Psalms 70–71
Psalm 70:1-71:24
Psa.70.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למנצח: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לדוד: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- להזכיר: VERB,hif,inf
Parallels
- Psalm 40:13-17 (quotation): Psalm 70 largely repeats material found at the end of Psalm 40 (a near-verbatim duplication of the urgent plea and petition), indicating Psalm 70 draws directly on Psalm 40.
- Psalm 3:1 (structural): Shares the same superscription formula 'למנצח לדוד' ('To the Chief Musician; of David'), showing the common musical/authorial heading used across many Davidic psalms.
- Psalm 54:1 (structural): Another example of the 'למנצח לדוד' superscription (to the chief musician, of David); parallels Psalm 70's heading in function and liturgical direction.
- Psalm 71:1 (thematic): Like Psalm 70's superscription ('to bring to remembrance'), Psalm 71 is a plea for lifelong remembrance and deliverance, reflecting similar devotional/liturgical concerns about God's ongoing help and recollection.
Alternative generated candidates
- To the choirmaster. A remembrance. A psalm of David.
- To the choirmaster. Of David. For remembrance.
Psa.70.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- להצילני: VERB,hiphil,inf,1,_,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- לעזרתי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,1s
- חושה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 40:13-17 (quotation): Psalm 70 reproduces material from the closing petition of Psalm 40 (a plea for deliverance and for God to hasten to help), making Psalm 70 essentially a brief reiteration of these lines.
- Psalm 22:19-21 (verbal): Both passages plead for God's nearness and speedy rescue — 'be not far off' / 'hasten to help me' — sharing vocabulary of urgent appeal and deliverance.
- Psalm 31:2 (verbal): Psalm 31:2 asks God to 'incline your ear' and 'be my rock of refuge' and to 'deliver me speedily,' echoing the request in Ps 70:2 for swift help and salvation.
- Psalm 143:9 (thematic): This verse expresses the same basic theme — a cry for deliverance and refuge in the LORD — situating Ps 70:2 within the broader lament tradition's request for God's rescue.
Alternative generated candidates
- O God, save me; O LORD, hurry to my help.
- God, save me; O LORD, make haste to help me.
Psa.70.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יבשו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- ויחפרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מבקשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- יסגו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- אחור: ADV
- ויכלמו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חפצי: NOUN,m,sg,suff
- רעתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
Parallels
- Psalm 40:13–17 (quotation): Psalm 70 largely repeats and condenses these verses from Psalm 40 (petition for God’s help followed by a prayer that those seeking the psalmist’s life be ashamed and turned back).
- Psalm 35:4 (verbal): Uses very similar language—'let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul'—expressing the same desire that enemies who plot the psalmist's harm be put to shame.
- Psalm 109:29 (verbal): Echoes the petition that those who seek the psalmist’s ruin be confounded and ashamed, employing comparable wording and imprecatory intent toward hostile adversaries.
- Psalm 6:10 (thematic): Shares the theme of enemies being put to shame and distressed; both prayers envision the disgrace or sudden defeat of those who oppose the supplicant.
Alternative generated candidates
- May those who seek my life be put to shame and turned back; may those who desire my harm retreat and be disgraced.
- Let those who seek my life be put to shame and turned back; let those who plot my hurt be confounded and brought to dishonor.
Psa.70.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ישובו: VERB,qal,imperf,3,m,pl
- על: PREP
- עקב: PREP
- בשתם: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,3,pl
- האמרים: VERB,qal,ptcp,0,m,pl
- האח: NOUN,m,sg,def
- האח: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Psalm 40:15 (quotation): Psalm 70 closely echoes and condenses language from Psalm 40; both contain the imprecation that those who rejoice at the psalmist's fall say ‘Aha, aha’ and be turned back.
- Psalm 6:10 (verbal): Uses similar wording and motif—enemies put to shame and made to turn back—sharing the petition that adversaries be confounded.
- Psalm 35:4-5 (thematic): Parallel theme of asking God to bring shame and defeat on those who plot the psalmist’s harm (requests that enemies be put to shame and driven back).
- Psalm 109:29 (allusion): Another imprecatory plea that those who seek the psalmist’s hurt be put to shame and dishonor, echoing the same forensic/poetic motif of adversaries’ humiliation.
Alternative generated candidates
- May they turn back in shame—let those who cry 'Aha! Aha!' be silenced.
- May they turn back in humiliation who say, "Aha! Aha!"
