Psalms 106:31

KJV

And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.

KJV (with Strong's)

And that was counted {H2803} unto him for righteousness {H6666} unto all {H1755} generations {H1755} for {H5704} evermore {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That was credited to him as righteousness, through all generations forever.

Berean Standard Bible

It was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.

American Standard Version

And that was reckoned unto him for righteousness, Unto all generations for evermore.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 106:31 commemorates Phinehas's decisive and zealous action during Israel's apostasy at Baal-peor, declaring that his intervention was divinely credited as righteousness, ensuring a lasting commendation for all generations. This verse stands as a poignant highlight within Psalm 106, a historical psalm that otherwise largely recounts Israel's repeated rebellion and God's enduring faithfulness despite their unfaithfulness, showcasing a moment of exceptional devotion that averted further divine judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 106 is a confessional and historical psalm, serving as a lament and a recounting of Israel's rebellious history from the Exodus to the Babylonian exile. It systematically details the nation's repeated cycles of sin, God's judgment, and His subsequent deliverance. Verses 28-30 describe the grievous sin at Baal-peor, where Israel "yoked themselves to Baal of Peor" and "ate sacrifices offered to the dead," provoking God's wrath and resulting in a devastating plague. Verse 31 directly follows this narrative of national apostasy and divine judgment, highlighting Phinehas's singular act of zealous intervention as the turning point that halted the plague. It contrasts sharply with the general unfaithfulness of the people, presenting Phinehas as a beacon of covenant loyalty amidst widespread rebellion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The incident referenced in Psalms 106:31 is detailed in [Numbers 25](/numbers/25 "Numbers 25 - The Sin at Baal-peor and Phinehas's Zeal"). While Israel was encamped in the plains of Moab, they succumbed to the temptation of sexual immorality and idolatry with Moabite and Midianite women, participating in pagan worship. This blatant violation of God's covenant provoked a severe plague that claimed 24,000 lives. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron and Eleazar, demonstrated profound zeal for God's honor and the purity of the covenant community by executing an Israelite man and a Midianite woman who defiantly brought their sexual immorality into the camp. This act of covenant enforcement, driven by a fierce commitment to God's holiness, immediately stopped the plague. In response, God made a "covenant of peace" with Phinehas, promising his descendants a perpetual priesthood, underscoring the divine approval of his action (see [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - God's Covenant of Peace with Phinehas")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Mercy**, illustrating God's righteous wrath against sin but also His willingness to respond with mercy when confronted with genuine zeal for His honor. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Zeal for God's Holiness**, showcasing Phinehas's intense passion for God's righteous standards and his unwavering opposition to sin that defiled the covenant community. His zeal was not for personal gain but for the glory of God and the preservation of Israel's purity. Thirdly, the phrase "counted unto him for righteousness" introduces the profound theological concept of **Imputed Righteousness**, where God formally credits an act or disposition as righteous. This concept is foundational in scripture, notably seen in [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Counted as Righteousness"), where Abraham's faith was "counted" for righteousness. While Phinehas's act was one of zealous obedience, it illustrates how God acknowledges and rewards actions taken in true devotion to Him. Finally, the phrase "unto all generations for evermore" emphasizes the theme of **Lasting Legacy and Divine Approval**, signifying the enduring nature of God's commendation and the perpetual blessing upon Phinehas's lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **counted (Hebrew, _chashav'_):** The Hebrew verb חָשַׁב (*chashav*) means "to reckon," "to account," "to impute," or "to consider." It is an accounting or legal term, signifying a formal crediting or declaration of status. This specific phrasing is highly significant because it is the same verb used in [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Counted as Righteousness") to describe Abraham's faith being "reckoned" as righteousness. While Phinehas's act was a specific deed, the language links it to a divine declaration of right standing, underscoring God's recognition of his zealous obedience.
* **righteousness (Hebrew, _tsedaqah'_):** The Hebrew noun צְדָקָה (*tsedaqah*) refers to "justice," "righteousness," or "right standing." It denotes not merely a moral quality but often a legal or relational status of being in right relationship with God or acting in accordance with His standards. In this context, it signifies that Phinehas's act was aligned with God's justice and holiness, and thus God formally recognized it as an act of righteousness.
* **unto all generations for evermore (Hebrew, _l'dor vador ad olam'_):** This phrase emphasizes the perpetuity and enduring nature of God's approval and the lasting legacy of Phinehas's act. It highlights that God's commendation was not fleeting but established a permanent record and blessing, particularly evident in the promise of a perpetual priesthood for Phinehas's descendants (as recorded in [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - God's Covenant of Peace with Phinehas")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that was counted unto him for righteousness":** This clause refers directly to Phinehas's zealous act of executing the Israelite man and Midianite woman (as described in [Numbers 25:7-8](/numbers/25-7 "Numbers 25:7-8 - Phinehas's Action")). The phrase "counted unto him" signifies God's divine declaration and imputation of righteousness. It means God formally acknowledged and credited Phinehas's action as righteous, not necessarily in the sense of personal salvation (which is by grace through faith), but as an act that upheld God's honor and covenant, thus earning divine approval and stopping the plague.
* **"unto all generations for evermore":** This concluding phrase emphasizes the enduring impact and divine promise associated with Phinehas's deed. It signifies that the commendation and blessing upon Phinehas's act and his lineage were not temporary but would last perpetually. This refers both to the perpetual priesthood promised to his descendants (as detailed in [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - God's Covenant of Peace with Phinehas")) and to the lasting recognition of his zealous act within Israel's historical and theological memory.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 106:31 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **imputation/accounting metaphor**, where the verb "counted" (חָשַׁב, *chashav*) functions as a metaphorical term drawn from the realm of accounting or legal declaration. This device highlights that Phinehas's act was formally credited or declared as righteous by God, underscoring a divine, objective recognition rather than merely a subjective human assessment. Furthermore, the psalm utilizes **contrast** by presenting Phinehas's singular act of zealous righteousness against the pervasive backdrop of Israel's widespread apostasy and rebellion detailed throughout the rest of Psalm 106. This stark contrast magnifies the significance and divine approval of his deed. Finally, the phrase "unto all generations for evermore" functions as **hyperbole** or strong **emphasis**, serving to underscore the enduring nature of God's approval and the lasting legacy of Phinehas's faithfulness, reinforcing the perpetual blessing bestowed upon his lineage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 106:31 offers profound theological insights into God's character and His interaction with humanity. It reveals that God actively observes and responds to human actions, particularly those driven by zeal for His honor and holiness. The concept of an act being "counted for righteousness" is a critical theological thread throughout scripture, demonstrating God's sovereign right to declare what is righteous. While Phinehas's righteousness was credited for a specific zealous act of covenant enforcement, it resonates with the broader biblical principle of divine imputation, where God credits individuals with a status they might not inherently possess, whether based on faith (as with Abraham) or a specific act of obedience. This verse affirms that God acknowledges and rewards acts of genuine devotion and obedience, especially when they uphold His divine standards and bring glory to His name. It also highlights the lasting impact of faithfulness, demonstrating that righteous deeds can secure enduring blessings and a perpetual legacy in God's eyes.

