Psalms 61:8

KJV

So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, that I may daily perform my vows.

KJV (with Strong's)

So will I sing {H2167}{H8762)} praise unto thy name {H8034} for ever {H5703}, that I may daily {H3117}{H3117} perform {H7999}{H8763)} my vows {H5088}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then I will sing praise to your name forever, as day after day I fulfill my vows.

Berean Standard Bible

Then I will ever sing praise to Your name and fulfill my vows day by day.

American Standard Version

So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever, That I may daily perform my vows.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 61:8 serves as a resolute declaration by the psalmist, David, expressing his unwavering commitment to perpetual praise and consistent obedience to God. Emerging from a context of distress and seeking divine refuge, this verse solidifies David's response to God's anticipated or experienced deliverance: a lifelong dedication to glorifying God's character and faithfully fulfilling all solemn promises made to Him, emphasizing a daily, intentional walk of devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 61 is a heartfelt prayer of David, structured typically as a lament that transitions into an expression of trust and a vow of praise. The psalm begins with an urgent cry for God to hear his prayer from the "end of the earth" ([Psalms 61:2](/psalms/61-2 "Psalm 61:2 - David's Cry from Afar")), indicating a place of profound distress or exile. David then recounts his confidence in God as a "strong tower" and "refuge" ([Psalms 61:3](/psalms/61-3 "Psalm 61:3 - God, a Strong Tower")), expressing a desire to dwell in God's presence forever ([Psalms 61:4](/psalms/61-4 "Psalm 61:4 - Dwelling in God's Tent")). Verses 5-7 shift to a declaration of God's faithfulness in hearing his vows and extending mercy to the king, setting the stage for verse 8 as a concluding resolution of perpetual gratitude and obedience in response to divine protection and enduring care.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalmist, likely David, was a king and a man often acquainted with hardship, exile, and conflict (e.g., during Absalom's rebellion or flight from Saul). In ancient Israel, vows (`nedarim` in Hebrew) were solemn, binding commitments made to God, often in times of distress, as acts of thanksgiving for deliverance, or as expressions of deep devotion. These vows were taken with utmost seriousness, as failure to fulfill them was considered a grave offense against God ([Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Seriousness of Vows")). The concept of God's "name" (`shem`) in biblical thought represents His entire revealed character, attributes, and essence, making praise to His name an acknowledgement of all that God is.
* **Key Themes:** The psalm, and specifically this verse, contributes to several overarching themes found in the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Central among these is the theme of **trust in God as a refuge** in times of trouble, a recurring motif for David. It also highlights the **importance of vows and covenant faithfulness**, emphasizing that human promises to God are to be kept diligently. The declaration of "sing[ing] praise... for ever" underscores the theme of **perpetual worship and gratitude** as a fitting response to God's enduring faithfulness. Furthermore, the "daily" performance of vows speaks to the theme of **consistent, intentional obedience** as an integral part of a vibrant spiritual life, demonstrating that true devotion is not sporadic but deeply integrated into one's daily existence, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the covenant relationship found throughout [the Pentateuch](/genesis/1 "The Pentateuch - Genesis to Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Hebrew, _tehillah'_):** This word often denotes a spontaneous song of adoration, a hymn of praise, or a cause for praise. In this context, it signifies a commitment to an ongoing, active lifestyle of glorifying God, not merely a fleeting emotion or a formal ritual. It is a response of heartfelt worship to God's character and actions.
* **Name (Hebrew, _shem'_):** Far more than a mere label, "name" in Hebrew thought encapsulates the entirety of a person's character, reputation, and authority. To "sing praise unto thy name" is therefore to extol all that God is—His power, faithfulness, love, justice, and sovereignty—as revealed through His deeds and attributes.
* **Vows (Hebrew, _nedarim'_):** These were solemn, voluntary promises made to God, often involving a commitment to perform a specific act, offer a sacrifice, or dedicate something. They were legally and religiously binding. David's commitment to "daily perform my vows" emphasizes the seriousness and ongoing nature of his covenantal obligations and personal pledges to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever":** This clause expresses a firm, resolute commitment by the psalmist. It is a declaration of intent to engage in perpetual worship and adoration of God. The phrase "for ever" signifies that this praise is not a temporary act contingent on circumstances, but an enduring, lifelong, and even eternal, dedication. It is a response to God's anticipated or experienced deliverance and faithfulness, acknowledging His unchanging nature and worthiness of unending glory.
* **"that I may daily perform my vows":** This second clause reveals the purpose or consequence of the perpetual praise. It establishes a direct link between worship and practical obedience. The psalmist's desire to praise God forever is intrinsically connected to his commitment to faithfully fulfill the solemn promises he has made to God. The crucial word "daily" underscores the consistency and intentionality required for this performance. It implies that true devotion is not about grand, infrequent gestures, but about the continuous, habitual integration of one's commitments to God into the mundane routines of everyday life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. There is a clear **Parallelism** between the two clauses, where "sing praise unto thy name for ever" and "daily perform my vows" complement each other. While not strictly synonymous, they represent two facets of a single, integrated life of devotion: outward adoration and inward, practical obedience. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** is evident in the terms "for ever" and "daily." "For ever" emphasizes the eternal and unwavering nature of the psalmist's commitment to praise, while "daily" highlights the consistent, moment-by-moment dedication required for fulfilling vows. Together, these terms convey a totality and continuousness of devotion that transcends specific moments. Finally, the entire verse functions as a solemn **Vow** or **Pledge** by the psalmist, a common feature in psalms of thanksgiving or petition where the individual promises future acts of devotion in response to God's goodness. This makes the verse itself an act of worship and commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 61:8 deeply connects to the biblical understanding of covenant faithfulness, where human response to God's steadfast love and deliverance is expressed through worship and obedience. It underscores that true praise is not merely an emotional outburst but is intrinsically linked to a life lived in accordance with divine will and personal commitments made to God. The verse highlights the reciprocal nature of the relationship: God's enduring faithfulness elicits a vow of human faithfulness, demonstrating that gratitude finds its fullest expression in consistent devotion and obedience. This commitment to "daily" performance also speaks to the holistic nature of biblical faith, which permeates every aspect of life, not just religious rituals.

