Bible Strands
Psalms 71:16
I will come in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The psalmist addresses God directly, declaring a personal resolve to approach Him relying on divine power rather than human ability. This statement follows a confession of inability to fully comprehend God's righteousness and salvation (Psalms 71:15) and precedes a recollection of lifelong instruction by God (Psalms 71:17).
The words — The Hebrew verb אָב֗וֹא ('a.Vo) literally means "I will come," paired with בִּ֭/גְבֻרוֹת (Bi/g.vu.rot), meaning "with the mighty deeds" or "strengths." The phrase לְ/בַדֶּֽ/ךָ (le./va.De./kha) translates to "to alone you," emphasizing exclusive attribution of righteousness to God.
The thread — The theme of divine strength enabling human action appears in Psalms 29:11, where the LORD gives strength to His people. The exclusive reliance on God's righteousness rather than human merit aligns with the declaration in Philippians 3:9, while the capacity to endure and act through God's power echoes Philippians 4:13.
Why it lands — The text demands the reader acknowledge human limitation and deliberately depend on God's power for proclamation and action. It requires attributing all credit for righteousness and salvation exclusively to God rather than personal achievement.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
I will go in the strength of the Lord God: I will make mention of thy righteousness, even of thine only.
Cross-references
- Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
- Philippians 3:9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
- Psalms 29:11 The LORD gives His people strength; the LORD blesses His people with peace.
- Psalms 51:14 Deliver me from bloodguilt, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing of Your righteousness.
- Zechariah 10:12 I will strengthen them in the LORD, and in His name they will walk,” declares the LORD.
- Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.
- Psalms 71:2 In Your justice, rescue and deliver me; incline Your ear and save me.
- Psalms 71:15 My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot know their full measure.
- Psalms 71:24 My tongue will indeed proclaim Your righteousness all day long, for those who seek my harm are disgraced and confounded.
- Isaiah 63:7 I will make known the LORD’s loving devotion and His praiseworthy acts, because of all that the LORD has done for us—the many good things for the house of Israel according to His great compassion and loving devotion.