Psa.70.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ישישו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- וישמחו: VERB,qal,perf,3,pl
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- כל: DET
- מבקשיך: VERB,qal,ptcp,act,mp+PRON,2,m,sg
- ויאמרו: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,pl
- תמיד: ADV
- יגדל: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אהבי: NOUN,m,sg,poss-1s
- ישועתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,ms
Parallels
- Psalm 40:16 (verbal): Almost identical wording — a call that all who seek God rejoice and continually proclaim God’s greatness/salvation. Psalm 70 echoes/condenses this verse from Psalm 40.
- Psalm 35:27 (verbal): Calls for rejoicing and continual praise (‘let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified’) and links joy with love of God’s salvation, paralleling the refrain in Ps 70:5.
- Psalm 69:32-33 (thematic): Speaks of the humble/seekers rejoicing and God hearing the needy — similar theme of those who seek God rejoicing in His help and salvation.
- Psalm 22:26 (thematic): Declares that those who seek the LORD will praise him and be satisfied — parallels the promise that God’s seekers will rejoice in Him.
- Isaiah 12:2-3 (thematic): Affirms ‘God is my salvation’ and connects trust in God with rejoicing and drawing joy from salvation, echoing Ps 70:5’s emphasis on rejoicing in God’s salvation.
Alternative generated candidates
- May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation ever say, 'God be exalted!'
- Let all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; let those who love your salvation always say, "May God be magnified!"
Psa.70.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- עני: ADJ,m,sg
- ואביון: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- חושה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- עזרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- ומפלטי: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,suff_1cs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אל: NEG
- תאחר: VERB,qal,imperf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Ps.40:17 (quotation): Psalm 70 closely echoes Psalm 40:17 almost verbatim: same self-description ('poor and needy'), declaration that God is help and deliverer, and the plea that the LORD not delay — Psalm 70 functions as a brief restatement of this material.
- Ps.86:1 (verbal): Uses the same language of helplessness ('I am poor and needy') and appeals directly to God for hearing and help, matching the personal plea and dependence found in Ps.70:6.
- Ps.38:22 (verbal): Explicitly petitions God to 'make haste to help me' (or 'Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation'), paralleling Ps.70:6's urgent plea that Yahweh not delay in providing help and deliverance.
- Ps.22:19 (thematic): A heartfelt cry for God's nearness and swift assistance ('Be not far from me... haste thee to help me'), thematically mirroring Ps.70:6's urgent appeal for God's help and immediate intervention.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I am poor and needy; O God, hurry to me. You are my help and my deliverer, O LORD—do not delay.
- But I am poor and needy; O God, hasten to me—You are my help and my deliverer, O LORD; do not delay.
Psa.71.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- חסיתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,c,sg
- אל: NEG
- אבושה: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- לעולם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ps.31:1 (verbal): Uses near-identical language asking God as refuge and pleading not to be put to shame — a direct verbal parallel in petition and imagery.
- Ps.25:2 (verbal): Explicitly says "in you I trust; let me not be put to shame," mirroring the Psalm 71 petition and vocabulary of trust/refuge.
- Ps.22:4-5 (thematic): Speaks of trusting in Yahweh and being delivered; provides the communal/historical precedent for trusting God as refuge.
- Isa.26:4 (thematic): Calls for trusting in the LORD as an everlasting rock — similar theological theme of God as a permanent refuge and trustworthiness.
- Jer.17:7 (thematic): Declares the blessedness of trusting in the LORD, echoing the Psalmist’s confidence and reliance on God as refuge.
Alternative generated candidates
- In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
- In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Psa.71.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בצדקתך: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,cons+2ms
- תצילני: VERB,hiphil,impf,2,m,sg
- ותפלטני: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- הטה: VERB,hiph,impv,2,m,sg
- אלי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- אזנך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,m,sg
- והושיעני: CONJ+VERB,hif,perf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ps.31:2 (verbal): Nearly identical wording — a direct petition: “Deliver me in thy righteousness; incline thine ear unto me; deliver me speedily.” Psalm 71 echoes the same language and request for rescue.
- Ps.86:1 (verbal): Uses the same formula “Incline thine ear, O LORD, and answer me,” appealing for God’s attentive ear and deliverance.
- Ps.40:13 (thematic): A similar plea for rescue and swift help: “Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me: O LORD, make haste to help me,” matching Psalm 71’s urgent request for salvation.
- Ps.70:1 (thematic): “Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O LORD” — another concise cry for speedy deliverance that parallels the urgency of Psalm 71:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- In your righteousness deliver and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
- In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
Psa.71.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- היה: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- לצור: VERB,qal,inf
- מעון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לבוא: VERB,qal,inf
- תמיד: ADV
- צוית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- להושיעני: VERB,qal,inf,NA,NA,NA
- כי: CONJ
- סלעי: NOUN,m,sg,suff_1cs
- ומצודתי: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,suff_1cs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 18:2 (verbal): Uses the same imagery—'The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer'—paralleling Psalm 71:3's 'you are my rock and my fortress.'
