Psalms 116:18

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people,

Complete Jewish Bible:

I will pay my vows to ADONAI in the presence of all his people,

Berean Standard Bible:

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people,

American Standard Version:

I will pay my vows unto Jehovah, Yea, in the presence of all his people,

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

I will pay^{H7999} my vows^{H5088} unto the LORD^{H3068} now in the presence of all his people^{H5971},

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Psalms 116:18

Psalm 116:18 is part of a larger psalm that expresses deep gratitude and devotion to God for deliverance from a severe trial, possibly involving a life-threatening illness or perilous situation. The psalmist, having been saved by the Lord's mercy, is moved to fulfill a vow made during the distress. In the historical context of the Ancient Near East, it was common for individuals to make vows to their deity in times of need, promising to offer something of value or perform a particular act of worship if their prayer was answered.

The verse "I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people," reflects the psalmist's intention to publicly honor the commitment made to God. This public acknowledgment would serve not only as a personal testament of faith but also as a witness to the community, reinforcing the psalmist's faith in God and encouraging others to trust in the Lord's providence. The act of paying vows in the presence of the assembly emphasizes the communal aspect of worship in Israelite society, where personal acts of devotion were often intertwined with corporate expressions of faith.

In summary, Psalm 116:18 encapsulates the themes of gratitude, faithfulness, and public worship. The psalmist's resolve to pay vows before the congregation highlights the importance of honoring one's promises to God and the value of testifying to God's faithfulness within the community of believers. This verse underscores the interconnectedness of personal faith and communal religious life in ancient Israel.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H7999
   There are 107 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁלַם
   Transliteration: shâlam
   Pronunciation: shaw-lam'
   Description: a primitive root; to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate (in various applications); make amends, (make an) end, finish, full, give again, make good, (re-) pay (again), (make) (to) (be at) peace(-able), that is perfect, perform, (make) prosper(-ous), recompense, render, requite, make restitution, restore, reward, [idiom] surely.
   
2. Strong's Number: H5088
   There are 57 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: נֶדֶר
   Transliteration: neder
   Pronunciation: neh'-der
   Description: or נֵדֶר; from נָדַר; a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised; vow(-ed).
   
3. Strong's Number: H3068
   There are 5521 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: יְהֹוָה
   Transliteration: Yᵉhôvâh
   Pronunciation: yeh-ho-vaw'
   Description: from הָיָה; (the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God; Jehovah, the Lord. Compare יָהּ, יְהֹוִה.
   
4. Strong's Number: H5971
   There are 1654 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עַם
   Transliteration: ʻam
   Pronunciation: am
   Description: from עָמַם; a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of Israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock; folk, men, nation, people.