Psalms 22:30

KJV

A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

KJV (with Strong's)

A seed {H2233} shall serve {H5647} him; it shall be accounted {H5608} to the Lord {H136} for a generation {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

A descendant will serve him; the next generation will be told of Adonai.

Berean Standard Bible

Posterity will serve Him; they will declare the Lord to a new generation.

American Standard Version

A seed shall serve him; It shall be told of the Lord unto the next generation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:30 is a profound prophetic declaration nestled within a psalm that transitions dramatically from the depths of messianic suffering to the heights of universal triumph. Following vivid portrayals of abandonment and affliction, the psalm shifts to a vision of God's global dominion and the gathering of a redeemed people. This particular verse looks forward to an enduring spiritual legacy, envisioning a future "seed" or spiritual posterity who will faithfully serve the Lord, recognized and affirmed by Him across generations as His own, thereby ensuring the perpetual worship and glorification of God's name.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22 is a deeply messianic psalm, often called the "Psalm of the Cross" due to its striking prophetic descriptions of Christ's crucifixion, including details like the piercing of hands and feet, the parting of garments, and the taunts of onlookers, as found in [Psalms 22:16-18](/psalms/22-16-18 "Psalms 22:16-18 - Prophecy of Crucifixion"). However, the psalm undergoes a dramatic and pivotal shift in tone from agonizing lament (e.g., [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?")) to exuberant praise and a global vision of God's kingdom, beginning around [Psalms 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalms 22:22 - Shift from Lament to Praise"). This transition underscores the ultimate victory inherent in the Messiah's suffering. Psalms 22:30, therefore, is an integral part of this triumphant culmination, looking forward to the fruit of the Messiah's redemptive work and the establishment of a people for Him, extending into the future. It sets the stage for the concluding declaration in [Psalms 22:31](/psalms/22-31 "Psalms 22:31 - The Declaration of God's Righteousness"), which affirms God's righteous acts and the coming generation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm is attributed to David, its prophetic scope transcends his immediate historical circumstances, pointing to a future fulfillment far beyond his lineage. The concept of "seed" (זרע, _zeraʻ_) was deeply significant in ancient Israel, primarily referring to physical descendants and the continuation of a family line or covenant promises, as seen in the [Abrahamic covenant](/genesis/12 "Genesis 12 - The Abrahamic Covenant") (e.g., [Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - Promise to Abraham's Seed")). However, the prophetic nature of this psalm suggests a broader, spiritual understanding of "seed" that would encompass not just physical Israel but a people gathered from all nations. The idea of "serving" (עבד, _ʻâbad_) the Lord was central to Israelite identity, encompassing worship, obedience to the Law, and participation in covenant life. The "accounting" or reckoning of a generation to the Lord speaks to divine recognition and inclusion within God's covenant people, signifying an act of divine grace and establishment.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 22 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Messianic Suffering and Triumph**, showing that the Messiah's agony is not an end in itself but leads to a glorious outcome—the establishment of His kingdom and a people for Himself. Secondly, it emphasizes **God's Universal Sovereignty and Global Redemption**, as the "seed" will serve Him, implying a worldwide reach of His kingdom, as hinted in [Psalms 22:27-28](/psalms/22-27-28 "Psalms 22:27-28 - All the Ends of the Earth Will Remember"). Thirdly, the verse develops the theme of **Spiritual Posterity and Generational Faithfulness**, indicating that God's redemptive work will not be confined to one era but will create an enduring legacy of believers who will declare His righteousness to generations yet to come ([Psalms 22:31](/psalms/22-31 "Psalms 22:31 - The Declaration of God's Righteousness")). Finally, it touches upon **Divine Imputation and Acceptance**, where God Himself accounts this future generation as His own, a people belonging to Him through His gracious act and the efficacy of the Messiah's sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Seed (Hebrew, _zeraʻ'_):** While often referring to physical offspring or descendants (e.g., the "seed" of Abraham in [Genesis 13:16](/genesis/13-16 "Genesis 13:16 - Abraham's Numerous Seed")), in this prophetic context, particularly viewed through a New Testament lens, _zeraʻ'_ transcends mere biological lineage. Here, it denotes a spiritual posterity, a future generation of believers who are "born of God" ([John 1:13](/john/1-13 "John 1:13 - Born of God")) and constitute the true children of faith, irrespective of ethnic origin. This spiritual "seed" is the fruit of the Messiah's redemptive work, a people who inherit the promises through faith.
* **Serve (Hebrew, _ʻâbad'_):** This verb carries a rich semantic range, encompassing notions of working, ministering, worshipping, and being a servant or slave. In the context of serving God, it implies active devotion, obedience, and allegiance, rather than passive acknowledgment. This "seed" will not merely exist but will actively engage in worship, obedience, and the promulgation of God's truth, demonstrating a life consecrated to His purposes and a willing submission to His divine will.
* **Accounted (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** This word means to score with a mark, to inscribe, enumerate, reckon, or declare. It signifies a divine act of recognition and affirmation. God Himself will "account" or reckon this future spiritual generation as His own, establishing their identity and belonging not based on their inherent merit but on His gracious determination and the efficacy of the Messiah's work. It suggests a divine declaration of their status as His rightful possession and people, a divine imputation of righteousness and belonging.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"A seed shall serve him;"**: This clause introduces the primary subject of the prophecy: a future "seed," understood as a spiritual lineage or posterity. This "seed" is not passive but actively engaged in serving "him," referring to the Lord, the God of Israel, whose universal dominion and redemptive work are celebrated in the preceding verses. This service encompasses worship, obedience, and a life dedicated to God's glory, indicating a vibrant, living faith that extends through time and manifests in concrete actions of devotion and allegiance.
* **"it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation."**: This second clause elaborates on the nature and destiny of this "seed." The "it" refers to this spiritual posterity. They will be "accounted" or reckoned by God Himself as belonging to Him, forming a distinct "generation" in His sight. This is a divine declaration of ownership and acceptance, signifying that this future people, brought into existence through the Messiah's work, will be recognized and established by God as His own, continuing His covenant relationship across successive eras and ensuring a perpetual line of worshipers who proclaim His righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:30 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its prophetic and theological weight. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, as the verse looks forward to a future spiritual reality that transcends David's immediate context, pointing directly to the work of the Messiah and the establishment of His global church. The use of "seed" (זרע, _zeraʻ_) functions as **Synecdoche**, where a part (seed/offspring) represents the whole (a future generation of believers). This term also carries significant **Symbolism**, moving beyond mere physical progeny to denote a spiritual lineage born of faith, a new humanity brought forth by divine grace. The entire latter half of Psalms 22, including this verse, exemplifies a dramatic **Shift in Tone**, transitioning from the profound lament and suffering of the Messiah to a triumphant vision of His universal reign and the gathering of a redeemed people, thereby highlighting the ultimate victory that emerges from His sacrifice and the enduring legacy it produces.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:30 profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, particularly through the themes of covenant, spiritual lineage, and divine imputation. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's covenant promises, which extend beyond physical descent to encompass a spiritual family. This "seed" represents those who, by faith, are brought into a relationship with God, a concept deeply rooted in the Abrahamic covenant's promise of a blessing for all nations through Abraham's "seed" ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Blessing All Nations")). The verse anticipates the formation of a people for God, not through human effort, but through divine reckoning and acceptance, a truth foundational to the New Testament understanding of justification by faith. It underscores the ultimate success of God's saving work through the Messiah, ensuring that His name will be honored and served by successive generations, culminating in a global community of worshipers.

