Psalms 40:16
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just ask for joy, but that God’s people be "glad in you," emphasizing that our true delight is found not in what God does, but in who He is, and that those who love His salvation should be moved to continually declare, "Great is the LORD!"
Following a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness and deliverance, the psalmist now turns his focus outward. He prays that all who are seeking God and delighting in His saving power will find joy and continuously praise the LORD, contrasting their future with the wicked who sought his ruin.
What does it mean to 'seek' God? This verse suggests it's more than a one-time search; it's a posture that unlocks deep, lasting joy.
This verse speaks to those who actively pursue God. It's a picture of people who, with their whole hearts, are looking for Him, wanting to know Him and His ways.
A Life Found in Him
When we genuinely seek God, the promise is not just temporary happiness, but a profound and ongoing gladness in Him. This joy isn't dependent on our circumstances, but on our relationship with the Creator of all good things. It’s the assurance that when we seek Him, we will find Him, and in Him, we discover the ultimate source of comfort and delight.
The Contrast
This contrasts sharply with those who don't seek God, who are left without this wellspring of joy. The pursuit of God isn't just a pious hobby; it's the path to a joy that the world cannot give or take away.
What kind of 'salvation' do we love? And why does loving it lead to a continuous declaration of God's greatness?
This verse shifts focus to those who 'love your salvation.' This isn't just a passive appreciation; it's an active delight in what God has done and will do to save us.
More Than Deliverance
This love for salvation encompasses God's entire plan to rescue us – from sin, from its consequences, and ultimately, for eternal life. It’s a deep appreciation for His chosen way of salvation, often pointing to Christ, who is God's ultimate salvation for us. It means desiring to be saved His way, embracing the conditions of faith and repentance He sets forth.
A Never-Ending Song
Because this salvation is so complete and aligned with God's perfect character, those who love it have a constant reason to praise. Their response is to continually declare, 'Great is the LORD!' This isn't just occasional thanks; it's a continuous magnification of God, recognizing His immense worth and the glory of His saving work in their lives and in the lives of others.
Understand the original words
baqash · Hebrew Verb
To diligently look for, inquire of, or pursue God; it implies a heart focused on finding and knowing Him.
samach · Hebrew Verb
A state of intense joy and jubilation, often associated with a heart that has found its satisfaction and security in God.
yeshu'ah · Hebrew Noun
A general term for deliverance, rescue, or safety. Biblically, it emphasizes God as the ultimate source of rescue from physical, spiritual, or existential enemies.
YHWH · Hebrew Proper Noun
The covenant name of God (YHWH), signifying His eternal existence, faithfulness to His promises, and self-revelation to His people.
This passage echoes the joy described in Psalm 40:16, highlighting that there is 'more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.' It shows that God's people, and indeed God Himself, rejoice when salvation is found.
Philippians 4:4This verse directly connects rejoicing with the Lord, just as Psalm 40:16 does. It teaches that believers should 'rejoice in the Lord always,' emphasizing that our gladness is rooted in God Himself and His salvation, not in outward circumstances.
Isaiah 61:10This prophetic passage speaks of a rejoicing that directly relates to salvation, stating, 'I will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation.' It prefigures the joy that believers find in God's saving work, mirroring the sentiment of Psalm 40:16.
2 Timothy 4:8This verse speaks of a 'crown of righteousness' that will be given to those who love Christ's appearing. This love for salvation and Christ's return resonates with the 'love thy salvation' found in Psalm 40:16, pointing to a future culmination of God's saving work and the joy it brings.
clarkePsalms 40:16: "Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified."
Let all those that seek thee - be glad - In making prayer and supplication to thee, let them ever find thee, that they may magnify thee for the blessings they receive. Love thy salvation - Who earnestly desire to be saved from sin: saved in thy own way, and on thy own terms. The Lord be magnified - Let God be praised continually for the continual bless…
jfbPsalms 40:16: "Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified."
- (Compare Ps 35:27).love thy salvation—delight in its bestowal on others as well as themselves.
The verse doesn't just ask for joy, but that God’s people be "glad in you," emphasizing that our true delight is found not in what God does, but in who He is, and that those who love His salvation should be moved to continually declare, "Great is the LORD!"
Following a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness and deliverance, the psalmist now turns his focus outward. He prays that all who are seeking God and delighting in His saving power will find joy and continuously praise the LORD, contrasting their future with the wicked who sought his ruin.
Following a powerful testimony of God's faithfulness and deliverance, the psalmist now turns his focus outward. He prays that all who are seeking God and delighting in His saving power will find joy and continuously praise the LORD, contrasting their future with the wicked who sought his ruin.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 40:16 is available in the Sola app.
"But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, “Great is the LORD!”" — The verse doesn't just ask for joy, but that God’s people be "glad in you," emphasizing that our true delight is found not in what God does, but in who He is, and that those who love His salvat…
