Psalms 22:22

KJV

¶ I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will declare {H5608} thy name {H8034} unto my brethren {H251}: in the midst {H8432} of the congregation {H6951} will I praise {H1984} thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will proclaim your name to my kinsmen; right there in the assembly I will praise you:

Berean Standard Bible

I will proclaim Your name to my brothers; I will praise You in the assembly.

American Standard Version

I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the assembly will I praise thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:22 marks a pivotal transition within this profound Messianic psalm, shifting from the depths of agonizing suffering and abandonment to a triumphant declaration of praise and unwavering faithfulness. Following a harrowing experience of deliverance, the psalmist solemnly vows to publicly proclaim God's character and mighty redemptive works to his community. This verse, deeply prophetic in its nature, finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who, having endured the cross and achieved resurrection, declares the Father's name to His redeemed "brethren" and leads them in corporate worship, thereby establishing a new covenant community founded upon God's sovereign power and redemptive grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22 is a remarkable and deeply prophetic composition, widely recognized as a "Psalm of Lament and Praise." It opens with the iconic cry of dereliction, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1 - The Cry of Dereliction"), vividly portraying intense suffering, humiliation, and a profound sense of abandonment. The psalmist meticulously describes physical and emotional anguish, feeling surrounded by relentless enemies and on the very brink of death. However, a dramatic and transformative turning point occurs around [Psalms 22:21](/psalms/22-21 "Psalms 22:21 - Deliverance from the Lion's Mouth"), where the psalmist expresses unwavering confidence in God's deliverance and transitions into fervent praise and a solemn commitment to public testimony. Verse 22 serves as the immediate and direct response to this divine rescue, a sacred vow to declare God's faithfulness, not in private contemplation, but within the gathered assembly. This public declaration then sets the stage for the universal praise that characterizes the latter half of the psalm, envisioning all the ends of the earth turning to the Lord in worship, as prophesied in [Psalms 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalms 22:27 - All the Ends of the Earth Shall Remember and Turn to the Lord").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Attributed to King David, this psalm deeply reflects the ancient Israelite understanding of public worship and the profound significance of God's "name." In Israelite culture, the "name" (Hebrew: *shem*) of God was far more than a mere label; it encapsulated His entire character, His divine attributes, His reputation, His sovereign authority, and His very presence. To "declare His name" was to make known His essential being and His mighty acts of salvation, particularly His covenant faithfulness. Corporate worship within the "congregation" (Hebrew: *qahal*) was absolutely central to Israelite identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Public testimony of God's deliverance was a common and vital practice, serving to strengthen the community's faith, reinforce their shared history with God, and invite others to acknowledge God's supreme sovereignty. Kings, such as David, frequently led the people in worship and publicly declared God's greatness, understanding their unique role as mediators of God's truth and praise to the entire nation, a practice evident in other psalms of praise and thanksgiving like [Psalms 34:1-3](/psalms/34-1-3 "Psalms 34:1-3 - Magnifying the Lord").
* **Key Themes:** Several crucial and interconnected themes converge powerfully in Psalms 22:22. Firstly, the **public proclamation of God's character** is paramount. The psalmist's experience of divine deliverance compels him not to private gratitude alone, but to a communal and open declaration of who God is and what He has miraculously accomplished. This highlights the inherent evangelistic and testimonial nature of true faith. Secondly, the theme of **communal worship and praise** is central, emphasizing that the declaration of God's glory is a shared, corporate experience that both builds up the body of believers and invites outsiders to join in adoration. This underscores the profound importance of the gathered assembly as the primary context for collective worship and public testimony, as seen in passages like [Psalms 107:32](/psalms/107-32 "Psalms 107:32 - Let Them Exalt Him in the Assembly of the People"). Finally, the profound and intricate **Messianic prophecy** woven throughout the entirety of Psalm 22 finds a critical and explicit expression here. The psalm's vivid description of intense suffering, followed by a solemn vow of public praise, is understood by New Testament authors as a direct and precise prophecy of Jesus Christ's passion, His glorious resurrection, and His subsequent leadership of His "brethren" in worship, making this a pivotal verse for understanding the continuity and fulfillment between the Old and New Covenants.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Declare (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** This primitive root means "to score with a mark as a tally or record," and by implication, "to inscribe," "to enumerate," or "to recount." Intensively, it means "to recount" or "to celebrate." In this context, it signifies a thorough, comprehensive, and intentional telling or proclamation of God's character, His faithfulness, and His redemptive acts. It is an active, public act of making God's attributes and deeds visible, understandable, and celebrated by others.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** A primitive word, perhaps from the idea of a definite and conspicuous position, "name" refers to an appellation, mark, or memorial of individuality. By implication, it signifies honor, authority, and character. In Hebrew thought, God's "name" encapsulates His entire essence, reputation, attributes, and presence. To declare God's "name" is to reveal His very being—His holiness, power, love, justice, mercy, and trustworthiness—as demonstrated through His actions, most notably His deliverance of the psalmist. It is a declaration of His covenant-keeping identity.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _qâhâl'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to assemble," this word refers to an assemblage, company, or multitude, typically understood as a formal gathering of people. In this context, it specifically denotes the assembled community of God's people, emphasizing the corporate, public, and covenantal nature of the praise and testimony. This is not a private devotional act but a communal act of worship and witness, reinforcing the shared identity, purpose, and spiritual bond of the people of God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will declare thy name unto my brethren:"** This clause expresses a deeply personal and solemn vow made by the psalmist (or prophetically, by Christ) to make God's character, attributes, and mighty deeds known. The phrase "unto my brethren" highlights a profound relational intimacy, referring to fellow members of the covenant community, those who share a common spiritual lineage, faith, or experience. The declaration is therefore not a generic proclamation but a targeted and intimate sharing of God's truth with those with whom the speaker shares a bond, implying a desire to foster deeper understanding and shared faith.
* **"in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee."** This second clause specifies both the setting and the nature of the declared vow. "In the midst of the congregation" unequivocally underscores the public, corporate, and communal nature of the act. The vow to "praise thee" (Hebrew: *hâlal*) signifies an act of exalting, celebrating, and glorifying God, acknowledging His attributes and giving profound thanks for His deliverance. This praise is not a solitary act but represents a leadership role within the gathered assembly, inviting, enabling, and encouraging all others present to join in unified adoration and thanksgiving.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:22 masterfully employs several significant literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of synonymous parallelism, where the second line reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first. "I will declare thy name unto my brethren" finds its direct echo and expansion in "in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee." Here, "declare thy name" is synonymous with "praise thee," both referring to the act of exalting God's character and deeds, while "unto my brethren" is parallel to "in the midst of the congregation," both denoting the communal audience. This parallelism powerfully reinforces the central message of public, communal worship and testimony. The verse also functions as a quintessential **Vow of Praise**, a common and powerful feature in psalms of lament where the psalmist, having cried out to God in distress and subsequently experienced (or anticipated with certainty) divine deliverance, pledges to offer public thanksgiving and adoration. This vow serves to complete the narrative arc from profound distress to glorious deliverance to heartfelt doxology. Furthermore, the concept of God's "name" functions as a potent **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "name" stands in for the entirety of God's character, His divine attributes, His actions, and His very being. This rich and concise use of language conveys deep theological meaning with profound brevity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:22 profoundly connects to the timeless theological truths concerning God's inherent character, the essential nature of worship, and the divine mission entrusted to His people. It powerfully reveals that God's miraculous deliverance is not merely for individual comfort or private solace but is ultimately intended for His glory to be made known publicly and universally. The psalmist's solemn vow to declare God's name and praise Him within the congregation highlights that genuine faith culminates in open acknowledgment and corporate adoration. This act of public testimony strengthens the community of faith, serving as a vital reminder of God's unfailing faithfulness, and simultaneously functions as a compelling invitation to those outside the community to recognize and submit to His supreme sovereignty. It underscores the pervasive biblical emphasis on the communal aspect of faith, where individual experiences of God's grace are shared for the mutual edification of the body of believers and as a powerful witness to the world, demonstrating unequivocally that God is worthy of all praise and unreserved trust, especially in the aftermath of profound suffering and miraculous deliverance.

