Psalms 40:16

Psalms 40:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!”

King James Version KJV

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

American Standard Version ASV

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: Let such as love thy salvation say continually, Jehovah be magnified.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let all those who are looking for you be glad and have joy in you; let the lovers of your salvation ever say, May the Lord be great.

Free Bible Version FBV

But may everyone who comes to you be happy and glad; may those who love your salvation always say, “The Lord is great!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Let all them, that seeke thee, reioyce and be glad in thee: and let them, that loue thy saluation, say alway, The Lord be praysed.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

All seeking Thee rejoice and are glad in Thee, Those loving Thy salvation say continually, 'Jehovah is magnified.'

World English Bible WEB

Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let such as love your salvation say continually, “Let the LORD be exalted!”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified.

Translation for Translators T4T

But I hope that all those who go to worship you will be very joyful [DOU]. I want those who love you because you saved them to shout repeatedly, “Yahweh is great!”

Plain English Version PEV

But there are some people that always come to you God. Please make those people really happy. They say, “God, thank you for saving us.” And I pray that they always say, “God is great.”

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 40:16

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 40:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB יָ֭שֹׁמּוּ עַל עֵ֣קֶב בָּשְׁתָּ֑/ם הָ/אֹמְרִ֥ים לִ֝֗/י הֶ֘אָ֥ח הֶאָֽח

יָ֭שֹׁמּוּ shâmêm H8074 be desolate V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

עֵ֣קֶב ʻêqeb H6118 consequence N-ms

בָּשְׁתָּ֑/ם bôsheth H1322 shame N-fs | Suff

הָ/אֹמְרִ֥ים ʼâmar H559 to say Art | V-Qal

לִ֝֗/י Prep | Suff

הֶ֘אָ֥ח heʼâch H1889 Aha! Part

הֶאָֽח heʼâch H1889 Aha! Part

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 40:16

יָ֭שֹׁמּוּ shâmêm H8074 "be desolate" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

The word 'shamem' means to be desolate or devastated, like a place left empty and destroyed, often used to describe the aftermath of war or disaster.

Definition: : destroyed/deserted 1) to be desolate, be appalled, stun, stupefy 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be desolated, be deflowered, be deserted, be appalled 1a2) to be appalled, be awestruck 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be desolated, be made desolate 1b2) to be appalled 1c) (Polel) 1c1) to be stunned 1c2) appalling, causing horror (participle) 1c2a) horror-causer, appaller (subst) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to devastate, ravage, make desolated 1d2) to appal, show horror 1e) (Hophal) to lay desolate, be desolated 1f) (Hithpolel) 1f1) to cause to be desolate 1f2) to be appalled, be astounded 1f3) to cause oneself desolation, cause oneself ruin

Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: make amazed, be astonied, (be an) astonish(-ment), (be, bring into, unto, lay, lie, make) desolate(-ion, places), be destitute, destroy (self), (lay, lie, make) waste, wonder. See also: Leviticus 26:22; Jeremiah 50:13; Psalms 40:16.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

עֵ֣קֶב ʻêqeb H6118 "consequence" N-ms

This word refers to a consequence or result of something, often used to describe a reward or payment. It is used in Genesis 49:19, where Gad's reward is described. The word can also mean 'because' or 'on account of'.

Definition: 1) consequence 1a) consequence 1b) consequence, gain, reward 1c) end adv 2) as a consequence, because, consequently conj 3) as a consequence of, that, because

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] because, by, end, for, if, reward. See also: Genesis 22:18; Psalms 19:12; Psalms 40:16.

בָּשְׁתָּ֑/ם bôsheth H1322 "shame" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for shame describes a feeling of embarrassment or guilt, and can also refer to something that causes shame. It is used in the Bible to describe feelings of shame or embarrassment, as in Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) shame 1a) shame 1b) shameful thing

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: ashamed, confusion, [phrase] greatly, (put to) shame(-ful thing). See also: 1 Samuel 20:30; Isaiah 54:4; Psalms 35:26.

הָ/אֹמְרִ֥ים ʼâmar H559 "to say" Art | V-Qal

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

לִ֝֗/י "" Prep | Suff

הֶ֘אָ֥ח heʼâch H1889 "Aha!" Part

This word is an expression of surprise or excitement, like saying 'aha'. It's used in the Bible to show strong emotions, like in Psalm 35:21. It's a sudden reaction

Definition: aha!

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: ah, aha, ha. See also: Job 39:25; Psalms 70:4; Psalms 35:21.

הֶאָֽח heʼâch H1889 "Aha!" Part

This word is an expression of surprise or excitement, like saying 'aha'. It's used in the Bible to show strong emotions, like in Psalm 35:21. It's a sudden reaction

Definition: aha!

Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: ah, aha, ha. See also: Job 39:25; Psalms 70:4; Psalms 35:21.

Study Notes — Psalms 40:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Psalms 40:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:16
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 40:16
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:16
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:16
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:16
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:16
Sermons on Psalms 40:16

Context — I Waited Patiently for the LORD

14May those who seek my life be ashamed and confounded; may those who wish me harm be repelled and humiliated. 15May those who say to me, “Aha, aha!” be appalled at their own shame.

16May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “The LORD be magnified!”

