Psalms 71:15

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

פִּ֤י׀

H6310

My mouth

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

יְסַפֵּ֬ר

H5608

shall shew forth

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

צִדְקָתֶ֗ךָ

H6666

thy righteousness

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיּ֥וֹם

H3117

all the day

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

תְּשׁוּעָתֶ֑ךָ

H8668

and thy salvation

rescue (literal or figurative, persons, national or spiritual)

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֖א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָדַ֣עְתִּי

H3045

for I know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#10

סְפֹרֽוֹת׃

H5615

not the numbers

a numeration

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of righteousness reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes soteria in Greek or yeshua in Hebrew, indicating deliverance and wholeness, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes righteousness in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 71 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on righteousness address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?