* [Psalms 34:3](/psalms/34-3 "Psalms 34:3 - Magnify the Lord with me")
* [Hebrews 2:12](/hebrews/2-12 "Hebrews 2:12 - Jesus Declares God's Name")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:22 serves as a profound and enduring reminder of our fundamental call to engage in public worship and give bold testimony. Just as the psalmist, and ultimately Jesus Christ Himself, vowed to declare God's name, so too are all believers commissioned to make known the character and the mighty works of God to a watching and often skeptical world. This commission extends beyond merely sharing personal anecdotes; it demands articulating the profound and transformative truth of who God is—His holiness, His perfect justice, His boundless mercy, and His redemptive power—especially as these attributes are uniquely and fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Our individual experiences of God's faithfulness are not meant to remain private but are intended to fuel corporate praise and collective witness. When we gather as the "congregation," we not only offer worship and adoration to God but also mutually strengthen one another in faith, demonstrating the tangible reality of His presence and power within His people. Furthermore, the broader context of Psalm 22 powerfully teaches us that our most authentic and potent declarations of God's name often emerge from seasons of intense suffering and subsequent deliverance. It is precisely in the crucible of trial, when God proves Himself faithful beyond all expectation, that our praise becomes most authentic, most compelling, and most inviting, drawing others to trust in the God who saves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what tangible ways do I currently "declare God's name" to my "brethren" within the church community and to the wider world outside of it?**
* **How does my active participation in corporate worship contribute to the public and collective declaration of God's character and His redemptive work?**
* **Considering the psalmist's profound journey from the depths of suffering to triumphant praise, how can my own experiences of trial and deliverance deepen the authenticity, power, and impact of my personal and corporate testimony?**

