Psalms 71:6

KJV

By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise [shall be] continually of thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

By thee have I been holden up {H5564}{H8738)} from the womb {H990}: thou art he that took {H1491}{H8802)} me out of my mother's {H517} bowels {H4578}: my praise {H8416} shall be continually {H8548} of thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

From birth I have relied on you; it was you who took me from my mother's womb.

Berean Standard Bible

I have leaned on You since birth; You pulled me from my mother’s womb. My praise is always for You.

American Standard Version

By thee have I been holden up from the womb; Thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: My praise shall be continually of thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:6 is a profound declaration of the psalmist's lifelong dependence on God, expressing an unwavering trust rooted in divine care from the very moment of birth. It articulates a deeply personal relationship with the Creator, who is acknowledged as the sustainer and deliverer from the womb, culminating in a fervent commitment to offer continuous praise as the natural and perpetual response to such enduring faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 is a heartfelt prayer of an aged individual, likely facing significant adversity, perhaps from enemies or the infirmities of old age (compare [Psalm 71:9](/psalms/71-9 "Psalm 71:9 - Do not cast me off in old age") and [Psalm 71:18](/psalms/71-18 "Psalm 71:18 - Do not forsake me when I am old")). The psalmist appeals to God for deliverance, grounding this plea in a lifetime of experience with divine faithfulness. Verse 6, therefore, serves as a foundational statement of trust, recalling God's consistent support from infancy as the basis for continued reliance in old age. It immediately follows a declaration of hope and trust from youth in [Psalm 71:5](/psalms/71-5 "Psalm 71:5 - God, my hope from youth") and precedes a lament about being a "wonder unto many" in [Psalm 71:7](/psalms/71-7 "Psalm 71:7 - A wonder to many") while simultaneously affirming God as a "strong refuge." This verse anchors the psalmist's present plea in a deep, historical understanding of God's personal and intimate involvement, setting the stage for the subsequent petitions for rescue and vindication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Psalms, as a collection, reflect the rich tapestry of Israelite worship, lament, and praise. While Psalm 71 does not specify a particular historical event, it embodies the universal human experience of aging, vulnerability, and the need for divine protection. In ancient Israel, the elderly held a respected position, often seen as repositories of wisdom and experience, yet they were also vulnerable without strong family or community support. The psalmist's appeal to God as the one who "took me out of my mother's bowels" resonates with the biblical emphasis on God as the sovereign Creator and sustainer of life, intricately involved in the formation of each individual (compare [Job 10:8-12](/job/10-8-12 "Job 10:8-12 - God's Formation of Humanity") and [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13-16 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge and Formation")). This deep, personal understanding of God's providence from the earliest moments of existence was a cornerstone of Israelite faith, providing a robust foundation for trust in times of distress.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Psalm 71 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Providence and Lifelong Care**, asserting God's intimate involvement in the psalmist's life from its very inception. Phrases like "holden up from the womb" and "took me out of my mother's bowels" emphasize God as the ultimate source of life, sustenance, and protection, orchestrating their very existence and survival. This theme of God's meticulous care from birth is echoed in other biblical texts, such as [Isaiah 44:2](/isaiah/44-2 "Isaiah 44:2 - God as Creator and Redeemer from Birth"). Secondly, it highlights **Unwavering Trust and Dependence**, illustrating that the psalmist's faith is not merely a response to current crises but a lifelong, unbroken reliance on God through all stages of life. This foundational trust, built from birth, extends into the present challenges and future hopes. Finally, the verse culminates in the theme of **Continual Praise and Worship**, presenting unceasing adoration as the natural and ultimate response to such profound, lifelong faithfulness. "My praise shall be continually of thee" is a vow of perpetual gratitude and devotion, recognizing God as the sole object worthy of such unending worship, a commitment frequently expressed throughout the Psalms (e.g., [Psalm 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalm 34:1 - Praising God at All Times")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holden up (Hebrew, _çâmak'_):** The Hebrew verb סָמַךְ (H5564, _çâmak'_) means "to prop," "to support," "to uphold," or "to sustain." It conveys a sense of strong, reliable support, like a pillar or a firm foundation. In this context, it vividly portrays God as the one who provided constant, foundational support to the psalmist from the earliest, most vulnerable moments of life, implying divine sustenance and protection even before conscious awareness.
