Psalms 22:25

KJV

My praise [shall be] of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

KJV (with Strong's)

My praise {H8416} shall be of thee in the great {H7227} congregation {H6951}: I will pay {H7999} my vows {H5088} before them that fear {H3373} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Because of you I give praise in the great assembly; I will fulfill my vows in the sight of those who fear him.

Berean Standard Bible

My praise for You resounds in the great assembly; I will fulfill my vows before those who fear You.

American Standard Version

Of thee cometh my praise in the great assembly: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:25 marks a profound pivot within a psalm of intense suffering, transforming from a cry of desolation to a vibrant declaration of public praise and unwavering commitment. Having experienced divine deliverance, the psalmist pledges to offer thanksgiving to God within the gathered assembly, fulfilling promises made in distress and testifying to God's faithfulness before those who revere Him. This verse encapsulates a journey from personal anguish to communal worship, highlighting the redemptive power of God and the integrity of the worshiper.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22:25 stands as a pivotal verse within a psalm renowned for its dramatic shift in tone. The preceding verses (beginning with the agonizing cry in [Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?")) detail the psalmist's intense suffering, feeling forsaken by God, surrounded by enemies, and experiencing profound physical and emotional torment. This section is replete with vivid imagery of distress and abandonment. However, beginning around [Psalm 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalm 22:22 - I Will Declare Thy Name"), the psalm undergoes a remarkable transformation. The psalmist moves from lament to a confident declaration of God's deliverance and a commitment to public praise. Verse 25 falls squarely within this triumphant section, serving as a personal vow of gratitude and a call to communal worship, anticipating the broader vision of God's universal reign and the conversion of nations described in [Psalm 22:27-31](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27-31 - All the Ends of the Earth Shall Remember and Turn to the Lord").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, the practice of making and fulfilling vows was a significant aspect of religious life. Individuals often made vows to God during times of distress, promising specific actions or offerings in exchange for divine intervention or deliverance. Once the deliverance was experienced, fulfilling these vows publicly was an act of profound gratitude, integrity, and worship. The "great congregation" (Hebrew: *qahal rab*) refers to the assembled community, likely gathered at the Temple or a central place of worship, where such public declarations and offerings would take place. This communal setting reinforced the idea that one's personal experience of God's faithfulness was not isolated but contributed to the collective faith and testimony of the people. To "fear him" denotes those who hold God in awe and reverence, the devout members of the community who would witness and affirm the psalmist's public act of worship.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 22:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 22 and the Psalter as a whole. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Lament to Praise**, illustrating the journey of faith from deep despair to triumphant worship, a common trajectory found throughout the Psalms. Secondly, it highlights the importance of **Public Worship and Testimony**, emphasizing that personal experiences of God's faithfulness are meant to be shared and celebrated within the community, thereby magnifying God's glory and strengthening the faith of others. Thirdly, the verse speaks to the theme of **Vow Fulfillment and Integrity**, demonstrating the psalmist's commitment to honor promises made to God, reflecting a deep sense of gratitude and obedience. Finally, it subtly points to God's **Faithfulness and Deliverance**, as the psalmist's ability to offer praise and fulfill vows is predicated on God's prior intervention and salvation, a theme central to the entire [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _tᵉhillâh'_):** From H8416, this word signifies laudation, a hymn, or an act of adoration. It refers to a vocal, active, and often public expression of commendation and honor directed towards God. In this context, it is not merely an internal feeling but an outward manifestation of gratitude and worship, specifically directed "of thee," meaning God is both the source and object of this praise.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _qâhâl'_):** From H6951, this term denotes an assemblage, assembly, company, or multitude. When combined with "great" (Hebrew, _rab'_ from H7227, meaning abundant in quantity or size), it emphasizes the public and communal nature of the psalmist's worship. It signifies a formal gathering of the people, likely for religious purposes, such as a festival or a regular worship service at the Temple. The psalmist's intention to praise God and fulfill vows in such a setting underscores the importance of corporate worship and shared testimony within the believing community.