- Psalm 31:2-3 (verbal): Petition for rescue framed with identical metaphors: 'be thou my rock and my fortress... for thou art my rock and my fortress,' echoing the request and address in Ps 71:3.
- Psalm 62:6 (verbal): Declares God as 'my rock and my salvation, my fortress,' closely matching the language and the theme of refuge in Ps 71:3.
- Nahum 1:7 (thematic): Presents God as a sanctuary/stronghold in times of trouble ('The LORD is good... a stronghold in the day of trouble'), paralleling the fortress/refuge motif of Ps 71:3.
- Psalm 90:1 (structural): Speaks of God as a dwelling place ('Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations'), resonating with Ps 71:3's 'rock of habitation' idea of God as a continual refuge.
Alternative generated candidates
- Be for me a rock of refuge, a dwelling to which I may always come. You have commanded to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
- Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; you have commanded to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Psa.71.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- א: PRT
- להי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1,sg
- פלטני: VERB,piel,imp,2,m,sg
- מיד: PREP
- רשע: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מכף: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מעול: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וחומץ: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 140:1 (verbal): Almost identical plea: 'Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men' mirrors the request to be delivered from the hand of the wicked and the grasp of the violent/cruel.
- Psalm 59:1 (thematic): A general cry for rescue from enemies—'Deliver me from my enemies, O God'—echoes the petition for divine deliverance from the wicked and violent.
- Psalm 7:1 (thematic): Begins with trust in God and asks to be saved from persecutors ('save me from all my pursuers'), paralleling the dependence on God for rescue from the violent/evil.
- Psalm 143:9 (thematic): A direct appeal for deliverance ('Deliver me, O LORD, from mine enemies') and seeking refuge in God, reflecting the same motif of escape from hostile hands.
Alternative generated candidates
- My God, deliver me from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and violent.
- Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and violent.
Psa.71.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- תקותי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1s
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- מבטחי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- מנעורי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 22:9-10 (verbal): Speaks of being taken from the womb and trusting God from childhood—language closely parallels 'my trust from my youth.'
- Psalm 71:6 (verbal): Immediate continuation in the same psalm—confesses reliance on God 'from before I was born,' reinforcing the theme of lifelong trust/hope.
- Psalm 71:17 (verbal): Declares that God has taught the psalmist 'from my youth,' echoing the same emphasis on God's care and instruction beginning in youth.
- Isaiah 46:4 (thematic): God's sustaining, lifelong care ('even to your old age... I will carry you') parallels the idea of God as the psalmist's enduring hope and trust from youth.
- Lamentations 3:21-24 (thematic): Affirms remembering God's faithfulness and declaring 'The LORD is my portion... therefore I hope in him,' echoing the personal profession 'you are my hope, O LORD.'
Alternative generated candidates
- For you are my hope, O Lord GOD; my confidence from my youth.
- For you are my hope, O Lord GOD; my confidence from my youth.
Psa.71.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עליך: PREP+2ms
- נסמכתי: VERB,niphal,perf,1,sg
- מבטן: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ממעי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- אמי: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אתה: PRON,2,m,sg
- גוזי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1s
- בך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
- תהלתי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- תמיד: ADV
Parallels
- Psalm 22:9-10 (verbal): Contains nearly identical wording about reliance from birth and the phrase 'from my mother's womb you are my God,' a close verbal parallel to Ps 71:6.
- Psalm 139:13-16 (thematic): Affirms God's intimate involvement in the psalmist's formation and life from the womb, echoing the theme of divine care and presence from birth.
- Isaiah 49:1, 5 (thematic): The Servant is depicted as called and formed 'from the womb,' reflecting the motif of divine appointment and relationship established before or at birth.
- Jeremiah 1:5 (thematic): God's knowledge and consecration of Jeremiah before his birth parallels the idea of a divine relationship and purpose extending back to the womb.
Alternative generated candidates
- On you I have leaned from my birth; from my mother's womb you have been my support. To you I have been entrusted; my praise is continually of you.
- Upon you I have leaned since my birth; from my mother’s womb you are he who took me—my praise is continually of you.
Psa.71.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כמופת: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הייתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- לרבים: PREP+ADJ,m,pl
- ואתה: CONJ+PRON,2,m,sg
- מחסי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+1s
- עז: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Deut.28:37 (verbal): Deuteronomy warns Israel they will ‘become a byword and a wonder among all the peoples,’ closely matching Ps 71:7’s language of becoming a wonder to many.
