Psalms 71:8

KJV

Let my mouth be filled [with] thy praise [and with] thy honour all the day.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let my mouth {H6310} be filled {H4390}{H8735)} with thy praise {H8416} and with thy honour {H8597} all the day {H3117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My mouth is full of praise for you, filled with your glory all day long.

Berean Standard Bible

My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your splendor all day long.

American Standard Version

My mouth shall be filled with thy praise, And with thy honor all the day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 71:8 is a fervent prayer and declaration from an aging psalmist, expressing a profound desire for their entire life, particularly in advanced years, to be saturated with the continuous praise and honor of God. It reflects a heart deeply grateful for past deliverances and confident in God's ongoing faithfulness, committing to an unceasing, vocal expression of adoration that acknowledges God's majesty and worthiness throughout every moment of the day.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 71 is a deeply personal lament and prayer of trust, unique in the Psalter for lacking a superscription, yet resonating strongly with the later life experiences of King David. The psalmist, likely an older individual, repeatedly appeals to God for deliverance from enemies and vindication, recalling God's faithfulness from their youth (e.g., [Psalms 71:5-6](/psalms/71-5 "Psalms 71:5-6 - God's Faithfulness from Youth")). This verse, "Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day," serves as both a response to anticipated divine intervention and a vow of perpetual gratitude. It immediately follows the psalmist's declaration of God as their "strong rock" and "fortress" ([Psalms 71:3](/psalms/71-3 "Psalms 71:3 - God as Rock and Fortress")), and precedes further pleas for rescue and a commitment to proclaim God's righteousness ([Psalms 71:9-10](/psalms/71-9 "Psalms 71:9-10 - Plea for Rescue")). The desire for continuous praise is thus embedded within a larger narrative of struggle, reliance, and anticipated victory, highlighting that worship is not merely for times of ease but a constant posture of faith.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm lacks a specific historical marker, its themes align with periods of distress and vulnerability, possibly during David's later years as he faced rebellion (e.g., Absalom's revolt in [2 Samuel 15](/2_samuel/15 "2 Samuel 15 - Absalom's Rebellion")) or other threats to his kingdom and person. In ancient Israel, public and private expressions of praise were integral to the covenant relationship with Yahweh. The "mouth" was seen as the primary organ for expressing one's inner state, whether in blessing or cursing, prayer or lament. To "fill" the mouth with praise signified an overflowing, unhindered, and abundant vocalization of devotion, contrasting with the silence of the grave or the inability to praise in distress ([Psalms 6:5](/psalms/6-5 "Psalms 6:5 - No Praise in Death")). The concept of "all the day" underscores a commitment to worship that transcends specific ritual times, extending into the mundane and challenging moments of daily life, reflecting a pervasive awareness of God's presence and activity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 71 and the broader Psalter. It exemplifies **Continuous Worship**, emphasizing that praise is not a fleeting act but a pervasive lifestyle, a sentiment echoed in [Psalms 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalms 34:1 - Blessing the Lord at All Times") where the psalmist vows to "bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth." It highlights **Overflowing Expression**, where the desire for the mouth to be "filled" implies an abundance of gratitude and adoration that naturally spills forth, an active and vocal declaration of faith. The focus on "thy praise" and "thy honour" underscores the theme of **God's Glory as the Object of Worship**, shifting attention entirely from the psalmist's trials to God's inherent majesty and worthiness, a profound act of acknowledging divine sovereignty and greatness, akin to the call to "give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name" found in [Psalms 29:2](/psalms/29-2 "Psalms 29:2 - Giving Glory to the Lord"). Furthermore, this prayer functions as a **Vow of Praise in Anticipation of Deliverance**, demonstrating that the psalmist's commitment to continuous praise is a direct response to God's past and anticipated faithfulness throughout their life, mirroring the declaration in [Psalms 118:14](/psalms/118-14 "Psalms 118:14 - The Lord is My Strength and Song") that "The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _tĕhillâ'_):** This noun, derived from the verb _hillel_ (to praise, boast, shine), refers to a hymn, song of praise, or adoration, particularly one that extols God's character, mighty deeds, and attributes. It signifies a spontaneous, joyful, and often public declaration of God's greatness. The desire for the mouth to be filled with _tĕhillâ_ indicates a longing for a life characterized by vocal and heartfelt acknowledgment of God's glorious nature and actions.
