Psalms 40:16

Authorized King James Version

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Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

Original Language Analysis

יָ֘שִׂ֤ישׂוּ thee rejoice H7797
יָ֘שִׂ֤ישׂוּ thee rejoice
Strong's: H7797
Word #: 1 of 11
to be bright, i.e., cheerful
וְיִשְׂמְח֨וּ׀ and be glad H8055
וְיִשְׂמְח֨וּ׀ and be glad
Strong's: H8055
Word #: 2 of 11
probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome
בְּךָ֗ H0
בְּךָ֗
Strong's: H0
Word #: 3 of 11
כָּֽל H3605
כָּֽל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 4 of 11
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מְבַ֫קְשֶׁ֥יךָ Let all those that seek H1245
מְבַ֫קְשֶׁ֥יךָ Let all those that seek
Strong's: H1245
Word #: 5 of 11
to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after
יֹאמְר֣וּ say H559
יֹאמְר֣וּ say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 6 of 11
to say (used with great latitude)
תָ֭מִיד continually H8548
תָ֭מִיד continually
Strong's: H8548
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re
יִגְדַּ֣ל be magnified H1431
יִגְדַּ֣ל be magnified
Strong's: H1431
Word #: 8 of 11
to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)
יְהוָ֑ה The LORD H3068
יְהוָ֑ה The LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 9 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֹֽ֝הֲבֵ֗י in thee let such as love H157
אֹֽ֝הֲבֵ֗י in thee let such as love
Strong's: H157
Word #: 10 of 11
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
תְּשׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃ thy salvation H8668
תְּשׁוּעָתֶֽךָ׃ thy salvation
Strong's: H8668
Word #: 11 of 11
rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

Analysis & Commentary

The psalm turns from imprecation to blessing, praying that 'all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad.' The contrast between those who seek God's destruction and those who seek God Himself is stark. The phrase 'such as love thy salvation' defines true worshipers: those who delight not merely in deliverance but in the God who saves.

Historical Context

The dual response to God--enemies confounded, seekers rejoicing--appears throughout biblical literature as the pattern of divine judgment. God's actions simultaneously save and judge, depending on one's relationship to Him.

Questions for Reflection