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 stands as a profound declaration by the psalmist, David, articulating his unwavering commitment to perpetual praise and consistent obedience to God. Emerging from a context of profound distress where he sought divine refuge and deliverance, this verse solidifies David's response to God's anticipated or experienced faithfulness: a lifelong dedication to glorifying God's revealed character and faithfully fulfilling all solemn promises made to Him, emphasizing a daily, intentional walk of devotion that integrates worship with practical obedience.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 61 is a heartfelt prayer of David, structured as a lament that seamlessly transitions into an expression of profound trust and a resolute vow of praise. The psalm opens 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 state of extreme vulnerability, distress, or perhaps physical exile. David then recounts his unwavering confidence in God as a steadfast "strong tower" and an unshakeable "refuge" against his enemies ([Psalms 61:3](/psalms/61-3 "Psalm 61:3 - God, a Strong Tower")), expressing a deep yearning to dwell securely in God's presence forever ([Psalms 61:4](/psalms/61-4 "Psalm 61:4 - Dwelling in God's Tent")). Verses 5-7 pivot to a confident declaration of God's faithfulness in hearing his vows and extending enduring mercy to the king, thereby setting the theological and emotional stage for verse 8. This concluding verse functions as David's climactic resolution, a perpetual offering of gratitude and obedience directly consequent to God's protective and sustaining care.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalmist, traditionally David, was a king whose life was frequently marked by hardship, periods of exile (e.g., during Absalom's rebellion or his flight from Saul), and relentless conflict. In ancient Israel, vows (Hebrew: _nedarim_) were not mere promises but solemn, legally and religiously binding commitments made to God. These vows were often undertaken in times of acute distress, as acts of profound thanksgiving for divine deliverance, or as expressions of deep personal devotion. The gravity with which these vows were regarded is underscored by biblical law, which stipulated that failure to fulfill them was considered a serious offense against God ([Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21-23 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Seriousness of Vows")). Furthermore, the concept of God's "name" (Hebrew: _shem_) in biblical thought transcends a simple label; it encapsulates His entire revealed character, attributes, essence, and authority. Therefore, to "sing praise unto thy name" was to acknowledge, extol, and worship the totality of who God is, as manifested in His actions and nature.

