Psalms 71:21 - Increase my honor, and comfort me again.

Generated Verse: Psalms 71:21

What does "Psalms 71:21" mean?


Psalm 71:21, "Increase my honor, and comfort me again," is a heartfelt plea for restoration and renewed blessing from God. Let's break down each part:

"Increase my honor...": This phrase speaks to a desire for God to elevate the psalmist's status, reputation, or recognition. It could be in the eyes of God, in the eyes of the community, or both. The psalmist may have experienced shame, humiliation, or loss of respect due to circumstances like illness, persecution, or old age. They are asking God to reverse this trend and restore their dignity. This isn't necessarily about pride or vanity, but about regaining a position of influence or respect that allows them to serve God and others effectively. "Honor" here suggests a restoration of standing and value, perhaps after a period of hardship where their reputation suffered.

"...and comfort me again.": This is a request for renewed solace and encouragement from God. The word "again" implies that the psalmist has experienced God's comfort in the past, but currently feels the absence of that comforting presence. This suggests the psalmist is likely suffering some kind of trial. This could be emotional distress, physical suffering, or spiritual discouragement. The psalmist longs for God to ease their pain and anxieties, to provide peace and reassurance in the midst of their challenges. It's a yearning for God to step in and provide the kind of comfort that only He can give, a familiar comfort remembered from past experiences.

Overall Meaning:

Together, the verse is a prayer for God to reverse negative circumstances (loss of honor) and alleviate suffering (lack of comfort). The psalmist is acknowledging their dependence on God for both their reputation and their emotional well-being. They are asking God to intervene in their life, restoring them to a place of dignity and providing the solace they need to endure their present trials. It's a deeply personal and vulnerable plea for God's favor and support.

Possible Interpretations in Context:

Understanding the context of Psalm 71 as a whole can enrich our understanding of this verse:

Old Age and Vulnerability: Given the psalm's theme of old age and dependence on God, the loss of honor could refer to the diminishing respect or usefulness that sometimes comes with aging. The comfort could be relief from the physical and emotional burdens of old age.
Persecution or Adversity: The psalmist may be facing enemies or difficult circumstances that are causing them shame and distress. They are asking God to vindicate them and restore their reputation, as well as to provide comfort during their trials.
Spiritual Discouragement: The psalmist may be feeling distant from God or questioning their faith. They are asking God to renew their sense of purpose and provide the spiritual comfort they need to persevere.

In summary, the verse is a powerful expression of dependence on God for restoration, dignity, and emotional well-being, especially in the face of adversity.

What categories does "Psalms 71:21" have?