Psalms 40:9
I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.
Original Language Analysis
בִּשַּׂ֤רְתִּי
I have preached
H1319
בִּשַּׂ֤רְתִּי
I have preached
Strong's:
H1319
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)
צֶ֨דֶק׀
righteousness
H6664
צֶ֨דֶק׀
righteousness
Strong's:
H6664
Word #:
2 of 11
the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity
רָ֗ב
in the great
H7227
רָ֗ב
in the great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
4 of 11
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
שְׂ֭פָתַי
my lips
H8193
שְׂ֭פָתַי
my lips
Strong's:
H8193
Word #:
6 of 11
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶכְלָ֑א
lo I have not refrained
H3607
אֶכְלָ֑א
lo I have not refrained
Strong's:
H3607
Word #:
8 of 11
to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)
Cross References
Psalms 22:25My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.Psalms 119:13With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.Hebrews 2:12Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.Psalms 22:22I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.Psalms 35:18I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.Joshua 22:22The LORD God of gods, the LORD God of gods, he knoweth, and Israel he shall know; if it be in rebellion, or if in transgression against the LORD, (save us not this day,)
Historical Context
Temple worship included public testimony of God's deliverance. This pattern of corporate witness shaped Israel's identity and later influenced early Christian practice of sharing testimonies in gathered assemblies.
Questions for Reflection
- What prevents you from sharing God's faithfulness in the 'great congregation'?
- How does public testimony strengthen both the one who shares and those who hear?
Analysis & Commentary
David declares his proclamation of 'righteousness in the great congregation.' The Hebrew tzedaqah (righteousness) refers to God's covenant faithfulness and saving acts. The 'great congregation' (qahal rav) indicates public worship where testimony strengthens corporate faith. David's refrain 'I have not refrained my lips' emphasizes bold, unashamed witness.