Psalm 71 9

Psalm 71:9 kjv

Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth.

Psalm 71:9 nkjv

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.

Psalm 71:9 niv

Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

Psalm 71:9 esv

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent.

Psalm 71:9 nlt

And now, in my old age, don't set me aside.
Don't abandon me when my strength is failing.

Psalm 71 verses

Psalm 71 9 Meaning

Psalm 71:9 is a heartfelt prayer from an aging individual to God, expressing a profound dependence and a plea for continued divine presence and support. It articulates the human vulnerability that accompanies declining physical strength in old age, requesting that God not "cast off" or abandon the psalmist when they are most susceptible. The verse conveys an unwavering trust that God, who has been faithful throughout their life, will remain faithful even as their physical capabilities diminish, highlighting a lifelong reliance on divine provision and protection.

Psalm 71 9 Context

Psalm 71 is a poignant prayer of an elderly person, unique in that it doesn't have a superscription attributing it to a specific author like David, though its themes strongly resonate with his experiences, particularly in later life. The psalm expresses the fears, hopes, and profound reliance of someone who has served God throughout their youth and maturity and now faces the physical decline and potential vulnerability of old age. The speaker is experiencing distress, possibly from enemies or those who mock their perceived weakness (v. 10-11). The core petition is for deliverance and sustained protection, remembering God's consistent faithfulness in their past. Verse 9 specifically highlights the dread of abandonment by God as physical capabilities wane, a fear rooted in human frailty but counteracted by a lifetime of knowing God's enduring character. Historically, old age was both a sign of wisdom and God's blessing (Prov 16:31), but also a period of increased vulnerability without a robust social welfare system. The prayer underscores absolute dependence on divine care rather than human institutions or strength.

Psalm 71 9 Word analysis

• אַל-תַּשְׁלִיכֵנִי (al-tashlikheni) – "Do not cast me off" / "Do not reject me":
  • אַל (al): A negative particle indicating prohibition, making the phrase an urgent plea or command against an action.
  • תַּשְׁלִיכֵנִי (tashlikheni): From the verb shalakh (שָׁלַךְ), meaning "to throw, cast, cast off, abandon, reject." This word powerfully evokes the imagery of discarding something unwanted, useless, or finished. The psalmist fears being seen by God as obsolete or a burden once their active years are behind them. It’s a deep spiritual and existential fear—not just of being physically alone, but of being emotionally or spiritually abandoned by God. This speaks to a fear of divine judgment or diminished favor, despite a lifetime of devotion.
• לְעֵת זִקְנָה (le'et ziqna) – "in the time of old age":
  • לְעֵת (le'et): Meaning "at the time of" or "during." It pinpoints a specific season of life.
  • זִקְנָה (ziqnah): Meaning "old age, agedness." It refers to the physical state of being advanced in years, often accompanied by weakness and reduced capability. The term signifies a natural progression of life but also highlights the associated vulnerabilities and potential for societal or personal neglect. For the believer, this age presents a unique test of faith, trusting God's provision even as earthly powers fade.
• כִּכְלוֹת כֹּחִי (kikhlot kokhi) – "when my strength fails" / "as my strength ceases":
  • כִּכְלוֹת (kikhlot): From the verb kalah (כָּלָה), meaning "to be complete, to finish, fail, cease, consume, vanish." It denotes the point where something comes to an end or is exhausted. Here, it indicates the diminishing or complete depletion of physical energy and vitality.
  • כֹּחִי (kokhi): From koakh (כֹּחַ), meaning "strength, power, might, vigor." This refers specifically to physical capacity and stamina. The psalmist recognizes an inevitable physical decline and the inherent loss of personal capability that comes with it. This phrase directly links old age with an acknowledged loss of physical and perhaps mental faculty, underscoring the psalmist's increased vulnerability and greater dependence on external help—especially divine help.
• אַל-תַּעַזְבֵנִי (al-ta'azveni) – "Do not forsake me" / "Do not abandon me":
  • אַל (al): Again, a strong negative particle, reinforcing the urgent plea.
  • תַּעַזְבֵנִי (ta'azveni): From the verb azav (עָזַב), meaning "to leave, abandon, forsake, loose." This term is equally powerful to shalakh but often carries the nuance of departing from or withdrawing support. It implies a severing of connection or a deliberate departure. In a covenantal relationship with God, being "forsaken" is a deeply feared spiritual state, signifying a breakdown of divine covenant loyalty. This is a prayer that God will maintain His covenant faithfulness and protective presence to the end.

Words-group Analysis:

• "Do not cast me off in the time of old age": This clause sets the primary context for the prayer – the vulnerability of old age. The psalmist expresses the deep-seated fear of being discarded by God when physical strength diminishes, contrasting human fragility with God's expected enduring faithfulness. This reveals a humble self-awareness of physical decline and the recognition that human strength is finite.
• "forsake me not when my strength fails": This second clause echoes and intensifies the first, using a different yet equally potent word for abandonment ("forsake"). It specifies the immediate consequence of "old age" – the failure of strength – as the crucial moment when God's enduring presence is most needed. The parallelism emphasizes the complete dependence on God when all other resources, particularly physical ones, are exhausted. Both pleas collectively form an earnest petition for God's lifelong, unceasing commitment to His faithful servant.

Psalm 71 9 Bonus section

The structure of Psalm 71, moving from the personal experience of old age and vulnerability to a broader declaration of God's justice and salvation, emphasizes that this prayer is not just for an individual but for the ongoing testimony of God's faithfulness through generations (Psa 71:17-18). The psalmist's plea is also for God to allow them to continue bearing witness to God's mighty acts to the next generation, making their continued life and sustained strength a testament to God's enduring power and reliability. This elevates the prayer from mere self-preservation to a desire for God's glory to be further revealed through an aged life.

Psalm 71 9 Commentary

Psalm 71:9 captures a profoundly human experience: the anxieties of aging and the universal fear of abandonment, especially when one feels most vulnerable. The psalmist, having walked with God for many years (vv. 5-6), confronts the reality of declining physical power ("when my strength fails"). The prayer "Do not cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not" is a raw, honest expression of deep reliance on God's unwavering character. It’s not a question of God’s ability, but a heartfelt plea based on a lifetime of knowing His faithfulness. This verse reassures believers that their worth and relationship with God are not tied to their productivity or physical capabilities, but to God's steadfast love and covenant promises. It asserts that God does not discard His faithful servants as they age; rather, He sustains and carries them even to "gray hairs" (Isa 46:4). This is a call for God's continuous, gracious presence, underscoring that a lifelong relationship with Him implies enduring care until the end. It's a prayer against spiritual neglect as much as physical abandonment.

• Practical Usage Example: When feeling diminished by age or illness, meditate on this verse, praying it as your own, remembering God's promises of unfailing love (Lam 3:22-23). It encourages believers to pray explicitly for God's continued support throughout every season of life.