* [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Suffering Servant's Offspring"): This passage prophesies that the Suffering Servant (Messiah) will "see his offspring" and "prolong his days," directly paralleling the "seed" of Psalms 22:30 as the spiritual fruit of His redemptive work and suffering.
* [Romans 4:16](/romans/4-16 "Romans 4:16 - Abraham, Father of All Who Believe"): Paul explains that the promise is "by faith, so that it may be by grace," ensuring that Abraham is the "father of all who believe," whether Jew or Gentile, thus defining the spiritual "seed" of God that transcends ethnic boundaries.
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood"): This New Testament verse identifies believers as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession," directly fulfilling the prophecy of a "generation" accounted to the Lord, called to declare His praises.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:30 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to active discipleship for believers today. It reminds us that we are part of this prophesied "seed," a spiritual posterity brought into existence through the finished work of Christ on the cross. This identity carries with it the immense privilege and solemn responsibility to "serve" the Lord, not out of legalistic obligation, but out of grateful response to His saving grace and the triumph over sin and death He secured. Our service encompasses all aspects of life – heartfelt worship, obedient living, zealous evangelism, compassionate service, and living out our faith authentically in our daily interactions. The assurance that we are "accounted to the Lord for a generation" provides immense comfort and security, knowing that our belonging is divinely established and recognized, not based on our merit but on His gracious imputation. This verse compels us to consider our vital role in the ongoing story of God's redemption, inspiring us to live faithfully and to intentionally pass on the legacy of faith to future generations, ensuring that God's name continues to be glorified until Christ's return.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways does my life actively demonstrate that I am part of the "seed" that serves the Lord, living out my faith in tangible ways?**
* **How am I intentionally contributing to the spiritual formation and discipleship of the next generation, ensuring the continuity of faith and the proclamation of God's righteousness?**
* **What does it mean practically for me to be "accounted to the Lord" as His own, and how does this profound truth impact my daily walk, identity, and sense of purpose?**
* **How does the triumph envisioned in the latter half of Psalms 22, culminating in this verse, encourage me in times of personal suffering or when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges?**