* **Vows (Hebrew, _neder'_):** From H5088, this word refers to a promise made to God, or concretely, a thing promised. These were solemn pledges made to God, often in exchange for deliverance or a specific blessing. These were serious commitments, binding upon the one who made them, and their fulfillment was considered an act of piety and integrity. The psalmist's declaration, "I will pay my vows," signifies a commitment to honor these sacred obligations, demonstrating gratitude for God's intervention and faithfulness to His covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My praise [shall be] of thee":** This opening clause immediately establishes the source and object of the psalmist's worship. The praise originates from the psalmist's personal experience of God's faithfulness and is directed entirely towards God. It is not praise of self or circumstances, but praise that flows from and points to the divine character and actions. The bracketed "shall be" indicates a future intention, a confident pledge to offer this praise.
* **"in the great congregation":** This phrase specifies the context and audience for the psalmist's praise. It is not a private, solitary act, but a public declaration within the assembled community of believers. This communal setting amplifies the testimony, allowing others to witness God's goodness and strengthening their own faith. It highlights the corporate dimension of worship and the importance of shared spiritual experience.
* **"I will pay my vows":** This clause signifies a solemn commitment to fulfill promises previously made to God. These vows were likely made during the psalmist's period of distress, perhaps promising specific offerings or acts of devotion if God would deliver him. The act of "paying" them indicates a sincere and tangible expression of gratitude and obedience, demonstrating the psalmist's integrity and reverence for God's faithfulness.
* **"before them that fear him":** This final phrase identifies the specific audience for the fulfillment of the vows. "Them that fear him" refers to devout worshippers, those who hold God in awe and reverence, members of the covenant community. Performing these acts in their presence serves as a public testimony, an encouragement to fellow believers, and a visible demonstration of the psalmist's unwavering devotion and God's proven reliability.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:25 employs several key literary devices that enrich its meaning and impact. Foremost is the **Shift in Tone**, which is characteristic of the entire psalm, moving from the profound lament of the opening verses to a triumphant declaration of praise. This verse marks the culmination of this dramatic transition, showcasing the psalmist's renewed hope and commitment. There is also an element of **Parallelism** at play, as the act of offering "praise" and "paying vows" are presented as complementary expressions of worship and gratitude. Both actions are public, communal, and directed towards God, reinforcing the idea of a holistic response to divine deliverance. The phrase "great congregation" also serves as powerful **Imagery**, evoking a vivid picture of a large, gathered assembly, underscoring the communal and public nature of the psalmist's testimony. This imagery emphasizes that faith is not merely a private affair but has a vital corporate dimension, where individual experiences of God's grace contribute to the collective worship and encouragement of the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:25 resonates with several profound theological and thematic connections across Scripture. It underscores the biblical principle that worship is both a private and public act, where personal experiences of God's deliverance naturally lead to communal expressions of gratitude. The psalmist's commitment to pay vows highlights the importance of integrity in one's relationship with God, emphasizing that promises made to the Almighty are to be taken seriously and fulfilled. This verse also serves as a powerful reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness, as the psalmist's ability to praise and fulfill vows is a direct result of God's prior intervention and salvation from distress. It points to the redemptive arc often found in the biblical narrative: from suffering and petition to deliverance and thanksgiving.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Do Not Delay to Pay Your Vows")
* [Psalm 116:12-14](/psalms/116-12-14 "I Will Pay My Vows to the Lord")
* [Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Sacrifice of Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:25 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, encouraging a holistic and integrated faith. It challenges us to move beyond private devotion to public testimony, recognizing that our personal experiences of God's faithfulness are meant to be shared within the "great congregation" – the church. This public declaration not only glorifies God but also strengthens the faith of others, fostering a vibrant community of shared worship and encouragement. Furthermore, the psalmist's commitment to "pay my vows" serves as a powerful call to integrity. In an age where commitments are often easily broken, this verse reminds us of the sacredness of promises made to God, whether explicit vows or implicit commitments to serve, obey, or give thanks. Fulfilling these commitments demonstrates genuine gratitude and deep reverence for God. Ultimately, this verse invites us to embrace the full spectrum of the Christian journey, acknowledging that even from the depths of lament, God's faithfulness can lead us to triumphant praise and steadfast obedience within the fellowship of believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you personally experienced God's deliverance or faithfulness that you are called to share publicly?**
* **What "vows" or commitments have you made to God, perhaps in times of distress, that you still need to fulfill?**
* **How does participating in communal worship, the "great congregation," enrich your personal faith and testimony?**
* **How can your life be a public declaration of God's praise, even outside formal church settings?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "great congregation" in this verse?**