* **Took (Hebrew, _gâzâh'_):** The Hebrew verb גָּזָה (H1491, _gâzâh'_) is a primitive root meaning "to cut off," or "to portion out." When used in the context of birth, as here with "took me out of my mother's bowels," it signifies God's active and direct role in bringing the psalmist into the world, overseeing the process of birth and safe delivery. This highlights God's sovereignty over life itself and His personal involvement in the very beginning of the psalmist's existence, as if cutting the cord of dependence on the mother and establishing direct dependence on God.
* **Bowels (Hebrew, _mêʻeh'_):** The Hebrew noun מֵעֶה (H4578, _mêʻeh'_) refers to "the intestines," or collectively, "the abdomen." Figuratively, it can denote "sympathy," and by implication, "the uterus" or "womb." In this verse, "out of my mother's bowels" (מִמְּעֵי אִמִּי) is an ancient Hebrew idiom for being born from the womb. It emphasizes the intimate, internal, and vulnerable space from which life emerges, underscoring God's direct involvement in the birthing process itself.
* **Praise (Hebrew, _tᵉhillâh'_):** The Hebrew noun תְּהִלָּה (H8416, _tᵉhillâh'_) refers to "laudation," "praise," or specifically, "a hymn." It denotes a spontaneous, overflowing expression of worship and thanksgiving, often in song. The psalmist's declaration that "my praise shall be continually of thee" signifies a commitment to an unceasing, lifelong outpouring of adoration directed solely towards God, recognizing Him as the singular object of all honor and glory.
* **Continually (Hebrew, _tâmîyd'_):** The Hebrew adverb תָּמִיד (H8548, _tâmîyd'_) means "continuance," "constant," or "constantly." It implies an indefinite extension, an unbroken state or action. In this verse, it emphasizes the perpetual nature of the psalmist's praise, indicating that it is not an occasional act but an ongoing, unbroken posture of worship and gratitude, reflecting God's own continuous faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"By thee have I been holden up from the womb":** This clause establishes God as the primary agent of the psalmist's sustenance and support from the earliest possible moment of life. The imagery of being "holden up" suggests divine care, protection, and provision, implying that God's hand was upon the psalmist even in the pre-natal stage, ensuring their development and survival. It speaks to an intimate, personal, and continuous divine involvement from conception, highlighting God's foundational role in the psalmist's very existence.
* **"thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels":** This second clause reinforces the first, specifically identifying God as the one responsible for the psalmist's safe delivery into the world. The phrase "took me out of my mother's bowels" is a vivid, ancient Hebrew idiom for birth, emphasizing the act of being brought forth from the mother's womb. It portrays God not merely as a distant creator but as a personal agent, intimately involved in the very act of bringing life forth, underscoring His absolute claim and care over the psalmist's life from its inception.
* **"my praise [shall be] continually of thee":** This final clause articulates the psalmist's committed response to such profound and enduring divine faithfulness. Recognizing God's lifelong care from the womb, the psalmist vows a perpetual, unceasing outpouring of praise. This is not merely a duty but a spontaneous, grateful acknowledgment that God alone is worthy of such continuous adoration, serving as the ultimate purpose and direction of the psalmist's life. It is a commitment to a life lived in constant worship, reflecting the continuous nature of God's grace.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 71:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two initial clauses, where "By thee have I been holden up from the womb" and "thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels" express a similar idea of God's intimate involvement in the psalmist's earliest life, reinforcing the concept of divine care from inception. The phrase "took me out of my mother's bowels" uses **Synecdoche**, where "bowels" (referring to the internal organs or womb) stands in for the entire birthing process, creating a vivid and direct image of the place of origin. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Declaration of Trust**, where the psalmist recounts God's past actions as the foundation for present and future reliance. Finally, the concluding phrase, "my praise [shall be] continually of thee," serves as a **Vow of Perpetual Praise**, a common feature in the Psalms where the worshiper commits to ongoing adoration in response to God's faithfulness, emphasizing an unbroken commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:6 offers a profound theological statement on God's comprehensive and intimate providence, extending from the earliest moments of life. It encapsulates the truth that God is not merely a distant creator but an ever-present, personal sustainer, deeply involved in the formation and preservation of each individual. This verse establishes a foundational pattern: God's past faithfulness serves as the bedrock for present trust and future hope, compelling a response of perpetual praise. It speaks to the inherent human dependence on a divine source for existence and flourishing, highlighting that our very being is a gift from God, calling forth a lifelong commitment to honor and worship Him. This deep-seated conviction empowers the psalmist to face present adversaries and future uncertainties, knowing that the God who brought them forth will also sustain them to the end.