- Psalm 46:1 (verbal): ‘God is our refuge and strength’ parallels the phrase אתה מחסי־עַז (you are my strong refuge), echoing refuge/strength vocabulary.
- Psalm 18:2 (thematic): ‘The LORD is my rock... my fortress... in whom I take refuge’ uses the same stronghold/refuge imagery found in Ps 71:7.
- Psalm 22:6–7 (thematic): The psalmist speaks of being mocked and made an object of scorn—thematically parallel to becoming a spectacle or wonder before many as in Ps 71:7.
Alternative generated candidates
- I have become a wonder to many, yet you are my strong refuge.
- I have been a wonder to many; but you are my strong refuge.
Psa.71.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ימלא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- תהלתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2ms
- כל: DET
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תפארתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2fs
Parallels
- Psalm 34:1 (verbal): Very close wording and idea: 'I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth' — both express continual/day‑long praise from the mouth.
- Psalm 35:28 (verbal): Shares the phrase and theme: 'My tongue shall tell of your righteousness and of your praise all the day long,' echoing the petition that the mouth be filled with praise all day.
- Psalm 51:15 (allusion): Related imagery of the mouth and praise: 'O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise' — an earlier petition linking spoken praise to God's action.
- Psalm 145:2 (thematic): Similar emphasis on continual/ daily praise: 'Every day I will bless you; I will praise your name forever and ever,' affirming ongoing praise of God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Let my mouth be filled with your praise all day; let my lips declare your glory.
- Let my mouth be filled with your praise all day; let your glory be my constant theme.
Psa.71.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אל: NEG
- תשליכני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg+PRON,1,sg
- לעת: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- זקנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ככלות: PREP+INFN,qal,inf
- כחי: NOUN,m,sg,poss,1,sg
- אל: NEG
- תעזבני: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,obj1,sg
Parallels
- Isaiah 46:4 (verbal): God's promise of sustaining care 'even to your old age...to gray hairs I will carry you' closely parallels the Psalmist's plea not to be cast off in old age.
- Psalm 71:18 (verbal): A later petition in the same psalm that repeats the plea not to be forsaken in old age, echoing the wording and concern of v.9.
- Psalm 71:5 (thematic): Declares trust in God 'from my youth,' which contrasts and complements v.9's request that God continue that care into old age when strength fails.
- 2 Timothy 4:17 (thematic): Paul's testimony that 'the Lord stood with me and strengthened me' resonates with the Psalmist's appeal for God's presence and support when strength is gone and abandonment is feared.
Alternative generated candidates
- Do not cast me off in the time of old age—when my strength fails—do not forsake me.
- Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails.
Psa.71.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- כי: CONJ
- אמרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- אויבי: NOUN,m,pl,suff1
- לי: PREP+PRON,1,sg
- ושמרי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,cs
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- נועצו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- יחדו: ADV
Parallels
- Psalm 31:13 (verbal): Speaks of enemies taking counsel together against the psalmist and imagining to take his life—language and imagery close to 'they that watch for my soul take counsel together.'
- Psalm 55:12-15 (verbal): Describes intimate companions who 'took sweet counsel together' and conspired against the speaker; parallels the motif of enemies plotting together.
- Psalm 35:11-12 (thematic): Accuses foes of rising as false witnesses and conspiring to harm the psalmist—similar theme of enemies colluding against the petitioner.
- Jeremiah 11:19 (thematic): Jeremiah recalls being like a lamb led to slaughter while others 'devised devices' and conspired against him—an Old Testament prophetic instance of enemies plotting against a righteous sufferer.
- Psalm 41:9 (thematic): Speaks of a close companion betraying the psalmist ('lifted up his heel against me'), resonating with the betrayal and conspiracy motif found in Ps 71:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- For my enemies say concerning me, and those who watch my life conspire together.
- For my enemies speak about me; those who watch for my life take counsel together.
Psa.71.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לאמר: INF,qal,infc
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עזבו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- רדפו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- ותפשוהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl,pr.3m.obj
- כי: CONJ
- אין: PART,neg
- מציל: VERB,qal,part,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 22:7-8 (verbal): Mockers deride the sufferer with words like “He trusts in the LORD; let the LORD rescue him,” paralleling enemies’ taunt that God has abandoned him and there is no savior.
- Psalm 42:10 (verbal): Enemies taunt the psalmist by questioning God’s presence—“Where is your God?”—a closely related mocking claim that God has forsaken and will not help.
