Psalms 118:21 - I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation.

Generated Verse: Psalms 118:21

What does "Psalms 118:21" mean?


Psalm 118:21, "I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation," expresses a heartfelt gratitude and recognition of God's intervention in the speaker's life. Let's break down the meaning:

"I will give thanks to you...": This is a declaration of praise and gratitude to God. The speaker is committed to expressing their appreciation for what God has done.

"...for you have answered me...": This indicates that the speaker had prayed to God, sought God's help, or cried out for deliverance. God's response is now acknowledged. This isn't just any answer, but an answer to a significant need or plea.

"...and have become my salvation.": This is the most profound part of the verse. "Salvation" can encompass various forms of deliverance, including:
Physical deliverance: Rescue from danger, illness, or oppression.
Spiritual deliverance: Forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and freedom from the power of evil.
Ultimate deliverance: Eternal life and freedom from eternal judgment.

The phrase "have become my salvation" suggests that God isn't just providing salvation, but has become the source and embodiment of it. God is the rescuer, the healer, the forgiver, the protector, and the one who brings wholeness.

In essence, the verse means:

"I am filled with gratitude and will praise you, God, because you listened to my plea and answered my prayer. You didn't just help me; you are the very reason I am saved, delivered, and made whole."

Context within Psalm 118:

Psalm 118 is a song of thanksgiving, likely sung during a festival procession. The psalm celebrates God's steadfast love and faithfulness, particularly in the face of adversity. Knowing the context helps deepen the understanding of verse 21. The speaker likely faced significant challenges, enemies, or persecution, and God's intervention brought them victory and deliverance.

In summary, Psalm 118:21 is a powerful statement of gratitude, acknowledging God's active involvement in answering prayer and providing salvation in all its forms. It's a testament to God's faithfulness and a call to give thanks for His redeeming power.

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