### FAQ

**What is the "seed" referred to in Psalms 22:30?**

Answer: The "seed" (Hebrew: _zeraʻ_) in Psalms 22:30 refers primarily to a spiritual posterity, a future generation of believers who will serve the Lord. While the term can refer to physical descendants, in this prophetic context, especially when viewed through the lens of the New Testament, it signifies those who are spiritually born into God's family through faith in the Messiah. This concept aligns with the spiritual children of Abraham, who are identified not by physical lineage but by their faith, as explained in [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise"). This "seed" is the fruit of the Messiah's suffering and triumph, ensuring a continuous line of worshipers for God.

**How does this verse relate to the broader message of Psalms 22?**

Answer: Psalms 22 is a remarkable messianic psalm that begins with a profound lament, famously echoed by Jesus on the cross in [Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalms 22:1 - My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"). The first half vividly describes the suffering and abandonment of the Messiah. However, around [Psalms 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalms 22:22 - From Lament to Praise"), the psalm dramatically shifts to praise, thanksgiving, and a vision of God's universal dominion. Psalms 22:30 is part of this triumphant conclusion, demonstrating that the Messiah's suffering is not in vain but results in a vast, enduring spiritual legacy. It shows that His work will secure a people who will serve God and be recognized by Him across generations, thus fulfilling the ultimate purpose of His sacrifice and establishing His kingdom among all nations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:30 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the suffering Servant who became the triumphant King. The "seed" prophesied here is not merely a generic future generation but the spiritual offspring secured by the Messiah's atoning work on the cross. Just as [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - The Suffering Servant's Offspring") declares that the Suffering Servant will "see his offspring" as a result of His soul's anguish, so the "seed" of Psalms 22:30 represents those who are redeemed and brought into God's family through Christ's death and resurrection. Jesus, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham (as affirmed in [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - Christ, the Seed of Abraham")), through His sacrifice, has purchased a people from every tribe and nation to serve God ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - Redeemed by His Blood")). This spiritual "generation" is "accounted to the Lord" not by their own merit or works, but by the imputation of Christ's righteousness to them ([Romans 4:22-25](/romans/4-22-25 "Romans 4:22-25 - Righteousness Imputed Through Faith")). The Church, composed of all believers across history and from every nation, stands as the living fulfillment of this prophecy, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational body called to serve and glorify God, demonstrating the enduring fruit of Christ's triumph over sin and death and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom.

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 2:13

And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.

Psalms 87:6

The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, [that] this [man] was born there. Selah.

Psalms 73:15

¶ If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Matthew 3:9

And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.