### FAQ
**What does "declare thy name" truly mean in a biblical sense?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" (Hebrew: *shêm*) is far more than a simple label; it encapsulates the entire character, reputation, authority, and very essence of a person. To "declare God's name" therefore means to make known His full being—His divine attributes, His inherent nature, His sovereign power, His unfailing faithfulness, and His mighty redemptive acts throughout history. It is about comprehensively revealing who God is through both words and deeds, sharing His unique identity and demonstrating His glory to others. This is a holistic proclamation of His divine personhood and His powerful works in the grand narrative of salvation history and in the individual lives of His people.

**Why is it important to praise God "in the midst of the congregation"?**

Answer: Praising God "in the midst of the congregation" (Hebrew: *qâhâl*) profoundly emphasizes the communal, corporate, and public nature of worship. It signifies that faith is not merely a private, individual affair but a shared experience that vitally strengthens and edifies the entire body of believers. Corporate worship provides the essential context for collective testimony, mutual encouragement, and a unified declaration of God's greatness, which also serves as a powerful and compelling witness to the world outside the church. It reinforces the sacred covenant relationship God has established with His people and demonstrates the unity, power, and divine presence within the church. This communal aspect is absolutely vital for the spiritual health, growth, and mission of believers, as seen consistently throughout the Old Testament and powerfully affirmed in the New Testament's emphasis on the church as the very body of Christ, as described in passages like [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11-16 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Unity in the Body of Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:22 finds its most profound, ultimate, and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The New Testament author of Hebrews explicitly quotes this very verse and applies it directly to Jesus, stating, "I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee" ([Hebrews 2:12](/hebrews/2-12 "Hebrews 2:12 - Jesus Declares God's Name")). This direct quotation unequivocally demonstrates that the psalmist's intense suffering and subsequent vow of praise were indeed prophetic of Christ's own unparalleled experience. Jesus, having endured the unimaginable agony of the cross and uttered the very cry of dereliction found in [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1 - The Cry of Dereliction") ("My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"), was gloriously resurrected and triumphed decisively over death. In His post-resurrection appearances, He indeed declared the Father's "name" to His disciples, whom He now intimately calls "my brethren" ([John 20:17](/john/20-17 "John 20:17 - Jesus Ascends to His Father and Our Father")), thereby revealing the Father's perfect love, sovereign power, and magnificent redemptive plan. As the resurrected Lord and our Great High Priest, Jesus actively leads His new "congregation"—the Church—in worship, interceding on their behalf and enabling them to draw near to God with confidence. He is not merely the object of our praise but also the divine leader of our praise, uniting all believers in a corporate, Spirit-empowered declaration of God's glory, thereby fulfilling the ancient vow and establishing a vibrant community that continually proclaims the Father's name through His Son ([Colossians 3:16](/colossians/3-16 "Colossians 3:16 - Let the Word of Christ Dwell Richly")).

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

Hebrews 2:11

For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified [are] all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Hebrews 2:12

Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee.

Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Psalms 40:9

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

Psalms 40:10

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

Psalms 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.

Psalms 71:19

Thy righteousness also, O God, [is] very high, who hast done great things: O God, who [is] like unto thee!