* [Psalm 145:2](/psalms/145-2 "Psalm 145:2 - Daily and Everlasting Praise")
* [Deuteronomy 23:21](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21 - The Seriousness of Vows")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay in Fulfilling Vows")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 61:8 offers profound insights for believers today, calling us to cultivate a life marked by both perpetual praise and consistent obedience. It challenges us to move beyond sporadic acts of piety towards an integrated faith where worship is an ongoing attitude of the heart, recognizing God's goodness in all circumstances, not just moments of deliverance. This verse compels us to seriously consider the "vows" we have made to God, whether explicit (like baptismal vows, marriage commitments, or dedications to service) or implicit (our commitment to live according to His Word and follow Christ). The emphasis on "daily" performance reminds us that spiritual vitality is nurtured through consistent effort and intentionality, integrating prayer, Bible reading, and obedience into the fabric of our everyday lives. It encourages us to view our faith as a continuous journey of faithfulness, where our actions consistently align with our declarations of praise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my daily life reflect a commitment to "sing praise unto thy name for ever," even amidst challenges or mundane routines?**
* **What "vows" or commitments have I made to God, explicitly or implicitly, and how faithfully am I performing them "daily" in my walk with Him?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a more consistent and integrated spiritual life, ensuring that my faith is a continuous journey rather than a series of isolated events?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "for ever" and "daily" in this verse?**

Answer: The terms "for ever" and "daily" in Psalms 61:8 are crucial for understanding the depth of the psalmist's commitment. "For ever" signifies the enduring, perpetual nature of his praise, indicating that his worship is not temporary or conditional but an unwavering, lifelong dedication to God, reflecting God's own eternal faithfulness. "Daily" emphasizes the consistent, habitual, and intentional practice of fulfilling vows and living in obedience. It underscores that true faith is integrated into every aspect of life, not just reserved for special occasions or moments of crisis. Together, these words paint a picture of comprehensive and continuous devotion, where praise and obedience are intertwined into the very fabric of one's existence. This echoes the call for consistent faithfulness found in passages like [Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 61:8 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While David pledged to sing praise and perform his vows, Jesus lived a life of perfect and continuous praise to the Father, always doing "what is pleasing to him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). His entire earthly ministry was a flawless performance of the "vows" of obedience to God's will, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which was the supreme act of obedience and praise ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Jesus is the "Amen," the faithful and true witness, who perfectly embodies all of God's promises and fulfills all righteousness ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through His finished work, believers are united with Him, enabling us by the power of the Holy Spirit to also live lives of praise and to fulfill our "vows" of discipleship—our commitment to follow Him "daily" ([Luke 9:23](/luke/9-23 "Luke 9:23 - Take Up Your Cross Daily")). Our future eternal praise in the new heavens and new earth will be the ultimate and unending fulfillment of David's longing to "sing praise unto thy name for ever" ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy")).

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 65:1

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm [and] Song of David. Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.

Psalms 145:1

¶ David's [Psalm] of praise. I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 145:2

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Psalms 79:13

So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.

Psalms 71:22

I will also praise thee with the psaltery, [even] thy truth, O my God: unto thee will I sing with the harp, O thou Holy One of Israel.

Psalms 66:13

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

Psalms 66:16

Come [and] hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul.