Psalms 71:6
By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
Original Language Analysis
עָלֶ֤יךָ׀
H5921
עָלֶ֤יךָ׀
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
נִסְמַ֬כְתִּי
By thee have I been holden up
H5564
נִסְמַ֬כְתִּי
By thee have I been holden up
Strong's:
H5564
Word #:
2 of 10
to prop (literally or figuratively); reflexively, to lean upon or take hold of (in a favorable or unfavorable sense)
מִבֶּ֗טֶן
from the womb
H990
מִבֶּ֗טֶן
from the womb
Strong's:
H990
Word #:
3 of 10
the belly, especially the womb; also the bosom or body of anything
מִמְּעֵ֣י
bowels
H4578
מִמְּעֵ֣י
bowels
Strong's:
H4578
Word #:
4 of 10
used only in plural the intestines, or (collectively) the abdomen, figuratively, sympathy; by implication, a vest; by extension the stomach, the uteru
אִ֭מִּי
me out of my mother's
H517
אִ֭מִּי
me out of my mother's
Strong's:
H517
Word #:
5 of 10
a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
Cross References
Jeremiah 1:5Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.Isaiah 49:5And now, saith the LORD that formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob again to him, Though Israel be not gathered, yet shall I be glorious in the eyes of the LORD, and my God shall be my strength.Galatians 1:15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,Psalms 34:1I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.Isaiah 49:1Listen, O isles, unto me; and hearken, ye people, from far; The LORD hath called me from the womb; from the bowels of my mother hath he made mention of my name.Proverbs 8:17I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.Jeremiah 3:4Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?Psalms 71:14But I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more.
Historical Context
Jeremiah and Paul similarly testified to God's prenatal calling (Jeremiah 1:5, Galatians 1:15). Scripture consistently affirms that personhood and divine care begin at conception, not birth.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing God's care from the womb shape your view of human life and dignity?
- What does lifelong divine preservation teach about God's faithfulness and your security?
- In what ways can you make praise 'continual' as response to God's constant care?
Analysis & Commentary
Being 'holden up from the womb' and 'taken out of my mother's bowels' affirms God's sovereign care from conception. God actively sustains life before birth and through birth—providence begins at the earliest moment of existence. 'My praise shall be continually of thee' responds to lifelong care with lifelong worship. If God preserves from womb through birth and beyond, how much more can He be trusted for ongoing provision? Divine care from conception warrants unceasing praise.