* [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Counted as Righteousness")
* [Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Righteousness Credited to Abraham")
* [Numbers 25:13](/numbers/25-13 "Numbers 25:13 - God's Covenant of Peace with Phinehas")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, Psalms 106:31 serves as a powerful reminder that God values and recognizes acts of genuine zeal and faithfulness. While we live under the New Covenant, the principle of a fervent commitment to God's holiness remains vital. We are called to cultivate a zeal for God's honor that manifests not in physical violence, but in a passionate pursuit of righteousness, a bold stand against sin within ourselves and our communities, and a commitment to truth and purity, all empowered by the Holy Spirit. This verse encourages us that our acts of obedience, motivated by love and devotion, are seen and acknowledged by God. Though salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, our righteous deeds are a tangible demonstration of that living faith, and they contribute to a spiritual legacy that can impact not only our own lives but also future generations, reflecting God's enduring favor upon faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we cultivate a genuine zeal for God's holiness in our lives today, aligning with New Covenant principles?**
* **In what ways does God "count" or recognize our actions as righteous, and how does this relate to the foundational truth of salvation by grace through faith?**
* **What kind of legacy of faithfulness are we building through our daily choices and spiritual commitments, and how might this impact future generations?**

### FAQ
**Was Phinehas's act an act of murder?**

Answer: No, Phinehas's act was not considered murder within the biblical narrative; rather, it was a divinely sanctioned act of justice and covenant enforcement. In the context of ancient Israel, under the Mosaic Law, certain offenses against God's covenant and holiness carried the penalty of death, particularly those that brought defilement and divine wrath upon the entire community, such as idolatry and gross immorality. Phinehas's action was a zealous response to open rebellion and defiance of God's law, which had already resulted in a devastating plague ([Numbers 25:8](/numbers/25-8 "Numbers 25:8 - Phinehas's Intervention")). God Himself commended Phinehas for his zeal, making a "covenant of peace" with him and his descendants ([Numbers 25:12-13](/numbers/25-12-13 "God's Covenant with Phinehas")), indicating divine approval and validating his act as righteous. It was an act of public justice to uphold the sanctity of the covenant and avert further divine judgment, not personal vengeance.

