Psalms 22:31

KJV

They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done [this].

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall come {H935}, and shall declare {H5046} his righteousness {H6666} unto a people {H5971} that shall be born {H3205}, that he hath done {H6213} this.

Complete Jewish Bible

They will come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he is the one who did it.

Berean Standard Bible

They will come and proclaim His righteousness to a people yet unborn— all that He has done.

American Standard Version

They shall come and shall declare his righteousness Unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 22:31 serves as the triumphant crescendo of a profoundly prophetic psalm, transitioning from the Messiah's agonizing suffering to a glorious vision of God's universal reign and salvation. This verse anticipates a future generation, born into the legacy of faith, who will boldly proclaim God's perfect righteousness—a righteousness irrevocably demonstrated and eternally secured through a divinely accomplished work, ensuring the enduring impact of His redemptive acts across all time.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 22:31 functions as the powerful and hopeful conclusion to a psalm renowned for its vivid portrayal of messianic suffering and subsequent vindication. The psalm dramatically opens with the agonizing cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - The Cry of Dereliction")), a lament deeply echoed by Christ on the cross. The initial verses detail the Messiah's profound physical and emotional torment, including vivid descriptions of His body wasting away ([Psalms 22:14-15](/psalms/22-14-15 "Psalm 22:14-15 - Physical Suffering")), the piercing of hands and feet ([Psalms 22:16](/psalms/22-16 "Psalm 22:16 - Pierced Hands and Feet")), and the casting of lots for His garments ([Psalms 22:18](/psalms/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Dividing Garments")). However, a dramatic and pivotal shift occurs from [Psalms 22:22](/psalms/22-22 "Psalm 22:22 - From Lament to Praise") onward, transitioning from despair and petition to a declaration of God's deliverance and the future worship of all nations ([Psalms 22:27-28](/psalms/22-27-28 "Psalm 22:27-28 - Universal Worship")). Verse 31, therefore, is not merely an ending but a forward-looking pronouncement of the lasting impact and global reach of the divine work accomplished through this suffering, ensuring its memory and message endure through succeeding generations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 22 is deeply prophetic, its immediate historical context is traditionally attributed to King David, likely reflecting a period of intense personal suffering and isolation. Such experiences often led the psalmist to meditate on God's faithfulness amidst adversity, drawing upon Israel's covenant history and the broader prophetic tradition. The concept of "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, *tsedâqâh*) was central to Israelite theology, encompassing God's justice, moral rectitude, faithfulness to His covenant, and His saving acts on behalf of His people. The idea of "a people that shall be born" (לְדֹר יִבּוֹלֵד, *l'dor yivvoled*) reflects the profound importance of the intergenerational transmission of faith and covenant promises, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teaching Generations")). This emphasis highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from one generation to the next, ensuring that His mighty deeds are never forgotten but continually declared. The psalm also aligns with the broader prophetic tradition of a coming Messiah and a future time when God's glory and saving acts would be universally recognized and proclaimed.

* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse encapsulates several pivotal themes within Psalm 22 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **enduring legacy of God's redemptive work**, emphasizing that the mighty acts of salvation are not confined to a single moment or generation but will be proclaimed continually, drawing all the ends of the earth to worship God ([Psalms 22:27-31](/psalms/22-27-31 "Psalm 22:27-31 - The Kingdom of God Established")). Secondly, the **declaration of God's righteousness** is central, referring to His inherent justice, faithfulness, and saving power, which is perfectly demonstrated through the "done" work. This righteousness is not merely an attribute but an active, saving reality, freely given to all who believe ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - God's Righteousness Revealed Through Faith")). Thirdly, the theme of **future generations** underscores the expansive and intergenerational nature of God's plan, ensuring the message of salvation reaches "a people that shall be born," resonating with the Great Commission's call to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Finally, the phrase "that he hath done [this]" points to the **accomplished work of salvation**, particularly the suffering, death, and vindication of the Messiah, which is the ultimate, decisive act of God's redemptive power, echoing Christ's triumphant cry, "[It is finished!](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - Christ's Triumphant Cry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Declare (Hebrew, _nâgad'_ H5046):** A primitive root meaning "to front," i.e., to stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain, praise. In this context, "declare" (יַגִּ֔ידוּ, *yaggidu*) signifies a public, authoritative, and intentional proclamation. It implies a powerful testimony that makes known God's saving acts and righteous character, emphasizing the active and certain sharing of this truth across generations.
* **Righteousness (Hebrew, _tsᵉdâqâh'_ H6666):** From the root צָדַק (*tsâdaq*), meaning "to be just" or "to be righteous." This noun denotes rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue), or figuratively (prosperity). Here, "his righteousness" refers to God's inherent moral perfection, His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, and His saving justice. It is not merely an attribute but a dynamic reality demonstrated through His redemptive actions, particularly the "done" work.
* **Born (Hebrew, _yâlad'_ H3205):** A primitive root meaning "to bear young"; causatively, "to beget"; medically, "to act as midwife"; specifically, "to show lineage." The phrase "shall be born" (יִוָּלֵד, *yivvâled*) emphasizes the arrival of future generations. This word highlights the continuity of human existence and, by extension, the ongoing need for and reception of God's saving message across successive ages, ensuring the perpetual legacy of His acts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness":** This clause anticipates a future gathering of people who will actively proclaim God's character and saving acts. "They" refers to the redeemed community, those who have experienced God's salvation. Their mission is to "declare his righteousness," which encompasses God's justice, faithfulness, and saving power, perfectly revealed through the great work accomplished. This is a public, unwavering testimony to God's integrity and redemptive might.
* **"unto a people that shall be born":** This phrase underscores the intergenerational and expansive nature of this divine proclamation. The message of God's righteousness and His saving work is not confined to the immediate audience or current generations but is destined to be passed down to those yet to come. It ensures the enduring relevance and universal reach of the Gospel, highlighting God's plan for the knowledge of His salvation to permeate all of human history.
* **"that he hath done [this]":** This final clause provides the specific content of the declaration. "He" refers unequivocally to God, and "this" points to the singular, monumental act of salvation foreshadowed throughout Psalm 22—the suffering, death, and vindication of the Messiah. The perfect tense "hath done" emphasizes the completed, decisive, and effective nature of this work. It signifies the ultimate redemptive act, the culmination of God's plan to save His people and establish His kingdom, which will be the central theme of the future proclamation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 22:31 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its message. **Prophecy** is paramount, as the verse looks forward to a future event—the universal proclamation of God's righteousness to generations yet unborn. This future-oriented language imbues the psalm with a profound messianic dimension, pointing beyond David's immediate context to the ultimate work of Christ. **Foreshadowing** is also evident, as the succinct phrase "hath done [this]" implicitly refers to the suffering, death, and triumphant vindication of the Messiah detailed earlier in the psalm, anticipating Christ's completed work on the cross and His subsequent exaltation. The phrase "unto a people that shall be born" utilizes **Intergenerational Language**, highlighting the enduring and expansive nature of God's covenant and salvation, ensuring its transmission across time and its reception by all who will believe. Finally, the declarative and definitive language, particularly "shall declare" and "hath done," conveys a powerful sense of **Certainty and Finality**, emphasizing the absolute assurance of God's sovereign plan and its inevitable, glorious fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 22:31 stands as a powerful testament to the enduring nature of God's redemptive plan and the certainty of its universal proclamation. It underscores the profound theological truth that God's righteousness is not merely an abstract attribute but a dynamic, saving power revealed through His decisive actions. The "done [this]" points to a singular, monumental act of salvation that will form the core of the message passed down through generations. This verse teaches that the ultimate demonstration of God's character and power is His completed work of redemption, which demands a continuous, global witness. It connects the suffering of the righteous one with the universal declaration of God's saving justice, ensuring that no future generation will be ignorant of His mighty deeds, and that His glory will be known throughout the earth.

* [Isaiah 45:23-25](/isaiah/45-23-25 "Isaiah 45:23-25 - Every Knee Shall Bow and Confess")
* [Romans 1:16-17](/romans/1-16-17 "Romans 1:16-17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")
* [1 Peter 1:10-12](/1_peter/1-10-12 "1 Peter 1:10-12 - Prophecy of Christ's Sufferings and Glories")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 22:31 calls us to consider our profound role in the ongoing narrative of God's redemptive work. We, as believers today, are precisely the "people that shall be born" to whom the righteousness of God, accomplished through the finished work of Christ, has been declared. This verse compels us to recognize the profound privilege and solemn responsibility we have to not only receive this life-transforming truth but to actively participate in its faithful transmission. It reminds us that the Gospel is not a private possession or a secret doctrine but a public trust, meant to be proclaimed with clarity, conviction, and compassion to those who will come after us. Our lives, both individually and corporately as the Church, should be living testimonies to the "this" that God "hath done," ensuring that the legacy of His saving acts continues to impact new generations, fostering genuine faith, heartfelt worship, and obedient discipleship until the very end of time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "this" that God "hath done" in Christ deepen your appreciation for His perfect righteousness and the completeness of His salvation?**
* **In what practical and intentional ways can you, as an individual, contribute to declaring God's righteousness to the "people that shall be born" in your family, community, and sphere of influence?**
* **What specific actions can your local church or Christian community take to ensure the enduring legacy of God's saving work for future generations, making the Gospel accessible and compelling to them?**

### FAQ
**Who are "they" who "shall come, and shall declare"?**

Answer: "They" refers to those who respond to God's saving work and become His redeemed people. In the immediate context of Psalm 22, it includes "all the ends of the world" who shall "remember and turn unto the Lord" ([Psalms 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All Nations Shall Turn to the Lord")) and "all the kindreds of the nations" who shall "worship before thee" ([Psalms 22:27](/psalms/22-27 "Psalm 22:27 - All Nations Shall Turn to the Lord")). The psalm shifts from the individual suffering of the Messiah to the universal worship and proclamation that results from His vindication. Therefore, "they" are the community of the redeemed, the Church, called to bear witness to God's righteousness to every succeeding generation. This includes both the immediate recipients of the message and all future believers who embrace the truth of God's completed work in Christ.

**What is "this" that "he hath done"?**

Answer: The "this" refers to the monumental, decisive, and complete work of salvation accomplished by God, primarily through the suffering, death, and vindication of the Messiah, as vividly portrayed throughout Psalm 22. While the psalm begins with the anguish of the suffering servant, it culminates in His deliverance and the establishment of His universal reign. Therefore, "this" encompasses the entire redemptive act: the atoning sacrifice, the triumph over death, and the subsequent exaltation of the Messiah. It is the finished work of Christ on the cross, His glorious resurrection, and His ascension, which fully reveals God's righteousness and provides salvation for all who believe ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). This "done" work is the foundation of the Gospel message that is to be proclaimed to all future generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 22:31 finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "suffering servant" depicted throughout Psalm 22, whose hands and feet are pierced ([Psalms 22:16](/psalms/22-16 "Psalm 22:16 - Pierced Hands and Feet")) and whose garments are divided ([Psalms 22:18](/psalms/22-18 "Psalm 22:18 - Dividing Garments")), is unequivocally identified with Jesus' crucifixion ([John 19:23-24](/john/19-23-24 "John 19:23-24 - Soldiers Divide Garments")). The anguished cry, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" ([Psalms 22:1](/psalms/22-1 "Psalm 22:1 - The Cry of Dereliction")), was uttered by Jesus on the cross, signifying His vicarious suffering as He bore the sin of the world ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry on the Cross")). The triumphant shift in the psalm, from suffering to vindication and universal worship, foreshadows Christ's resurrection and ascension, which fully demonstrate God's righteousness and His acceptance of Christ's sacrifice ([Romans 4:25](/romans/4-25 "Romans 4:25 - Raised for Our Justification")). The "this" that "he hath done" is the accomplished work of redemption through Christ's atoning death and glorious resurrection, which has secured eternal salvation for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Eternal Redemption Achieved")). Consequently, the "they" who "shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born" are Christ's disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, carrying out the Great Commission to proclaim the Gospel—the good news of God's saving righteousness revealed in Christ—to every nation and every generation until His glorious return ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")).

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 78:6

That the generation to come might know [them, even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children:

Psalms 86:9

All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Psalms 102:18

This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

Isaiah 44:5

One shall say, I [am] the LORD'S; and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto the LORD, and surname [himself] by the name of Israel.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.