17But I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my helper and deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 35:27	May those who favor my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “Exalted be the LORD who delights in His servant’s well-being.”
2	Psalms 68:3	But the righteous will be glad and rejoice before God; they will celebrate with joy.
3	Acts 19:17	This became known to all the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, and fear came over all of them. So the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.
4	Psalms 119:123	My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, and for Your righteous promise.
5	Philippians 3:7–9	But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.
6	Psalms 22:26	The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the LORD will praise Him. May your hearts live forever!
7	Psalms 105:3	Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
8	Luke 1:46–47	Then Mary said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!
9	Isaiah 65:13–14	Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: “My servants will eat, but you will go hungry; My servants will drink, but you will go thirsty; My servants will rejoice, but you will be put to shame. My servants will shout for joy with a glad heart, but you will cry out with a heavy heart and wail with a broken spirit.
10	Matthew 13:45–46	Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went away and sold all he had and bought it.

Psalms 40:16 Summary

[Psalms 40:16 is a beautiful expression of the joy and gladness that comes from seeking God and loving His salvation. When we seek God, we can trust that He will be our helper and deliverer, as seen in Psalms 40:17. This verse reminds us that seeking God is not just about what we get from Him, but about who He is and what He has done for us, as expressed in John 3:16. By seeking God and loving His salvation, we can experience true joy and gladness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'seek' God in Psalms 40:16?

To seek God means to pursue a personal relationship with Him, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:29, where it says 'if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.'

Why should those who love God's salvation say 'The LORD be magnified'?

Saying 'The LORD be magnified' is a way of giving glory to God, similar to what is written in Psalms 34:3, where it says 'Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!'

How can I rejoice and be glad in God when I'm going through difficult times?

Rejoicing in God doesn't mean we're always happy with our circumstances, but it means we trust in His goodness and love, as seen in Habakkuk 3:17-18, where the prophet chooses to rejoice in God despite his troubles.

What is the connection between seeking God and loving His salvation?

Seeking God and loving His salvation are closely connected, as seen in Psalms 40:16, because when we truly seek God, we will come to love and appreciate the salvation He offers us, which is rooted in His love and mercy, as expressed in John 3:16.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways I can seek God in my daily life, and how can I prioritize my relationship with Him?
How can I cultivate a heart that loves God's salvation, and what are some ways I can express my gratitude for it?
In what ways can I 'magnify' God in my life, and what are some practical ways to give Him glory in my thoughts, words, and actions?
What are some challenges I face in rejoicing and being glad in God, and how can I overcome them with the help of Scripture and prayer?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 40:16

Let all those that seek thee,.... In the first place, with their whole hearts, earnestly and diligently, in Christ, and under the influences of his Spirit, for pardon, righteousness, communion,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 40:16

Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say unto me, Aha, aha.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 40:16

Such as love thy salvation; either, 1. Such as desire and rejoice in the salvation and deliverance which thou givest to me and to others of thy people, which was a great eye-sore and grief to the wicked. Or, 2. Such as expect and seek for their salvation and happiness not from idols, nor from their wicked courses, nor from any creatures, as other men do, but from thee only, and gladly accept and embrace that salvation which thou hast promised, together with the conditions required to it, to wit, faith and repentance. Or, 3. Such as love thy Messias, upon whom both David’ s and other holy prophets’ and saints’ thoughts and affections were much fixed, as is evident from many places of Scripture, as ,31 ,11; who is called the desire of all nations, , and the glory and consolation of Israel, ,32, yea, and by the very title here used, God’ s salvation, ; whose appearance or coming the godly of all ages did love and long for; and of whom David had so lately and clearly spoken, ,7, &c.; all which considered, this cannot seem a forced or very far-fetched interpretation. The Lord be magnified: let them have continual occasion to magnify God for his mercies vouchsafed to them.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 40:16

Psalms 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.Ver. 16. Let all those that seek thee rejoice] viz. When they hear of my deliverance. The saints have both their joys and griefs in common with their fellow members, as being in the body, Hebrews 13:3; both in the body of Christ and in the body of flesh and frailty.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 40:16

Verse 16. 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 blessings he pours down.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 40:16

16. Cp. Psalms 35:27. The discomfiture of the wicked gives occasion for the righteous to rejoice in God, not merely because they are set free from persecution, but because they see in it the proof of God’s righteous sovereignty and the unfolding of His purposes of salvation. such as love thy salvation] Cp. Psalms 40:10 : and the corresponding N.T. thought in 2 Timothy 4:8.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 40:16

Let all those that seek thee - All those who desire to know thee; to understand thy ways; to be thy friends.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 40:16

16. Those that seek thee… such as love thy salvation—A description of character in marked contrast to that of his enemies.

Sermons on Psalms 40:16

	Sermon	Description
	(The Church in the Last Days) Personal Testimony by Milton Green	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal testimony of a time when he made a mistake and was punished for it. He recalls the fear and trembling he felt when he believed he woul
	The Great God of All Creation by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of four things for spiritual success. The first is to magnify God and continually proclaim His greatness. The second is to mo
	The God Who Helps by D.A. Carson	This sermon emphasizes the need to trust in God's help in times of trouble, acknowledging our dependence on Him and the ongoing need for His mercy and protection. It highlights the
	Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou
	The Private War of a Saint by David Wilkerson	This sermon focuses on the private war of a saint, emphasizing the spiritual battles faced by believers in various aspects of life. It addresses the warfare against the church glob
	From Problem to Praise by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of waiting patiently for the Lord and how God answered his cry for help. God lifted him out of a difficult situation and
	I Will Magnify God With Thanksgiving by John Piper	John Piper preaches on the importance of magnifying God with thanksgiving, emphasizing that true children of God long to glorify Him and His Son Jesus Christ. He highlights the sig