Psalms 71:23

Authorized King James Version

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My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.

Original Language Analysis

תְּרַנֵּ֣נָּה shall greatly rejoice H7442
תְּרַנֵּ֣נָּה shall greatly rejoice
Strong's: H7442
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, to creak (or emit a stridulous sound), i.e., to shout (usually for joy)
שְׂ֭פָתַי My lips H8193
שְׂ֭פָתַי My lips
Strong's: H8193
Word #: 2 of 8
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
כִּ֣י H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֲזַמְּרָה when I sing H2167
אֲזַמְּרָה when I sing
Strong's: H2167
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in so
לָּ֑ךְ H0
לָּ֑ךְ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 5 of 8
וְ֝נַפְשִׁ֗י unto thee and my soul H5315
וְ֝נַפְשִׁ֗י unto thee and my soul
Strong's: H5315
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
אֲשֶׁ֣ר H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 7 of 8
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פָּדִֽיתָ׃ which thou hast redeemed H6299
פָּדִֽיתָ׃ which thou hast redeemed
Strong's: H6299
Word #: 8 of 8
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve

Analysis & Commentary

My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed. David describes the internal and external dimensions of anticipated worship. "My lips shall greatly rejoice" (תְּרַנֵּנָּה שְׂפָתַי/terannenah sefatai) uses ranan, meaning to cry out, sing for joy, shout with gladness. This isn't somber, formal worship but exuberant celebration. The lips—organs of speech and song—will overflow with joy expressed vocally and publicly.

"My soul, which thou hast redeemed" (נַפְשִׁי אֲשֶׁר פָּדִיתָ/nafshi asher padita) identifies the deeper source of joy. Nefesh (soul/life) represents the whole person—emotions, will, and being. This soul has been "redeemed" (פָּדִיתָ/padita), using redemption language typically applied to buying back enslaved family members or property (Leviticus 25:25-55). God has purchased David back from bondage to sin, death, and enemies.

The connection between redemption and joy is profound: genuine joy flows from experienced salvation. Lips rejoice because the soul has been redeemed. External worship expresses internal transformation. This anticipates Christian understanding of redemption through Christ's blood (Ephesians 1:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19) producing joy that overflows in worship (Acts 2:46-47, 1 Peter 1:8).

Historical Context

Redemption (padah) was commercial and legal term in ancient Israel, referring to buying back enslaved relatives, lost property, or pledged items (Exodus 13:13, Leviticus 25:25-55, 27:13-33, Ruth 4:4-10). God "redeemed" Israel from Egyptian slavery (Exodus 6:6, 15:13, Deuteronomy 7:8, 9:26, 13:5), establishing redemption as central salvation metaphor. Every subsequent deliverance recalled this foundational redemption.

The psalm's movement from lament (verses 1-13) through petition (verses 14-18) to confident praise (verses 19-24) reflects Israel's worship pattern. Corporate and individual laments moved toward praise as worshipers remembered God's past faithfulness and anticipated future deliverance.

Jesus declared He came "to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45), using redemption language. Paul wrote, "ye are bought with a price" (1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23). Peter taught that believers are redeemed "with the precious blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Questions for Reflection