Psalms 71:18
Psalms 71:18 in Multiple Translations
Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Yea, even when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not, Until I have declared thy strength unto the next generation, Thy might to every one that is to come.
Now when I am old and grey-headed, O God, give me not up; till I have made clear your strength to this generation, and your power to all those to come.
Even though I'm old and gray, please don't abandon me, God. Let me tell the new generation about your power. Let me explain to all who are to come the great things you do.
Yea, euen vnto mine olde age and graie head, O God: forsake me not, vntill I haue declared thine arme vnto this generation, and thy power to all them, that shall come.
And also unto old age and grey hairs, O God, forsake me not, Till I declare Thy strength to a generation, To every one that cometh Thy might.
Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don’t forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come.
Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, forsake me not; until I have shown thy strength to this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone doth wonderful things.
And now, God, when I am old and my hair is gray, do not abandon me. Stay with me while I continue to proclaim to my children and grandchildren [HYP] that you are very powerful!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 71:18
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 71:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/גַ֤ם
עַד
זִקְנָ֨ה
וְ/שֵׂיבָה֮
אֱלֹהִ֪ים
אַֽל
תַּעַ֫זְבֵ֥/נִי
עַד
אַגִּ֣יד
זְרוֹעֲ/ךָ֣
לְ/ד֑וֹר
לְ/כָל
יָ֝ב֗וֹא
גְּבוּרָתֶֽ/ךָ
וְ/גַ֤ם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
זִקְנָ֨ה
ziqnâh
H2209
old age
N-fs
וְ/שֵׂיבָה֮
sêybâh
H7872
greyheaded
Conj | N-fs
אֱלֹהִ֪ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תַּעַ֫זְבֵ֥/נִי
ʻâzab
H5800
Forsaken
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
to tell
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
זְרוֹעֲ/ךָ֣
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
arm
N-cs | Suff
לְ/ד֑וֹר
dôwr
H1755
generation
Prep | N-ms
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
יָ֝ב֗וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
גְּבוּרָתֶֽ/ךָ
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
might
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 71:18
וְ/גַ֤ם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
זִקְנָ֨ה
ziqnâh
H2209
"old age"
N-fs
This Hebrew word represents old age, conveying a sense of reverence and admiration for those who have lived a long life, as mentioned in 1 Samuel 12:2. It acknowledges the importance of elderly wisdom.
Definition: old age
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: old (age). See also: Genesis 24:36; Psalms 71:9; Psalms 71:18.
וְ/שֵׂיבָה֮
sêybâh
H7872
"greyheaded"
Conj | N-fs
This word describes old age, gray hair, or a long life. In the Bible, it is used to signify wisdom and experience, and is translated as gray or old age in the KJV.
Definition: 1) age, gray hair, hoary head, old age 1a) gray hair, hoary head 1b) old age
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: (be) gray (grey hoar,-y) hairs (head,-ed), old age. See also: Genesis 15:15; 1 Kings 2:6; Psalms 71:18.
אֱלֹהִ֪ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תַּעַ֫זְבֵ֥/נִי
ʻâzab
H5800
"Forsaken"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms | Suff
Forsaken means to loosen or relinquish something, often implying abandonment. In the Bible, the word appears in Psalm 22:1, where David cries out to God, saying my God, why have you forsaken me. The term signifies a sense of desperation and isolation.
Definition: This name means to restore, repair Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 206 OT verses. KJV: commit self, fail, forsake, fortify, help, leave (destitute, off), refuse, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:24; Nehemiah 5:10; Psalms 9:11.
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
אַגִּ֣יד
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
זְרוֹעֲ/ךָ֣
zᵉrôwaʻ
H2220
"arm"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for arm refers to the arm as stretched out, symbolizing strength, force, or power, as seen in the KJV translations of arm, mighty, and strength.
Definition: 1) arm, forearm, shoulder, strength 1a) arm 1b) arm (as symbol of strength) 1c) forces (political and military) 1d) shoulder (of animal sacrificed)
Usage: Occurs in 84 OT verses. KJV: arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength. See also: Genesis 49:24; Proverbs 31:17; Psalms 10:15.
