Psalms 118:17
Psalms 118:17 in Multiple Translations
I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done.
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of Jehovah.
Life and not death will be my part, and I will give out the story of the works of the Lord.
I'm not going to die. In fact I'm going to live, and let people know what the Lord has done.
I shall not die, but liue, and declare the woorkes of the Lord.
I do not die, but live, And recount the works of Jah,
I will not die, but live, and declare the LORD’s works.
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.
GIMEL. Give bountifully to thy servant, enliven me: and I shall keep thy words.
I will not be killed in battle; I will live to proclaim the great things that Yahweh has done.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 118:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 118:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
אָמ֥וּת
כִּי
אֶֽחְיֶ֑ה
וַ֝/אֲסַפֵּ֗ר
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥י
יָֽהּ
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אָמ֥וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֶֽחְיֶ֑ה
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וַ֝/אֲסַפֵּ֗ר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥י
maʻăseh
H4639
deed
N-mp
יָֽהּ
Yâhh
H3050
LORD
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 118:17
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אָמ֥וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֶֽחְיֶ֑ה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
וַ֝/אֲסַפֵּ֗ר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
מַֽעֲשֵׂ֥י
maʻăseh
H4639
"deed"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to an action or deed, which can be good or bad. It is used to describe various activities, such as work, business, or achievements. The KJV translates it as act, deed, or labor.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) deed, work 1a) deed, thing done, act 1b) work, labour 1c) business, pursuit 1d) undertaking, enterprise 1e) achievement 1f) deeds, works (of deliverance and judgment) 1g) work, thing made 1h) work (of God) 1i) product
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: act, art, [phrase] bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, [idiom] well, (handy-, needle-, net-) work(ing, -manship), wrought. See also: Genesis 5:29; Job 1:10; Psalms 8:4.
יָֽהּ
Yâhh
H3050
"LORD"
N-proper
Jah is a shortened form of the name LORD, used in many compounds, such as names ending in -iah or -jah. It appears in the Bible as a way to refer to God.
Definition: A shortened form of the name ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) used in many compounds as the letters 'Je' or 'jah'
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in '-iah,' '-jah.' See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:17; Psalms 68:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 118:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 118:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
- Sermons on Psalms 118:17
Context — The LORD Is on My Side
15Shouts of joy and salvation resound in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!
16The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!”
17I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done.
18The LORD disciplined me severely, but He has not given me over to death. 19Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter and give thanks to the LORD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 11:4 | When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” |
| 2 | Psalms 71:17–18 | O God, You have taught me from my youth, and to this day I proclaim Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. |
| 3 | Isaiah 38:16–20 | O Lord, by such things men live, and in all of them my spirit finds life. You have restored me to health and have let me live. Surely for my own welfare I had such great anguish; but Your love has delivered me from the pit of oblivion, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back. For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness. The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness. The LORD will save me; we will play songs on stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the house of the LORD. |
| 4 | Psalms 6:5 | For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol? |
| 5 | Psalms 73:28 | But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works. |
| 6 | Habakkuk 1:12 | Are You not from everlasting, O LORD, my God, my Holy One? We will not die. O LORD, You have appointed them to execute judgment; O Rock, You have established them for correction. |
| 7 | Romans 14:7–9 | For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. |
| 8 | Psalms 145:4 | One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts— |
| 9 | Psalms 107:22 | Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare His works with rejoicing. |
| 10 | Psalms 40:5 | Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done, and the plans You have for us— none can compare to You— if I proclaim and declare them, they are more than I can count. |
Psalms 118:17 Summary
The speaker in Psalms 118:17 is saying that they trust in God's power to deliver and preserve them, and they want to live to tell others about it. This means they believe God will help them through hard times and they will come out stronger on the other side, like we see in Romans 8:28. They want to share their story with others, just like we are called to share the Gospel with those around us (Matthew 28:19-20). By trusting in God and sharing our stories, we can bring hope and encouragement to others.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the speaker mean by 'I will not die, but I will live' in Psalms 118:17?