- Isaiah 49:14 (thematic): Zion’s lament “The LORD has forsaken me” echoes the theme of perceived divine abandonment, though here the voice is the afflicted community rather than hostile taunts.
- Matthew 27:41-43 (allusion): Onlookers mock Jesus with lines like “He trusts in God; let God deliver him,” directly echoing psalmic taunts that God has forsaken the victim and will not save him.
Alternative generated candidates
- They say, 'God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver him.'
- They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is none to deliver."
Psa.71.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- תרחק: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- ממני: PREP,suff,1,m,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- לעזרתי: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,1s
- חושה: VERB,qal,impv,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 22:19 (verbal): A near-verbatim plea: 'Do not be far off... hasten to help me' — shares the same urgent language and petition for God's nearness and swift aid.
- Psalm 70:1 (verbal): Concise, repeated petition 'Make haste, O God, to save me; O Lord, make haste to help me' — a clear verbal parallel and common liturgical cry for immediate deliverance.
- Psalm 38:21-22 (verbal): Contains the double entreaty 'do not forsake me... be not far from me! Make haste to help me' — closely parallels Ps 71:12 in both wording and theme of urgent dependence.
- Psalm 40:17 (thematic): Affirms God as helper and deliverer with the plea 'do not delay, O my God' — thematically parallels Ps 71:12's appeal for God's nearness and swift rescue.
Alternative generated candidates
- O God, do not be far from me; my God, make haste to help me.
- O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me.
Psa.71.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- יבשו: VERB,qal,imprf,3,m,pl
- יכלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- שטני: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- נפשי: NOUN,f,sg,abs+1cs
- יעטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- חרפה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- וכלמה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מבקשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- רעתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
Parallels
- Psalm 35:4 (verbal): Nearly identical wording and petition—‘Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul’—a direct plea against those seeking the psalmist’s life.
- Psalm 40:14 (verbal): Close verbal parallel repeating the request that those who seek the speaker’s life be ashamed and turned back; Psalm 40:14 and Ps 71:13 share the same motif and phrasing.
- Psalm 70:2 (verbal): A very similar, concise plea: ‘Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul,’ echoing the petition in Ps 71:13 (Ps 70 parallels language found in Ps 40 and Ps 71).
- Isaiah 54:17 (thematic): Thematic parallel—God frustrates the designs of enemies so their plans fail; both passages express confidence that adversaries who devise harm will be disappointed and put to shame.
Alternative generated candidates
- May the enemies of my soul be put to shame and consumed; may those who seek my harm be clothed with disgrace and humiliation.
- Let them be ashamed and confounded who devise evil against my soul; let them be turned back and covered with shame who desire my hurt.
Psa.71.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואני: PRON,1,sg
- תמיד: ADV
- איחל: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- והוספתי: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,1,sg
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- תהלתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2ms
Parallels
- Psalm 42:5 (42:11 in some numberings) (verbal): Contains the same refrain of renewed/persistent praise — 'yet will I praise him' / 'I will yet praise him' echoing the commitment to continue praising God.
- Psalm 34:1 (verbal): Declares continual praise ('I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth'), paralleling the idea of ongoing, habitual praise in Ps 71:14.
- Psalm 146:2 (thematic): Affirms lifelong praise ('I will praise the LORD while I live'), reflecting the Psalm 71 theme of persistent, enduring praise and hope.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (thematic): Calls for continual rejoicing and thanksgiving ('Rejoice evermore... give thanks in all circumstances'), paralleling the New Testament exhortation to persistent praise and trust found in Ps 71:14.
- Psalm 63:4 (thematic): Expresses ongoing devotion ('Thus will I bless thee while I live'), resonating with Ps 71:14's pledge to hope continually and increase praise.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I will always hope; I will increase my praise of you continually.
- But I will hope continually and will add to all your praise.
Psa.71.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- פי: NOUN,m,sg,construct
- יספר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- צדקתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,ms
- כל: DET
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תשועתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- כי: CONJ
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידעתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,?,sg
- ספרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 40:10 (verbal): Claimespeaks of declaring God's righteousness/faithfulness and salvation—’I have not hidden your righteousness… I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation’ echoing the vow to speak of God's salvation continually.
- Psalm 96:2 (verbal): Contains the phrase ‘tell of his salvation from day to day,’ closely matching the psalm’s emphasis on daily proclamation of God’s saving acts.
- Psalm 71:17 (verbal): Within the same psalm the speaker again pledges to proclaim God’s wondrous deeds and righteousness from youth onward—an internal parallel reinforcing the theme of continual testimony.
