Psalms 76:11
Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.
Original Language Analysis
וְשַׁלְּמוּ֮
and pay
H7999
וְשַׁלְּמוּ֮
and pay
Strong's:
H7999
Word #:
2 of 9
to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate
לַיהוָ֪ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַיהוָ֪ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 9
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫יכֶ֥ם
your God
H430
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫יכֶ֥ם
your God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
סְבִיבָ֑יו
let all that be round about
H5439
סְבִיבָ֑יו
let all that be round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
6 of 9
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Cross References
Psalms 50:14Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:Psalms 68:29Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.Psalms 89:7God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.Genesis 31:42Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern vassal kings brought tribute to suzerains. This psalm envisions nations bringing tribute to God. Isaiah 18:7, 60:5-7, and Zephaniah 3:10 prophesy this. The magi bringing gifts to infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11) prefigured it. Revelation 21:24-26 depicts nations bringing glory and honor into New Jerusalem—ultimate fulfillment.
Questions for Reflection
- What "vows" have you made to God that require "paying" (fulfilling)?
- How does bringing "presents" to God express worship beyond verbal praise?
- In what ways does Christ's universal lordship (Philippians 2:10-11) fulfill this vision of all nations worshiping?
Analysis & Commentary
The psalm commands worship: "Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared" (Hebrew nidru u-shalemu la-YHWH Eloheykem kol-s-vivav yovilu shay la-mora). "Vow and pay" indicates covenant commitment with followthrough. "All round about" extends worship beyond Israel. "Presents" (Hebrew shay) are tribute acknowledging sovereignty. "Ought to be feared" establishes worship in God's character. The verse calls universal submission to God revealed in Zion.