The speaker is expressing confidence in God's deliverance and preservation, similar to what we see in Psalms 23:4, where David trusts in God's presence even in the valley of the shadow of death.
How can we proclaim what the LORD has done like the speaker in Psalms 118:17?
We can proclaim what the LORD has done by sharing our personal testimonies of God's work in our lives, as seen in Revelation 12:11, where the believers overcame Satan by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.
Is the speaker in Psalms 118:17 saying they will never experience physical death?
No, the speaker is not saying they will never experience physical death, but rather that they will live to proclaim God's works, as we see in Philippians 1:21, where Paul says 'to live is Christ, and to die is gain'.
What is the significance of the speaker's declaration of life in Psalms 118:17?
The speaker's declaration of life is a statement of faith and trust in God's power to deliver and preserve, as seen in Isaiah 43:2, where God promises to be with us even in times of trouble.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways you have seen God work in your life, and how can you proclaim His goodness to others?
- How can you trust in God's power to deliver and preserve you, even in difficult circumstances?
- What does it mean to 'live' as a follower of Christ, and how can you demonstrate that in your daily life?
- How can you use your testimony to encourage and inspire others, just like the speaker in Psalms 118:17?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 118:17
I shall not die, but live,.... Not that he should never die, David knew he should; but that his present afflictions would not issue in death; or he should not die by the hands of his enemies, he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 118:17
I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
I shall not die, to wit, so soon as mine enemies desire, nor by their sword, as they hope and endeavour. Declare the works of the Lord; one branch whereof is the total destruction of mine enemies. He implies that he did not desire life, nor should employ it, as his enemies did theirs, but for the service and glory of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
Psalms 118:17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD.Ver. 17. I shall not die, but live] This he was well assured of by faith; as was also the Church in Habakkuk, Habakkuk 1:12, "Art not thou from everlasting, O Lord my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die." Learned Keckerman, lying on his death bed, and desirous, if it had so pleased God, to have lived a while longer for the finishing of those excellent pieces he had in hand, made use of these words of the psalmist, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord" (he was then upon his System of Natural Philosophy), but God had otherwise appointed it, and he submitted.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
(17) I shall not die, but live.—It is Israel, and not an individual, who thus claims a continuance of life for the display of God’s glory. But as so often we find, the hope is so expressed as to suit not only the community for whom the psalm was composed and sung, but each member of it individually.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
Verse 17. I shall not die] I was nigh unto death; but I am preserved,-preserved to publish the wondrous works of the Lord.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 118:17
15–18. The rejoicings of the festival in gratitude to Jehovah for preserving the nation’s life.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 118:17
I shall not die, but live - Evidently the psalmist had apprehended that he would die; or, he had felt that he was in imminent danger of dying.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 118:17
17. I shall not die—As the sore chastening seemed to threaten, and as the nation’s enemies had hoped. And declare the works of the Lord—The true end of living—to glorify God—is now apprehended and confessed.
Sermons on Psalms 118:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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K-476 the Powers of the Air (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of fear and manipulation in Italy, specifically by the mafia. He believes that the nation has been compromised by fear and controlle |
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Fear, Faith and Following God by Wally Magdangal | In the video, the speaker shares his personal experience of being persecuted for his faith in Christ. He describes being surrounded by Islamic fanatics and facing physical abuse an |
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Book of Acts Series - Part 46 | People by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different seasons and changes that Christians go through in life. He emphasizes that it is normal to experience both victories and challe |
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The Might of Death by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes that the devil wields the might of death, attacking God's children and causing many to succumb to weakness. He urges believers to resist the devil's influen |
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The Deliverance of the Kirk of God by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford preaches on the prophecy of the fall of Babylon and the deliverance of Jerusalem, emphasizing the union and fellowship of a divided Kirk and the people of God. Th |
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The Importance of Vision by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of vision in the life of Simeon, who represents a link between the old and new dispensations. Despite being at the end of his life, Si |
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Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks preaches on Psalms 118, known as the 'Passover Hosanna Psalms', emphasizing faith unto enlargement through adversity. The Psalm reflects the nation's collective ex |