Psalms 130:8
And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭הוּא
H1931
וְ֭הוּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
1 of 6
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
And he shall redeem
H6299
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
And he shall redeem
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
2 of 6
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
4 of 6
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
Cross References
Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Romans 6:14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.Matthew 1:21And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.Luke 1:68Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,
Historical Context
The promise of redemption from iniquities anticipates new covenant promises (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-27) where God would deal definitively with sin. Israel's history demonstrated partial deliverances (from enemies, exile), but complete redemption from sin awaited Messiah. Christians see this verse fulfilled in Christ's atoning death and resurrection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does redemption 'from all iniquities' differ from forgiveness of sins - or are they the same?
- What gives the psalmist certainty ('he shall redeem') rather than mere hope ('he might redeem')?
- How does this ending resolve the opening cry from the depths (v. 1)?
- In what ways does this Old Testament promise anticipate and find fulfillment in Christ's redemptive work?
- How should confidence in complete redemption from all iniquities shape Christian life and worship?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with confident promise: 'And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.' The certainty 'he shall redeem' (not 'may' or 'might') expresses absolute confidence in God's future action. The word 'redeem' (padah) means to ransom, deliver by payment, rescue. In exodus context, God redeemed Israel from Egypt; here, redemption is from 'all his iniquities.' The comprehensiveness 'all' means total, complete forgiveness - not partial or conditional. 'Iniquities' returns to verse 3's concern. The verse promises that God will not merely overlook sins but actively remove them through redemptive act. For Old Testament readers, this anticipated fuller revelation of atonement. For Christian readers, this finds fulfillment in Christ's redemptive work (Matthew 1:21; Titus 2:14). The psalm moves from personal depths (v. 1) through forgiveness (v. 4) and hope (vv. 5-6) to corporate exhortation (v. 7) and confident promise (v. 8) - modeling journey from despair to hope grounded in God's redemptive character.