* **Key Themes:** This psalm, and particularly verse 8, significantly contributes to several overarching themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost among these is the theme of **trust in God as an unassailable refuge** in times of trouble, a recurring motif that defines much of David's spiritual journey and is echoed in passages like [Psalm 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalm 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). It also powerfully highlights the **sacred importance of vows and covenant faithfulness**, emphasizing that human promises made to God are to be held with utmost seriousness and diligently kept. The declaration of "sing[ing] praise... for ever" profoundly underscores the theme of **perpetual worship and enduring gratitude** as the fitting and ongoing human response to God's steadfast and eternal faithfulness. Moreover, the commitment to "daily" performance of vows speaks directly to the theme of **consistent, intentional obedience** as an integral and indispensable component of a vibrant spiritual life. This demonstrates that true devotion is not sporadic or confined to moments of crisis, but is deeply integrated into one's daily existence, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the covenant relationship described throughout [the Pentateuch](/genesis/1 "The Pentateuch - Genesis to Deuteronomy").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **sing (Hebrew, _zâmar'_):** H2167, a primitive root, properly means to touch the strings or parts of a musical instrument, i.e., to play upon it; to make music, accompanied by the voice; hence to celebrate in song and music; to give praise, sing forth praises, psalms. In this context, it signifies an active, joyful, and intentional act of worship, expressing adoration and gratitude through musical and vocal expression. It's not merely an internal feeling but an outward declaration.
* **daily (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** H3117, from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), often used adverbially. Here, "daily" emphasizes the relentless, consistent, and habitual nature of the psalmist's commitment. It implies that the fulfillment of vows is not a one-time event or an occasional act, but an ongoing, integrated part of his everyday life.
* **vows (Hebrew, _neder'_):** H5088, from nâdar; a promise (to God); also (concretely) a thing promised. 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" underscores the seriousness and ongoing nature of his covenantal obligations and personal pledges to God, demonstrating a life of integrity before the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever":** This initial clause expresses a firm, resolute, and deliberate commitment by the psalmist. It is a declarative statement of intent to engage in perpetual worship and adoration of God. The phrase "for ever" is crucial, signifying that this praise is not a temporary act contingent on circumstances or fleeting emotions, but an enduring, lifelong, and indeed eternal, dedication. It represents David's profound response to God's anticipated or experienced deliverance and unwavering faithfulness, acknowledging God's unchanging nature and infinite worthiness of unending glory.
* **"that I may daily perform my vows":** This second clause reveals the profound purpose or direct consequence of the perpetual praise declared in the first. It establishes an intrinsic and inseparable link between outward worship and practical, consistent obedience. The psalmist's deep desire to praise God forever is intrinsically connected to his commitment to faithfully fulfill the solemn promises he has made to God. The pivotal word "daily" powerfully underscores the consistency, intentionality, and diligence required for this performance. It implies that true devotion is not about grand, infrequent gestures or sporadic acts of piety, but about the continuous, habitual integration of one's commitments to God into the mundane routines and responsibilities of everyday life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and integrated message. There is a clear **Parallelism** between the two clauses, "So will I sing praise unto thy name for ever" and "that I may daily perform my vows." While not strictly synonymous, these clauses function as complementary expressions of a single, integrated life of devotion: outward adoration and inward, practical obedience. The use of **Hyperbole** or **Intensification** is powerfully evident in the terms "for ever" and "daily." "For ever" serves to emphasize the eternal, unwavering, and boundless nature of the psalmist's commitment to praise, while "daily" highlights the consistent, moment-by-moment, and pervasive dedication required for fulfilling vows. Together, these terms convey a sense of totality and continuousness of devotion that transcends specific moments or events. Finally, the entire verse functions as a solemn **Vow** or **Pledge** by the psalmist himself, a common and significant feature in psalms of thanksgiving or petition where the individual promises future acts of devotion and faithfulness in grateful response to God's goodness and intervention. This makes the verse itself an active expression of worship and commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 61:8 deeply connects to the biblical understanding of covenant faithfulness, where the human response to God's steadfast love, enduring mercy, and powerful deliverance is expressed through both heartfelt worship and diligent obedience. It underscores the profound truth that true praise is not merely an emotional outburst or a ritualistic performance, 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 covenant relationship: God's enduring faithfulness elicits a vow of human faithfulness, demonstrating that genuine gratitude finds its fullest and most authentic expression in consistent devotion and practical obedience. This commitment to "daily" performance also speaks to the holistic and pervasive nature of biblical faith, which permeates every aspect of life, not just religious ceremonies or designated times of worship.

* [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 to the Lord")
* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4-5 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Fulfilling Vows Promptly")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 61:8 offers profound and timeless 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 or reactive worship towards an integrated faith where praise is an ongoing attitude of the heart, recognizing God's goodness, sovereignty, and faithfulness in all circumstances—not just moments of dramatic deliverance. This verse compels us to seriously consider the "vows" we have made to God, whether explicit (such as baptismal vows, marriage commitments, dedications to ministry, or personal pledges) or implicit (our commitment to live according to His Word, to follow Christ's example, and to love God and neighbor). The powerful emphasis on "daily" performance reminds us that spiritual vitality and growth are nurtured through consistent effort and intentionality, integrating prayer, diligent Bible study, and practical obedience into the very fabric of our everyday lives. It encourages us to view our faith not as a series of isolated events, but as a continuous journey of faithfulness, where our actions and attitudes consistently align with our declarations of praise and our deepest commitments to God.

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

### 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 and scope of the psalmist's commitment. "For ever" signifies the enduring, perpetual, and unwavering 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 and unchanging character. "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, permeating daily routines and choices, not just reserved for special occasions or moments of crisis. Together, these words paint a comprehensive picture of continuous and holistic devotion, where praise and obedience are intertwined into the very fabric of one's existence, echoing 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 the person and work of 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, a self-offering that perfectly glorified the Father ([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, for "all the promises of God find their Yes in him" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Through His finished work on the cross and His resurrection, believers are united with Him, enabling us by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit to also live lives of genuine praise and to fulfill our "vows" of discipleship—our commitment to follow Him "daily" by taking up our cross ([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, where we will worship the Lamb forever, will be the ultimate and unending fulfillment of David's longing to "sing praise unto thy name for ever" ([Revelation 5:9-10](/revelation/5-9-10 "Revelation 5:9-10 - The Lamb is Worthy of Praise")).

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.