* **Honour (Hebrew, _tif'eret'_):** This word carries meanings of glory, splendor, beauty, majesty, and adornment. It speaks to the inherent magnificence, awe-inspiring nature, and excellent reputation of God. When the psalmist desires to be filled with God's _tif'eret_, it's a wish to proclaim God's majestic beauty, glorious character, and the awe-inspiring display of His power and presence, ensuring that God's inherent worth is continually amplified through their words.
* **Filled (Hebrew, _mālē'_):** This verb denotes abundance, completeness, and saturation. It suggests that praise should not be scarce, reluctant, or merely a formality, but an overflowing, natural, and comprehensive expression. The psalmist desires that their mouth be so completely permeated with God's praise and honor that it becomes the dominant and continuous theme of their speech, indicating a heart consumed with God's goodness and glory.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let my mouth be filled":** This opening phrase is a petition, expressing a fervent desire or prayer. The psalmist is not merely stating a fact but actively seeking divine enablement for their mouth to be completely taken over by God's praise. It implies a longing for an unceasing, abundant, and unhindered flow of worship, suggesting that praise is not something to be sparingly offered but to be overflowing.
* **"[with] thy praise":** The object of the filling is God's praise. This is not self-praise or praise of human achievements, but praise directed specifically towards God. It encompasses the acknowledgment of His character, His attributes, His mighty acts of salvation, and His faithfulness throughout the psalmist's life. It's a desire for the psalmist's words to continually magnify God's worthiness.
* **"[and with] thy honour":** Complementing "thy praise," "thy honour" refers to God's glory, majesty, and splendor. The psalmist desires to proclaim God's inherent dignity and awe-inspiring nature. This phrase emphasizes that the content of their speech should consistently reflect God's magnificent reputation and the profound reverence due to Him as the sovereign Lord.
* **"all the day":** This temporal phrase signifies the continuous and pervasive nature of the desired praise. It's not limited to specific times or occasions but extends throughout every moment, from morning to night, in all circumstances. It speaks to a lifestyle of worship, where God's goodness and greatness are continually acknowledged and celebrated, regardless of the psalmist's immediate situation or feelings.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Metonymy**, where "mouth" stands in for the psalmist's entire vocal expression, thoughts, and even their very being, indicating that their whole life should be characterized by praise. The phrase "be filled" functions as a **Metaphor** for an overwhelming abundance and saturation, implying that praise should not be meager or forced, but should overflow naturally from a heart consumed with God's goodness, much like a vessel filled to the brim. The petitionary "Let my mouth be filled" uses an **Optative Mood**, expressing a strong wish or prayer, highlighting the psalmist's deep yearning and dependence on God to enable such continuous worship. Furthermore, the repetition of "thy" (thy praise, thy honour) serves as an **Anaphora** (though subtle in this short verse), emphasizing that God Himself, His character, and His actions are the exclusive and ultimate object of this desired adoration. The phrase "all the day" acts as **Hyperbole**, underscoring the psalmist's desire for an unceasing, pervasive attitude of worship that transcends specific moments, aiming for an ideal of constant devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 71:8 articulates a profound theological truth: that the appropriate human response to God's enduring faithfulness and saving power is unceasing praise and honor. This verse highlights the intrinsic link between God's character (His worthiness of praise and honor) and humanity's purpose (to glorify Him). It underscores that genuine worship is not merely a ritualistic act but a continuous, overflowing expression that permeates every aspect of life, demonstrating a heart fully devoted to God's majesty. The psalmist's desire for their mouth to be "filled" signifies a longing for an internal spiritual reality—a heart so saturated with God's goodness—to manifest externally in constant verbal adoration. This continuous praise serves as both a testament to God's past deliverances and an act of faith in His future provision, transforming the very act of speaking into an ongoing act of worship.

