Psalms 116:14

Authorized King James Version

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I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

Original Language Analysis

נְ֭דָרַי my vows H5088
נְ֭דָרַי my vows
Strong's: H5088
Word #: 1 of 7
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
לַיהוָ֣ה unto the LORD H3068
לַיהוָ֣ה unto the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 2 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשַׁלֵּ֑ם I will pay H7999
אֲשַׁלֵּ֑ם I will pay
Strong's: H7999
Word #: 3 of 7
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
נֶגְדָה H5048
נֶגְדָה
Strong's: H5048
Word #: 4 of 7
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
נָּ֝֗א H4994
נָּ֝֗א
Strong's: H4994
Word #: 5 of 7
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
לְכָל H3605
לְכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עַמּֽוֹ׃ now in the presence of all his people H5971
עַמּֽוֹ׃ now in the presence of all his people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 7 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis & Commentary

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Having been delivered, the psalmist fulfills commitments made during crisis. I will pay my vows (nedarai ashalem, נְדָרַי אֲשַׁלֵּם) refers to promises made to God, likely during the death-threat described in verses 3-4. Ancient worshipers often vowed offerings if God delivered them (Genesis 28:20-22, Numbers 30:2, Jonah 2:9).

Unto the LORD now (la-Yahweh negdah-na, לַיהוָה נֶגְדָה־נָּא) emphasizes immediate, public fulfillment. Negdah means 'in front of,' 'before,' indicating visible, corporate worship. Na adds urgency: 'now,' 'please,' no delay. Vows weren't private mental notes but public, binding commitments requiring public fulfillment.

In the presence of all his people (neged kol-amo, נֶגֶד כָּל־עַמּוֹ) situates vow-paying within covenant community. Worship isn't merely individual devotion but corporate testimony. When one member fulfills vows, the whole community sees God's faithfulness, strengthening collective faith. This anticipates Hebrews 10:24-25, exhorting believers not to forsake assembling together.

Historical Context

Temple worship included public vow fulfillment. Worshipers brought promised sacrifices (peace offerings, thank offerings) and testified to God's deliverance. These testimonies strengthened community faith and taught subsequent generations. The Hallel psalms were corporate liturgy, sung together at Passover. Individual testimony ('I will pay my vows') merged with corporate worship ('in the presence of all his people'). This pattern continues in Christian worship where personal testimonies of God's faithfulness build up the body of Christ.

Questions for Reflection