לְ/ד֑וֹר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
לְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יָ֝ב֗וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
גְּבוּרָתֶֽ/ךָ
gᵉbûwrâh
H1369
"might"
N-fs | Suff
This word means strength, might, or power, like God's mighty power in Psalm 111:6. It can describe a person's bravery or the strength of an action, as in the mighty deeds of God in Psalm 145:11.
Definition: 1) strength, might 1a) strength 1b) might, valour, bravery 1c) might, mighty deeds (of God) Aramaic equivalent: ge.vu.rah (גְּבוּרָה "might" H1370)
Usage: Occurs in 61 OT verses. KJV: force, mastery, might, mighty (act, power), power, strength. See also: Exodus 32:18; Psalms 71:18; Psalms 20:7.
Study Notes — Psalms 71:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 71:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:18
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
- Sermons on Psalms 71:18
Context — Be My Rock of Refuge
16I will come in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone.
17O God, You have taught me from my youth, and to this day I proclaim Your marvelous deeds.
18Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.
19Your righteousness reaches to the heavens, O God, You who have done great things. Who, O God, is like You? 20Though You have shown me many troubles and misfortunes, You will revive me once again. Even from the depths of the earth You will bring me back up.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 46:4 | Even to your old age, I will be the same, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will sustain you and deliver you. |
| 2 | Psalms 71:9 | Do not discard me in my old age; do not forsake me when my strength fails. |
| 3 | Psalms 78:4 | We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed. |
| 4 | Psalms 145:4–5 | One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts— the glorious splendor of Your majesty. And I will meditate on Your wondrous works. |
| 5 | Psalms 78:6 | that the coming generation would know them— even children yet to be born— to arise and tell their own children |
| 6 | Psalms 22:31 | They will come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn— all that He has done. |
| 7 | Exodus 13:14–17 | In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ you are to tell him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’ So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.” When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road through the land of the Philistines, though it was shorter. For God said, “If the people face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 4:18 | As soon as the ark of God was mentioned, Eli fell backward from his chair by the city gate, and being old and heavy, he broke his neck and died. And Eli had judged Israel forty years. |
| 9 | Isaiah 51:9 | Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD. Wake up as in days past, as in generations of old. Was it not You who cut Rahab to pieces, who pierced through the dragon? |
| 10 | Acts 13:36 | For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. His body was buried with his fathers and saw decay. |
Psalms 71:18 Summary
This verse is a prayer from the psalmist, asking God not to leave him, even when he is old, until he has shared God's power and might with the next generation. It's a reminder that our faith is not just for us, but for those who come after us, and we have a responsibility to share it with them (Psalms 145:4). Just like the psalmist, we can trust that God will be with us throughout our lives, and we can pass on our experiences of His power and love to others (Isaiah 46:4). By doing so, we can help ensure that the next generation knows and trusts in God's power and might.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to proclaim God's power to the next generation?
Proclaiming God's power to the next generation means sharing the wonders and deeds of God with those who are younger, as seen in Psalms 71:18, so they can know and trust in Him, just as it is written in Deuteronomy 4:9 and Psalms 78:4
Will God forsake us when we are old and gray?
According to Psalms 71:18, the psalmist asks God not to forsake him, even in old age, indicating that God's presence and care can be with us throughout our lives, as promised in Isaiah 46:4
What is the significance of the phrase 'until I proclaim Your power to the next generation'?
This phrase in Psalms 71:18 emphasizes the importance of passing on the knowledge and experience of God's power to the next generation, ensuring the continuation of His work and legacy, as encouraged in Psalms 145:4 and Joel 1:3
How does this verse relate to our role as believers in sharing the Gospel?
Psalms 71:18 highlights the responsibility of believers to share God's power and might with others, including the next generation, which aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 to spread the message of salvation to all nations
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can proclaim God's power to the next generation in my own life and community?
- How has God's power and might been demonstrated in my life, and how can I share these experiences with others?
- What are some challenges I may face in sharing God's power with others, and how can I overcome them?
