Psalms 66:14

Authorized King James Version

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Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.

Original Language Analysis

אֲשֶׁר H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 1 of 7
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
פָּצ֥וּ have uttered H6475
פָּצ֥וּ have uttered
Strong's: H6475
Word #: 2 of 7
to rend, i.e., open (especially the mouth)
שְׂפָתָ֑י Which my lips H8193
שְׂפָתָ֑י Which my lips
Strong's: H8193
Word #: 3 of 7
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)
וְדִבֶּר hath spoken H1696
וְדִבֶּר hath spoken
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 4 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
פִּ֝֗י and my mouth H6310
פִּ֝֗י and my mouth
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 5 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
בַּצַּר when I was in trouble H6862
בַּצַּר when I was in trouble
Strong's: H6862
Word #: 6 of 7
a pebble (as in h6864)
לִֽי׃ H0
לִֽי׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 7 of 7

Analysis & Commentary

The vows 'uttered' by the psalmist's lips were made 'when I was in trouble,' revealing honest prayer in distress. This validates bringing our urgent needs and pleas to God, while also establishing accountability—God hears and remembers our promises. The public nature of these vows ('my lips have uttered') adds community accountability. True faith doesn't shrink from making bold commitments to God, trusting His grace to fulfill them.

Historical Context

Biblical examples of vows include Jacob's promise at Bethel (Genesis 28:20-22), Hannah's dedication of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:11), and Paul's Nazirite vow (Acts 18:18). Each reflects serious commitment made before God and community.

Questions for Reflection