Psalms 22:25
My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.
Original Language Analysis
מֵ֥אִתְּךָ֗
H853
מֵ֥אִתְּךָ֗
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
רָ֑ב
shall be of thee in the great
H7227
רָ֑ב
shall be of thee in the great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 8
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
נְדָרַ֥י
my vows
H5088
נְדָרַ֥י
my vows
Strong's:
H5088
Word #:
5 of 8
a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised
אֲ֝שַׁלֵּ֗ם
I will pay
H7999
אֲ֝שַׁלֵּ֗ם
I will pay
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
6 of 8
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
Cross References
Psalms 35:18I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.Psalms 66:13I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,Psalms 111:1Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation.Psalms 22:22I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.Psalms 56:12Thy vows are upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee.Psalms 66:16Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
Historical Context
Israelites would vow offerings or service if God delivered them from danger. After deliverance, they would publicly fulfill these vows in the temple, combining thanksgiving sacrifice with testimony. This practice created accountability and corporate encouragement.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'vows' have you made to God that need public fulfillment?
- How does corporate worship differ from private devotion, and why are both necessary?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Praise 'in the great congregation' emphasizes public, corporate worship. Paying 'vows before them that fear him' refers to fulfilling promises made during distress—a common practice in lament psalms. From a Reformed perspective, this models covenant faithfulness: God keeps His promises, and His people respond by keeping theirs. Public worship becomes the forum for testifying to God's faithfulness and fulfilling sacred obligations made in private prayer.