Psalms 71:18 Meaning and Explanation
“Now also when I am old and greyheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The psalmist asks God not to abandon him in old age so he can witness God's strength to future generations.
The Context of Psalms 71:18
The psalmist's continued life is framed as necessary for witnessing to future generations.
What Does Psalms 71:18 Mean?
The prayer is conditional and purposeful: 'until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.' The psalmist's continued life is framed as a platform for testimony. His unfinished work is proclamation to those younger and yet unborn.
This verse shows intergenerational faith: the psalmist does not pray merely for personal comfort but for the spiritual formation of those who follow. His own preservation serves a larger purpose in God's plan of revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 71:18
What does Psalms 71:18 mean?
The psalmist asks God not to abandon him in old age so he can witness God's strength to future generations.
What is the context of Psalms 71:18?
The psalmist's continued life is framed as necessary for witnessing to future generations.