* [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13-16 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge and Formation")
* [Isaiah 49:1](/isaiah/49-1 "Isaiah 49:1 - Called from the Womb")
* [Jeremiah 1:5](/jeremiah/1-5 "Jeremiah 1:5 - Jeremiah Called Before Birth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse invites us to pause and reflect on the profound truth of God's intimate involvement in our lives from the very beginning. Before we drew our first breath, before we were even aware, God was actively sustaining us, meticulously forming us, and bringing us forth into the world. This realization should cultivate an overwhelming sense of gratitude and a deep, abiding trust in His ongoing care. If God was faithful to uphold us in our most vulnerable, unconscious state, how much more can we trust Him with our conscious struggles, our fears, and our future? It challenges us to move beyond a transactional faith, where we only seek God in moments of crisis, to embrace a holistic, lifelong dependence and a commitment to continuous praise, regardless of our circumstances. Our praise should not be conditional on immediate blessings but an unceasing overflow of a heart that recognizes God as the source of all life and the faithful sustainer through every season.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's care from your birth impact your understanding of His providence in your current life?**
* **In what ways can you cultivate a more "continual" practice of praise and gratitude in your daily life, even amidst challenges?**
* **What specific areas of your life do you need to surrender more fully to the God who "holden up" you from the womb?**

### FAQ
**Does "took me out of my mother's bowels" imply a literal physical extraction by God?**

Answer: The phrase "took me out of my mother's bowels" (מִמְּעֵי אִמִּי, *mim'ei immi*) is an ancient Hebrew idiom for being born or delivered from the womb. It does not imply a literal physical extraction by God's hands in the way a human midwife would operate. Rather, it is a powerful anthropomorphic expression emphasizing God's sovereign and active role in overseeing and enabling the process of birth. It highlights that God is the ultimate orchestrator of life, intimately involved in bringing each individual into existence. This concept is consistent with other biblical passages that speak of God forming individuals in the womb (e.g., [Psalm 139:13](/psalms/139-13 "Psalm 139:13 - God's Formation in the Womb") and [Job 10:8-12](/job/10-8-12 "Job 10:8-12 - God's Creative Work in the Womb")). It underscores divine providence and personal care from the very beginning of life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:6, with its profound declaration of God's lifelong sustenance and the psalmist's commitment to perpetual praise, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the psalmist was "holden up from the womb" by God, so too was Jesus, the eternal Son, uniquely brought forth into the world by divine power, conceived by the Holy Spirit (compare [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Virgin Birth")). His entire earthly life, from His miraculous birth to His perfect obedience, was a testament to God's sustaining hand. More profoundly, Jesus perfectly embodies the "continual praise" that the psalmist vows. His life was one unbroken act of worship and obedience to the Father, culminating in His ultimate act of self-giving on the cross, which was the most perfect offering of praise and obedience imaginable (compare [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ became the ultimate "deliverer" (compare [Romans 11:26](/romans/11-26 "Romans 11:26 - The Deliverer from Zion")), not merely from physical birth but from the spiritual bondage of sin and death, bringing forth new life for all who believe (compare [John 3:3-5](/john/3-3-5 "John 3:3-5 - Born Again")). Thus, our ability to offer continual praise, as the psalmist desired, is made possible only through Christ, who enables us to approach God with confidence and live lives that reflect His glory, fulfilling the ancient longing for unceasing adoration.

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 22:9

But thou [art] he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope [when I was] upon my mother's breasts.

Psalms 22:10

I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou [art] my God from my mother's belly.

Jeremiah 1:5

Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Psalms 139:15

My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, [and] curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

Psalms 139:16

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all [my members] were written, [which] in continuance were fashioned, when [as yet there was] none of them.

Galatians 1:15

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called [me] by his grace,

Isaiah 49:5

And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb [to be] his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.