Old Testament
Psalms 71:18
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Now also when I am old and gray-headed, O God, do not forsake me, until I have shown your strength to this generation and your power to everyone who is to come.
Compare translations
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.
What Psalms 71:18 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist, who is now old and gray, is pleading with God not to abandon him. He expresses a deep desire to continue living so that he can share God's strength and power with the current generation and those who will come after. This reflects a commitment to passing on faith and the knowledge of God's greatness to future generations. The psalmist recognizes the importance of his role in teaching others about God's might and faithfulness, especially as he faces the challenges of aging. His request highlights the urgency of his mission and the value of sharing personal experiences of God's work in his life. It serves as a reminder that even in old age, one can have a significant impact on others by testifying to God's goodness and strength.
How to apply Psalms 71:18 to your life
As we grow older, we should seek ways to share our experiences of God's faithfulness with younger generations. This can be through mentoring, storytelling, or simply living out our faith authentically. Our lives can serve as a testament to God's strength and love, encouraging others in their spiritual journeys.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 71:18
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 71:18
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 71:18 mean?
Psalms 71:18 expresses the psalmist's plea to God not to abandon him in his old age. He desires to continue sharing God's strength and power with both his generation and future generations.
What is the significance of 'old and gray-headed' in Psalms 71:18?
The phrase 'old and gray-headed' signifies the psalmist's advanced age and wisdom. It highlights his life experience and the urgency he feels to pass on his knowledge of God's strength before he dies.
How can we apply Psalms 71:18 in our lives?
We can apply Psalms 71:18 by actively sharing our faith experiences with younger generations. This can be done through mentoring, storytelling, or simply living out our beliefs authentically.
What themes are present in Psalms 71:18?
Key themes in Psalms 71:18 include aging, faithfulness, generational impact, and the importance of testimony. It reflects the hope of continuing to witness God's strength throughout one's life.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.