and our "soul" truly finds its deepest redemption because Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), "redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Redeemed from the Curse of the Law")). He paid the ultimate price, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with [His own precious blood](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18 - Redeemed by Precious Blood"), securing an [eternal redemption](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption Through Christ"). Through Christ, we are not merely delivered from temporary adversaries, but [rescued from the dominion of darkness](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from Darkness") and transferred into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Therefore, the joy and song of the redeemed in Christ are of an even greater magnitude, for we sing of a salvation that conquers sin, death, and the grave. Our praise is a direct response to the [unfathomable love of God](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World") demonstrated in Christ's death while we were still sinners ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Indeed, the redeemed of the Lord are called to sing a "new song" ([Revelation 14:3](/revelation/14-3 "Revelation 14:3 - The New Song of the Redeemed")), a song of ultimate triumph and eternal gratitude, because our souls have been perfectly and eternally redeemed by our Lord Jesus Christ.

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 104:33

I will sing unto the LORD as long as I live: I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Psalms 103:4

Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;

Luke 1:46

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Luke 1:47

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

Psalms 34:22

The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.

2 Samuel 4:9

¶ And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said unto them, [As] the LORD liveth, who hath redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

Psalms 63:5

My soul shall be satisfied as [with] marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise [thee] with joyful lips: