I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The "cup of salvation" wasn't just a metaphorical expression; it likely refers to a real, tangible act of thanksgiving where the psalmist would drink a cup as part of a sacrificial meal offered to God. This wasn't just about receiving good things, but actively participating in a ceremony of praise and acknowledging God's hand in his deliverance.
I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from a profound experience of God's deliverance, the psalmist declares his intention to actively participate in the sacrificial meal of thanksgiving. This meal includes a ceremonial cup, often associated with a drink offering, acknowledging God's manifold salvations. He will then publicly praise the Lord, dedicating himself anew to His service and continuing to call upon His name.
The psalmist talks about lifting a 'cup of salvation.' What does this cup represent, and how does it connect to ancient worship practices?
The "cup of salvation" here points to a rich tradition of thanksgiving offerings in ancient Israel.
A Sacred Meal
This wasn't just a casual drink; it was part of a specific religious ritual. When people offered sacrifices of thanksgiving, they would also present drink offerings – like wine – to God. The "cup of salvation" was a poured-out offering, often accompanying a meal made from the sacrifice. It was a way of saying, "Thank you, God, for delivering me!"
More Than Just a Sip
Think of it as a symbolic act of receiving God's goodness. Just as a cup can be filled with drink, this "cup" was filled with God's saving actions and mercy. It was a tangible expression of gratitude, acknowledging that all blessings flow from Him.
Echoes in the New Testament
This imagery likely influenced Jesus when He instituted the Lord's Supper, calling the cup "the cup of blessing." Both traditions highlight communion with God and remembrance of His saving acts.
After lifting the cup, the psalmist declares, 'and call on the name of the LORD.' What does this 'calling' truly involve?
The phrase "call on the name of the LORD" is far more than just a whispered prayer. It signifies a deep and active engagement with God.
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Public Declaration
This act is often understood as a public proclamation. It means to acknowledge God's character, His power, and His faithfulness openly. It's about declaring to others, and to yourself, who God is and what He has done.
Total Commitment
"Calling on the name" encompasses all forms of worship: prayer, praise, and service. It's a commitment to live in reliance on Him and to honor Him in every aspect of life. It signifies that He alone is worthy of worship and trust.
A Never-Ending Cycle
Interestingly, the commentators note that calling on God's name isn't just for asking for help, but also for continuing to receive blessings. It’s a beautiful paradox: the more we acknowledge and honor God, the more His goodness flows into our lives, deepening our devotion.
Understand the original words
kos · Hebrew Noun
A term used symbolically in Scripture to represent one's portion or allotment in life, often associated with divine judgment or blessing. Here, it refers to the blessing and deliverance provided by God.
yeshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
The act of deliverance, preservation, or rescue from danger, enemies, or the power of sin. It is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing that God alone is the source of rescue and eternal life.
qara · Hebrew Verb
To invoke, proclaim, or make known the character and authority of God. Biblically, it signifies establishing a relationship with God through prayer, worship, and public confession.
This passage directly references the 'cup of blessing' shared in communion, echoing the 'cup of salvation' here as a symbol of shared gratitude and participation in God's deliverance.
Luke 22:17-20Jesus institutes the Lord's Supper, using the cup as a symbol of his new covenant, connecting the concept of a 'cup' to a significant act of salvation and remembrance.
Jeremiah 16:7This verse uses the imagery of 'the cup of consolation' and 'the cup of mixture' to describe the pouring out of sorrow and judgment, providing a contrast to the 'cup of salvation' in Psalms 116, highlighting its positive and life-giving nature.
Numbers 15:10This Old Testament passage describes the drink offering that accompanied burnt offerings and peace offerings, directly linking the concept of a 'cup' or libation to an act of worship and thanksgiving for God's provision.
Isaiah 51:22Here, God speaks of taking the 'cup of trembling' from His people, showing how the imagery of a cup can represent God's action in delivering His people from distress, paralleling the psalmist's intent to lift the 'cup of salvation'.
poolePsalms 116:13: "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD."
I will take the cup of salvation; I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving to God, as this phrase seems to be explained below, Psalm 116:17 , where the latter clause of the verse is the same with that which here follows. The phrase is taken from the common practice of the Jews in their thank-offerings, in which a feast was made of the remainders of the sacrifices, and the offerers, together with the priests…
ellicottPsalms 116:13: "I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD."
(13) I will take. —Or, lift up. Cup of salvation.—The drink offering or oblation which accompanied festival celebrations (Numbers 29:19, &c). Others think of the Passover cup mentioned Matthew 26:27, when this psalm as part of the Hallel was sung. Others, again, take the figurative sense of cup—i.e., portion, lot, as in Psalm 16:5.
The "cup of salvation" wasn't just a metaphorical expression; it likely refers to a real, tangible act of thanksgiving where the psalmist would drink a cup as part of a sacrificial meal offered to God. This wasn't just about receiving good things, but actively participating in a ceremony of praise and acknowledging God's hand in his deliverance.
Fresh from a profound experience of God's deliverance, the psalmist declares his intention to actively participate in the sacrificial meal of thanksgiving. This meal includes a ceremonial cup, often associated with a drink offering, acknowledging God's manifold salvations. He will then publicly praise the Lord, dedicating himself anew to His service and continuing to call upon His name.
Fresh from a profound experience of God's deliverance, the psalmist declares his intention to actively participate in the sacrificial meal of thanksgiving. This meal includes a ceremonial cup, often associated with a drink offering, acknowledging God's manifold salvations. He will then publicly praise the Lord, dedicating himself anew to His service and continuing to call upon His name.
"I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD," — The "cup of salvation" wasn't just a metaphorical expression; it likely refers to a real, tangible act of thanksgiving where the psalmist would drink a cup as part of a sacrificial meal offered to Go…
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Last reviewed October 2026