Psalms 66:17

Authorized King James Version

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I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue.

Original Language Analysis

אֵלָ֥יו H413
אֵלָ֥יו
Strong's: H413
Word #: 1 of 6
near, with or among; often in general, to
פִּֽי unto him with my mouth H6310
פִּֽי unto him with my mouth
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 2 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
קָרָ֑אתִי I cried H7121
קָרָ֑אתִי I cried
Strong's: H7121
Word #: 3 of 6
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וְ֝רוֹמַ֗ם H7318
וְ֝רוֹמַ֗ם
Strong's: H7318
Word #: 4 of 6
exaltation, i.e., (figuratively and specifically) praise
תַּ֣חַת with H8478
תַּ֣חַת with
Strong's: H8478
Word #: 5 of 6
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
לְשׁוֹנִֽי׃ my tongue H3956
לְשׁוֹנִֽי׃ my tongue
Strong's: H3956
Word #: 6 of 6
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

Analysis & Commentary

Personal testimony of answered prayer follows sacrifice—'I cried unto him with my mouth' shows vocal, explicit prayer. The phrase 'he was extolled with my tongue' indicates that even before receiving the answer, the psalmist began praising God. This demonstrates faith that trusts God's character and purposes regardless of immediate circumstances. Extolling God 'with my tongue' emphasizes that worship involves articulate, thoughtful expression, not merely emotional feeling.

Historical Context

Ancient Hebrew worship was highly verbal and communal, with psalms sung antiphonally in temple services. This public testimony encouraged others' faith by recounting specific instances of God's faithfulness.

Questions for Reflection