- In what ways can I ensure that I am passing on a legacy of faith to the next generation, as encouraged in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 71:18
Now also, when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not,.... A repetition of his request, Psalms 71:9; with a reason annexed to it, suggested in the following words: until I have showed thy
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 71:18
Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
Thy strength; either, 1. This further act or instance of thy strength. Or rather, 2. Thy great power, which will more eminently appear in this than it hath done in former deliverances, as my danger is now greater, because this is a civil war, and the generality of mine own people are engaged against me, and my forces are very inconsiderable to theirs, and without thy help my case is desperate. To every one that is to come, i.e. to all succeeding generations, to whom I will leave a lasting monument of this glorious example of all-sufficiency, such as this Psalm is.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
Psalms 71:18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.Ver. 18. Now also when I am old and gray headed] Now, that the plum tree is full of blooms, the map of age is figured in my forehead, the calendar of death appeareth in the furrows of my face; let me do nothing to spot my white head. Let me, with the sun, give greatest glimpse at the going down, and, with the rose, retain my sweetness, though I have lost my colour. See Psalms 71:9. And thy power to every one that is to come] Mirus fervor Davidis in celebranda bonitate Dei, saith Vatablus here. David would propagate God’ s praise to all posterity.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
(18) Now also when.—Literally, yea, even to old age and grey hairs. Psalms 129:1 shows that this may be a national as well as an individual prayer. Thy strength.—Literally, thine arm, the symbol of power. (Comp. Isaiah 52:10; Isaiah 53:1, &c) Unto this generation.—Literally, to a generation, explained by the next clause to mean, to the coming generation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
Verse 18. Old and grey-headed] In the ninth verse Psalms 71:9 he mentioned the circumstance of old age; here he repeats it, with the addition of hoary-headedness, which, humanly speaking, was calculated to make a deeper impression in his favour. Though all these things are well known to God, and he needs not our information, yet he is pleased to say, "Come now, and let us reason together." And when his children plead and reason with him, they are acting precisely as he has commanded.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 71:18
18. Now also when I am old and grayheaded] Better, And even when I am old and grayheaded: lit. and even unto old age and gray hairs. Cp. 1 Samuel 12:2; Isaiah 46:4. until &c.] Better with R.V., Until I have declared thy strength unto (the next) generation, Thy might unto every one that is to come. Thy strength, lit., thine arm, implies more than power; it suggests “thoughts of guidance, support, protection, government, chastisement, conflict, victory.” (Kay). Cp. Psalms 77:15; Isaiah 53:1. &c. It is more natural to supply the next (R.V.) than this with generation. But generation needs some qualification; and the Syr. (with which the LXX nearly agrees) may be right in reading, until I have declared thy strength, and thy might to the generation to come. Cp.
Psalms 22:30-31, and the note there.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 71:18
Now also when I am old and grey-headed - Margin, “unto old age and grey hairs.” This does not necessarily mean that he was then actually old and grey-headed, but it would imply that he was
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 71:18
18. Now also when I am old—A beautifully touching appeal! With age come conscious helplessness and dependence; how precious are God’s mercies then!
Sermons on Psalms 71:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Open Hand of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of observing a small duck swimming against a powerful stormy ocean. Through this observation, the speaker reflects on the d |
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Contributions of the 1st and 2nd Awakening by Winkie Pratney | This sermon delves into the importance of surrendering our hearts to God, emphasizing the need for a perfect heart devoted to Him, exploring the concept of holiness and the obligat |
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Old Men Shall Dream Dreams by Carter Conlon | This sermon from Acts chapter 2 emphasizes the power of older individuals to dream divine dreams and speak into the lives of the next generation. It highlights the importance of gr |
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My Testimony by Samuel Logan Brengle | Samuel Logan Brengle shares his testimony on the joys of aging, expressing gratitude for the wisdom and peace that come with years. He emphasizes the importance of faith in God, ac |
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Old Age - 2 Cor. 4:16 by Bernard Fell | Bernard Fell reflects on the aging process, likening the physical decay of our bodies to a crumbling house, but emphasizes the renewal of the inward man day by day through Christ l |
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The Best Is Yet Ahead! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that through times of affliction, God prepares us for greater purposes beyond mere survival. He encourages believers to recognize that their struggles ar |
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Let the Shadow Return Backward Ten Degrees. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the miraculous event of the shadow returning backward ten degrees, using it as a metaphor for the possibility of reclaiming lost time and experiences in our |