**How does Phinehas's righteousness relate to Abraham's faith being counted as righteousness?**

Answer: Both instances use the same Hebrew verb חָשַׁב (*chashav*), meaning "to count," "reckon," or "impute," indicating a divine crediting or declaration of status. In [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Counted as Righteousness"), Abraham's *faith* in God's promise was counted as righteousness. In Psalms 106:31, Phinehas's *zealous act* of obedience and covenant enforcement was counted as righteousness. This highlights different facets of God's interaction with humanity and the ways in which righteousness can be recognized. Abraham's case lays the groundwork for righteousness by faith, foundational for the New Testament understanding of salvation ([Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith and Righteousness")). Phinehas's case demonstrates that zealous obedience to God's commands, particularly in upholding His holiness, can also be divinely recognized and credited as righteousness within its specific covenantal context. Both illustrate that righteousness is ultimately a divine declaration, but the *basis* for that declaration can vary depending on the covenant and specific circumstances.

**Is Phinehas's act a model for Christians today to deal with sin in the community?**

Answer: While Phinehas's zeal for God's honor and purity remains a principle to emulate, his specific method of dealing with sin is not a model for Christians today. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ, operates under different principles and a new law—the law of Christ, which emphasizes love, grace, and spiritual transformation. Jesus taught His followers to love their enemies ([Matthew 5:44](/matthew/5-44 "Matthew 5:44 - Love Your Enemies")), to forgive ([Matthew 6:14](/matthew/6-14 "Matthew 6:14 - Forgive Others")), and to overcome evil with good ([Romans 12:21](/romans/12-21 "Romans 12:21 - Overcome Evil with Good")). While the church is called to maintain purity and address sin, it does so through spiritual means such as teaching, admonition, spiritual discipline, and, if necessary, excommunication ([1 Corinthians 5:13](/1_corinthians/5-13 "1 Corinthians 5:13 - Expel the Wicked Person")). The *principle* of zeal for God's holiness and a commitment to moral purity remains, but the *application* is transformed by the redemptive work of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, leading to spiritual, not physical, warfare against sin.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 106:31, in its commendation of Phinehas's zealous act, points forward to the ultimate and perfect zeal of Jesus Christ. Phinehas's intervention stopped a plague of death caused by Israel's sin, but it was a temporary cessation for a particular generation. In contrast, Jesus, driven by an unparalleled zeal for His Father's house and glory ([John 2:17](/john/2-17 "John 2:17 - Jesus' Zeal for the Temple")), offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, thereby putting an end to the plague of sin and death for all humanity. His perfect obedience and righteous life were not merely "counted" but *are* righteousness itself, freely imputed to all who believe in Him ([Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Righteousness Through Christ's Obedience")). The "righteousness" credited to Phinehas foreshadows the true and ultimate righteousness found in Christ, which alone can reconcile humanity to God. Furthermore, the "perpetual priesthood" promised to Phinehas's lineage finds its eternal fulfillment in Christ, our great High Priest, who holds His priesthood permanently ([Hebrews 7:24-25](/hebrews/7-24 "Hebrews 7:24-25 - Christ's Permanent Priesthood")). He is the one whose perfect act of atonement truly secured peace with God "unto all generations for evermore" ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Peace Through Christ's Blood")). Believers are now called to embody Christ's zeal, not through violence, but by living righteously, pursuing holiness, and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel, empowered by the Spirit who makes us zealous for good works ([Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Zealous for Good Works")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 25:11

Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for my sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy.

Numbers 25:13

And he shall have it, and his seed after him, [even] the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel.

Genesis 15:6

And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Deuteronomy 24:13

In any case thou shalt deliver him the pledge again when the sun goeth down, that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless thee: and it shall be righteousness unto thee before the LORD thy God.

Mark 14:3

And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard very precious; and she brake the box, and poured [it] on his head.

Mark 14:9

Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, [this] also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.