* [Psalms 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalms 34:1 - Blessing the Lord at All Times")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")
* [1 Chronicles 16:28-29](/1_chronicles/16-28 "1 Chronicles 16:28-29 - Give Glory to the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 71:8 challenges believers to cultivate a lifestyle of pervasive worship, moving beyond compartmentalized praise to an "all the day" devotion. In a world often filled with complaints, anxieties, or idle chatter, this verse calls us to intentionally fill our mouths—and by extension, our minds and hearts—with God's praise and honor. This isn't about ignoring difficulties, but about consciously choosing to magnify God's greatness above our circumstances. Such a practice transforms our perspective, strengthens our faith, and deepens our relationship with the One who is worthy of all adoration. It encourages us to see every moment as an opportunity to acknowledge God's presence, goodness, and sovereignty, turning our daily interactions and inner thoughts into a continuous offering of worship. Even in old age or times of weakness, as the psalmist implies, our mouths can still be instruments of God's praise, demonstrating His faithfulness across every season of life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I consciously choose to fill my mouth with God's praise and honor throughout my day, beyond formal worship times?**
* **What specific thoughts or words tend to occupy my mind and speech, and how might I intentionally shift them towards God's glory?**
* **In what ways can I practically cultivate a more continuous attitude of worship, even amidst challenges or mundane tasks?**
* **How does remembering God's past faithfulness encourage me to praise Him "all the day" in my current circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What does "all the day" imply about the nature of praise?**

Answer: "All the day" implies that praise is not meant to be a sporadic or occasional act, confined to specific times like Sunday services or personal devotionals. Instead, it signifies a continuous, pervasive, and habitual posture of the heart and mind that overflows into vocal expression throughout every moment of one's life. It suggests that our awareness of God's presence, His goodness, and His worthiness should permeate our thoughts, words, and actions from morning until night, regardless of our circumstances. This aligns with the New Testament call to "pray without ceasing" ([1 Thessalonians 5:17](/1_thessalonians/5-17 "1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray Without Ceasing")) and to offer a "sacrifice of praise to God continually" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")).

**Why does the psalmist pray "Let my mouth be filled" instead of simply stating "My mouth is filled"?**

Answer: The use of the imperative or optative mood ("Let my mouth be filled") indicates that this is a prayer, a fervent request, and a longing rather than a declaration of an accomplished fact. It reveals the psalmist's humble dependence on God to enable this continuous praise. It acknowledges that such a consistent overflow of worship is not something that comes naturally or is achieved by human effort alone, but requires divine grace and empowerment. It's a desire for God to so work in their heart and life that praise becomes an irresistible and constant outpouring, a testament to God's active presence and goodness. It's a recognition that even the desire to praise comes from God and requires His ongoing work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 71:8 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodied a life entirely filled with the Father's praise and honor "all the day." Unlike humanity, whose praise is often intermittent or imperfect, Jesus's entire life was a seamless offering of worship and obedience to God. From His childhood, declaring His need to be "in my Father's house" ([Luke 2:49](/luke/2-49 "Luke 2:49 - In My Father's House")), to His public ministry, where He constantly glorified the Father ([John 8:49](/john/8-49 "John 8:49 - Jesus Honors the Father")), and even to His final moments on the cross, crying out "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" ([Luke 23:46](/luke/23-46 "Luke 23:46 - Jesus's Last Words")), Jesus's mouth and life were perpetually filled with His Father's praise and honor. He is the perfect worshiper, the one who always did what pleased the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). Moreover, through Christ, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to participate in this continuous praise. We are called to offer "the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - The Sacrifice of Praise")). As members of His body, our mouths are now to be filled with His praise and honor, reflecting His glory to the world and participating in the eternal worship of the Lamb who is worthy of all adoration ([Revelation 5:12](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb")). Thus, the psalmist's longing becomes a reality for those united with Christ, enabling them to live lives saturated with God's praise, anticipating the day when every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:11](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confess")).

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 35:28

And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness [and] of thy praise all the day long.

Psalms 146:2

While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being.

Psalms 104:1

¶ Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Psalms 71:15

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

Psalms 71:24

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.

Psalms 145:1

¶ David's [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 145:2

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.