Answer: The "great congregation" (Hebrew: *qahal rab*) refers to a large, formal assembly of God's people, likely gathered for worship, perhaps at the Temple or during a festival. Its significance lies in emphasizing the public and communal nature of the psalmist's praise and vow-paying. It signifies that the psalmist's experience of God's faithfulness is not meant to be kept private but is to be shared openly within the community of faith. This public testimony serves to glorify God, encourage fellow believers, and reinforce the collective identity and shared experience of God's people. It highlights that worship is often a corporate act, where individual gratitude contributes to the collective adoration of God.

**What kind of "vows" is the psalmist referring to, and why is it important to pay them?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, vows were solemn promises made to God, often in exchange for divine intervention during a time of distress, or as expressions of devotion. These could involve specific offerings, acts of service, or commitments to a certain way of life. For example, [Jonah 2:9](/jonah/2-9 "Jonah 2:9 - Jonah's Vow of Thanksgiving") shows Jonah vowing to offer thanks after being delivered from the fish. It is important to pay them because, as [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - When You Make a Vow to the Lord") states, "When you make a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it." Fulfilling vows demonstrates integrity, gratitude, and reverence for God's faithfulness. It shows that one honors their word to God, acknowledging His deliverance and keeping their part of the commitment, thereby strengthening the relationship between the worshiper and the Almighty.

**How does Psalms 22:25 relate to the rest of Psalm 22?**

Answer: Psalms 22:25 is a crucial turning point and culmination within Psalm 22's dramatic narrative arc. The psalm begins with the agonizing cry of abandonment in [Psalm 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?"), followed by vivid descriptions of intense suffering and feeling forsaken by God in [Psalm 22:2-21](/psalms/22-2-21 "Psalm 22:2-21 - The Psalmist's Suffering"). However, around [Psalm 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalm 22:22 - I Will Declare Thy Name to My Brothers"), there is a dramatic shift from lament to praise and confident expectation of deliverance. Verse 25 falls squarely within this section of praise, serving as a personal declaration of thanksgiving and commitment to God for His intervention. It signifies the psalmist's transition from deep despair to renewed hope and public worship, anticipating the universal praise and recognition of God described in the psalm's concluding verses, such as [Psalm 22:27-31](/psalms/22-27-31 "Psalm 22:27-31 - All the Ends of the Earth Shall Remember and Turn to the Lord").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:25 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This psalm is widely recognized as a Messianic prophecy, opening with the very words Jesus cried from the cross: "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross"); [Mark 15:34](/mark/15-34 "Mark 15:34 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")). Just as the psalmist moved from the depths of suffering to a declaration of public praise and vow fulfillment, so too did Christ. His ultimate "vow" was His perfect obedience to the Father, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross for the sins of humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Obedience to Death")). Having been delivered through resurrection and exaltation ([Acts 2:24](/acts/2-24 "Acts 2:24 - God Raised Him Up")), Jesus is the one who, as [Hebrews 2:12](/hebrews/2-12 "Hebrews 2:12 - Christ Declaring God's Name to His Brethren") quotes from [Psalm 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalm 22:22 - I Will Declare Thy Name to My Brothers"), declares God's name "in the midst of the congregation." This "great congregation" now includes all those redeemed by His sacrifice, the church, which is His body ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). Through Christ, and as His followers, we participate in His eternal praise, fulfilling the psalmist's vision as we gather to worship and proclaim God's faithfulness to a world that will one day see "all the ends of the earth shall remember and turn unto the Lord" ([Psalm 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All the Ends of the Earth Shall Remember")).

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

Psalms 35:18

I will give thee thanks in the great congregation: I will praise thee among much people.

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 111:1

¶ Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with [my] whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and [in] the congregation.

Psalms 66:13

¶ I will go into thy house with burnt offerings: I will pay thee my vows,

Psalms 116:14

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

Psalms 116:19

In the courts of the LORD'S house, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. Praise ye the LORD.