Psalms 136:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God's remembrance of Israel's suffering led to their deliverance and exaltation.
The Context of Psalms 136:23
Transition from historical recitation to personal thanksgiving, connecting the psalm's community to Israel's story.
What Does Psalms 136:23 Mean?
The shift from past victories to personal testimony reflects the psalmist's connection to Israel's history. To be in a 'low estate' means to be diminished, enslaved, or oppressed. The psalm emphasizes that God did not forget this condition but actively remembered and responded.
God's remembrance is not passive recollection but active intervention. The low estate refers to Egypt's oppression, and God's remembrance led directly to the exodus and all the victories that followed. This personal connection invites each worshiper to see themselves in Israel's story of deliverance.
Psalms 136:23 in the Original Language
zakar (זָכַר), 'remembered' — to recall with intent to act, active remembrance leading to intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 136:23
What does Psalms 136:23 mean?
God's remembrance of Israel's suffering led to their deliverance and exaltation.
What is the context of Psalms 136:23?
Transition from historical recitation to personal thanksgiving, connecting the psalm's community to Israel's story.