- Psalm 145:4 (thematic): Speaks of one generation telling another of God’s mighty acts and proclaiming his power—relates to the ongoing public declaration of God’s righteousness and salvation.
- Isaiah 12:4 (thematic): Calls for making known the Lord’s deeds and proclaiming his name among the peoples—parallels the psalmist’s intent to announce God’s salvation continually.
Alternative generated candidates
- My mouth will recount your righteousness all day long—your salvation; for I cannot number them.
- My mouth shall recount your righteousness all day; for your saving acts I will speak, though I cannot number them.
Psa.71.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אבוא: VERB,qal,impf,1,NA,sg
- בגברות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- אדני: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1,sg
- יהוה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- אזכיר: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- צדקתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,ms
- לבדך: ADV,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 40:10 (verbal): “I have not hidden your righteousness... I have declared” — language of declaring/making known God’s righteousness parallels “I will make mention of Your righteousness.”
- Psalm 59:16 (verbal): “But I will sing of your strength... I will sing aloud of your lovingkindness” — pairs the theme of God’s strength with the psalmist’s vocal praise, echoing “I will come in the strength of the LORD; I will mention your righteousness.”
- Psalm 18:32-33 (thematic): “It is God who arms me with strength... who trains my hands for war” — theme of the LORD as source of strength that empowers the singer, resonant with ‘coming in the strength of the LORD.’
- 1 Chronicles 16:8-11 (structural): Liturgical call to “Give thanks... make known his deeds... seek the LORD and his strength,” combining proclamation of God’s acts/righteousness with reliance on his strength, similar in purpose and form to Ps 71:16.
- Isaiah 61:10 (thematic): “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD... he has clothed me with the garments of salvation... a robe of righteousness” — rejoicing and public testimony about God’s righteousness echo the vow to proclaim God’s righteousness in Ps 71:16.
Alternative generated candidates
- I will come in the might of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim your righteousness—yours alone.
- I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of your righteousness—yours alone.
Psa.71.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- א: PRT
- להים: PREP+PRON,3,m,pl
- למדתני: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- מנעורי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,sg
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- הנה: PART
- אגיד: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- נפלאותיך: NOUN,f,pl,abs+2ms
Parallels
- Psalm 78:4-7 (thematic): Emphasizes passing on God's deeds and instruction to the next generation so they might trust God—parallel to 'taught me from my youth' and declaring God's wondrous works.
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (thematic): Commands teaching God's words to children ('you shall teach them diligently to your children'), providing the covenantal background for being taught from youth and recounting God's acts.
- Psalm 40:5 (verbal): Speaks of the many wonderful works of God ('many, O Lord my God, are your wonderful works'), echoing the language of declaring God's wondrous deeds in Ps 71:17.
- Psalm 71:18 (structural): Immediate continuation of the psalm where the speaker asks to live to proclaim God's power to another generation—directly linked in theme and purpose to v.17's testimony about being taught and declaring God's works.
- Proverbs 22:6 (thematic): Instruction to 'train up a child in the way he should go' parallels the notion of being taught from youth and the lasting effects of early instruction in faith and practice.
Alternative generated candidates
- God, you have taught me from my youth, and to this day I declare your wondrous works.
- O God, you have taught me from my youth; and still I declare your wondrous works.
Psa.71.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וגם: CONJ
- עד: PREP
- זקנה: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ושיבה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- אל: NEG
- תעזבני: VERB,qal,impf,2,ms,obj1,sg
- עד: PREP
- אגיד: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- זרועך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
- לדור: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לכל: PREP
- יבוא: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- גבורתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 71:9 (verbal): Same plea not to be forsaken in old age—'do not cast me off'/'do not forsake me' echoes the petition in 71:18.
- Psalm 71:17 (verbal): Within the same psalm the speaker vows to 'shew forth thy mighty acts'—parallels the commitment to declare God's power to a generation.
- Psalm 145:4 (thematic): 'One generation shall praise thy works to another' parallels the theme of passing on testimony of God's deeds to subsequent generations.
- Psalm 78:4-7 (thematic): Explicit instruction to recount God's mighty works and law to the next generation so they may trust—closely parallels the purpose expressed in 71:18.
- Psalm 22:30-31 (thematic): Speaks of declaring the LORD's righteousness to future peoples 'that are to be born,' echoing the idea of testifying to 'every one that is to come.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me; until I proclaim your strength to the next generation, your power to all who are to come.
- Even when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me; until I proclaim your strength to this generation and your power to all who are to come.
Psa.71.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וצדקתך: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs,2ms
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עד: PREP
- מרום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עשית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- גדלות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- אלהים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- מי: PRON,interr,sg
- כמוך: PREP+PRON,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 86:8-10 (verbal): Uses the same language of uniqueness and divine deeds—'There is none like unto thee... neither are there any works like thy works'—closely echoing Psalm 71:19's 'Who is like you?' and praise of God's great acts.
- Exodus 15:11 (allusion): The Song of Moses' rhetorical question 'Who is like unto thee, O LORD?' and its celebration of God's wondrous deeds parallels Psalm 71:19's exaltation of God's greatness and works.
- Psalm 40:5 (thematic): Both verses celebrate God's mighty, innumerable deeds—'many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works'—matching Psalm 71:19's emphasis on the greatness of what God has done.
- Isaiah 40:25 (allusion): Isaiah's challenge 'To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal?' parallels the rhetorical motif in Psalm 71:19 of God's incomparable nature—'Who is like you?'
- Psalm 89:8 (thematic): The declaration 'Who is a strong LORD like unto thee, or to thy faithfulness?' echoes Psalm 71:19's theme of God's unmatched power, righteousness, and mighty deeds.
Alternative generated candidates
- But your righteousness, O God, reaches to the high heavens; you who have done great things—O God, who is like you?
- Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the high heavens; you who have done great things—who is like you?
Psa.71.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אשר: PRON,rel
- הראיתני: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
- צרות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רבות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- ורעות: CONJ+ADJ,f,pl,abs
- תשוב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- תחייני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- ומתהמות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- הארץ: NOUN,f,sg,def
- תשוב: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- תעלני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 30:3 (verbal): Speaks of being rescued from Sheol and restored to life—language of being brought up from the pit/Sheol echoes Psalm 71:20’s ‘you will revive me’ and deliverance from the depths.
- Psalm 40:2 (verbal): Uses the imagery of being lifted out of a ‘miry pit’ and set on a rock; parallels the motif of rescue from deep distress and elevation from the earth’s depths in Ps 71:20.
- Jonah 2:6 (verbal): Jonah describes God bringing his life up from the pit after sinking to the roots of the mountains; closely parallels the language of revival and ascent from the depths in Ps 71:20.
- 1 Samuel 2:6 (thematic): Affirms Yahweh’s sovereign action in bringing down and raising up (killing and making alive); thematically parallels Ps 71:20’s contrast of severe distress and God’s power to restore life from the depths.
Alternative generated candidates
- You have shown me many troubles and adversities; you will revive me and lift me up again from the depths of the earth.
- You who have shown me many and bitter troubles will revive me again and bring me up from the depths of the earth.
Psa.71.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תרב: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
- גדלתי: VERB,qal,perf,1,na,sg
- ותסב: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,f,sg
- תנחמני: VERB,qal,impf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 71:20 (structural): Immediate context: verse 20 speaks of revival after trouble; verse 21 continues the theme of God restoring and comforting the aged psalmist.
- Psalm 18:19 (thematic): God 'brought me forth into a broad place' and delivered the psalmist—parallels the idea of God increasing/enlarging the speaker and granting relief.
- Isaiah 40:1 (thematic): 'Comfort, comfort my people'—a prophetic summons to divine consolation that echoes the promise of comfort in Ps 71:21.
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (thematic): Paul calls God the 'Father of mercies and God of all comfort,' applying the theme of divine consolation to believers much like Ps 71’s appeal for comfort.
Alternative generated candidates
- Increase my greatness and turn to comfort me.
- Increase my honor and comfort me once more.
Psa.71.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גם: ADV
- אני: PRON,1,sg
- אודך: VERB,qal,impf,1,sg
- בכלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אמתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs+2,m,sg
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אזמרה: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- בכנור: PREP
- קדוש: ADJ,m,sg
- ישראל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 33:2 (verbal): Uses the same instruments (harp/lyre, נָבֶל וְכִנּוֹר) to call for praise — verbal parallel in vocabulary and cultic musical praise.
- Psalm 92:3 (verbal): Explicitly links God’s faithfulness/steadfast love with praise on stringed instruments (כִּנּוֹר וְנָבֶל), echoing Ps 71:22’s combination of ‘faithfulness’ and musical worship.
- Psalm 150:4 (thematic): Part of the final call to praise God with musical instruments (including lyre/harp) — shares the theme of praising God through instrumental song.
- Psalm 98:5 (thematic): Calls for singing and making music with the lyre/harp in praise of God’s salvific acts; parallels Ps 71:22’s declaration to sing to the Holy One of Israel with stringed instruments.
