Psalms 22:31
They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this.
Original Language Analysis
יָ֭בֹאוּ
They shall come
H935
יָ֭בֹאוּ
They shall come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 7
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וְיַגִּ֣ידוּ
and shall declare
H5046
וְיַגִּ֣ידוּ
and shall declare
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
צִדְקָת֑וֹ
his righteousness
H6666
צִדְקָת֑וֹ
his righteousness
Strong's:
H6666
Word #:
3 of 7
rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)
לְעַ֥ם
unto a people
H5971
לְעַ֥ם
unto a people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
נ֝וֹלָ֗ד
that shall be born
H3205
נ֝וֹלָ֗ד
that shall be born
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
5 of 7
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
Cross References
Psalms 78:6That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:Psalms 86:9All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.Psalms 102:18This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.Romans 1:17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.2 Corinthians 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Historical Context
This verse establishes intergenerational gospel transmission—each generation receives and passes on the message of God's saving righteousness. The church's missionary and catechetical responsibility stems from this mandate to declare God's finished work to those yet unborn.
Questions for Reflection
- What responsibility do you have to declare God's righteousness to the next generation?
- How does Christ's 'it is finished' provide assurance that salvation is complete?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm concludes with proclamation: 'they shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born.' Future generations will hear the gospel—the declaration of God's righteousness demonstrated at the cross. The final phrase 'he hath done this' (literally 'it is finished') echoes Christ's cry from the cross (John 19:30). Reformed theology sees the completed work of redemption here: salvation is accomplished, and future proclamation announces what God has finished, not what remains to be done.