Alternative generated candidates
- I also will praise you with the harp, O God; I will sing to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.
- I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.
Psa.71.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- תרננה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,pl
- שפתי: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- כי: CONJ
- אזמרה: VERB,qal,impf,1,c,sg
- לך: PRON,2,m,sg
- ונפשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,poss:1cs,pref:CONJ
- אשר: PRON,rel
- פדית: VERB,qal,perf,2,m,sg
Parallels
- Psalm 40:3 (verbal): Both speak of a new/song of praise placed in the lips because of God's saving act — rejoicing lips that sing to God in response to deliverance.
- Psalm 103:1-2 (thematic): Command to the soul to bless/praise the LORD echoes the motif of inner (soul) gratitude and vocal praise found in Psalm 71:23.
- Isaiah 12:2-3 (thematic): Joyful singing and drawing water with joy from the wells of salvation — a prophetic image of rejoicing because God is one's savior/redeemer.
- Luke 1:68 (verbal): Zechariah's blessing — 'has visited and redeemed his people' — parallels the explicit theme of being redeemed and responding in praise.
- Psalm 116:8 (verbal): ‘Thou hast delivered my soul’ directly parallels the language of redemption/delivery and the ensuing thanksgiving that leads to praise and song.
Alternative generated candidates
- My lips will shout for joy when I sing to you; my soul, which you have redeemed, will rejoice.
- My lips will shout for joy when I sing to you; and my soul, which you have redeemed.
Psa.71.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- גם: ADV
- לשוני: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs,1cs
- כל: DET
- היום: NOUN,m,sg,def
- תהגה: VERB,qal,impf,3,f,sg
- צדקתך: NOUN,f,sg,abs,2,ms
- כי: CONJ
- בשו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כי: CONJ
- חפרו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- מבקשי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- רעתי: NOUN,f,sg,suff1s
Parallels
- Psalm 71:15 (verbal): Almost identical wording earlier in the same psalm: the speaker's mouth/tongue will tell of God's righteousness all day, emphasizing continual praise and testimony.
- Psalm 40:10 (verbal): "I have not hidden thy righteousness... I have declared thy faithfulness"—close verbal and thematic parallel about publicly declaring God's righteousness and salvation.
- Psalm 35:4-5 (verbal): Uses very similar language about enemies being ashamed and confounded: 'Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion that seek after my soul... that devise my hurt,' paralleling the 'ashamed/confounded who seek my hurt' motif.
- Psalm 119:171 (thematic): Speaks of lips and praise ('My lips shall utter praise')—the theme of the tongue/mouth continually praising and speaking God's righteousness resonates with Ps 71:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- My tongue will speak of your righteousness all day long, for those who sought my harm have been put to shame.
- My tongue shall talk of your righteousness all day long; for they are ashamed and confounded who seek to do me harm.
To the choirmaster. Of David; for remembrance.
O God, save me; O LORD, make haste to help me.
Let those who seek my life be put to shame and turned back; let those who desire my harm be driven away and confounded.
Let them turn back at the sound of shame—those who cry, "Aha! Aha!"
May all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; and let those who love your salvation always say, "May God be magnified!" But I am poor and needy; O God, hasten to me; you are my help and my deliverer, O LORD, do not delay.
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver and rescue me; incline your ear to me and save me.
Be to me a rock of refuge where I may always dwell; you have commanded to save me—for you are my rock and my stronghold.
O God, deliver me from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the violent and unjust.
For you are my hope, O Lord GOD; my confidence from my youth.
On you I have relied from my birth; from my mother's womb you are my support; in you my praise is ever.
I have become a wonder to many, yet you are my strong refuge.
May my mouth be filled with your praise all day—your glory.
Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is failing.
For my enemies say concerning me—those who watch my life have conspired together.
They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver."
O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me.
Let them be ashamed and confounded, those who oppose my soul; let them be turned back in disgrace who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually and will add to all your praise.
My mouth will recount your righteousness all day, your salvation; for I cannot number them.
I will go forth in the power of the Lord GOD; I will remember your righteousness—yours alone.
O God, you have taught me from my youth, and to this day I declare your wondrous deeds.
Even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare your strength to the next generation, your power to all who come.
Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the high heavens; you who have done great things—who is like you?
You have shown me many troubles and calamities; yet you will revive me again and bring me up from the depths of the earth.
Increase my honor; turn and comfort me.
Also I will praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, O my God; I will sing to you with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.
My lips will shout for joy when I sing to you— and my soul, which you have redeemed.
My tongue shall meditate on your righteousness all day long, for those who sought to harm me are put to shame.