Psalms 76:11

KJV

Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

KJV (with Strong's)

Vow {H5087}{H8798)}, and pay {H7999}{H8761)} unto the LORD {H3068} your God {H430}: let all that be round about {H5439} him bring {H2986}{H8686)} presents {H7862} unto him that ought to be feared {H4172}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Make vows to ADONAI your God, and keep them; all who are around him must bring presents to the one who should be feared.

Berean Standard Bible

Make and fulfill your vows to the LORD your God; let all the neighboring lands bring tribute to Him who is to be feared.

American Standard Version

Vow, and pay unto Jehovah your God: Let all that are round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 76:11 issues a dual imperative to God's people and the surrounding nations: it commands believers to faithfully fulfill their solemn commitments to the Lord, their God, while simultaneously calling all peoples to offer reverent tribute to the Almighty, who is uniquely worthy of profound awe and worship due to His demonstrated power and supreme authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 76 is a "Song of Ascent" (though not explicitly stated in the KJV, it is often categorized as such in broader scholarship, indicating its use in pilgrimage) and a psalm of triumph. It follows Psalm 75, which speaks of God's righteous judgment and lifting up/putting down, setting a thematic stage for divine intervention. Psalm 76 itself opens with a declaration of God's renown in Judah and His dwelling in Zion, quickly moving to describe His decisive victory over a formidable enemy (verses 1-6). The psalm emphasizes God's breaking of weapons of war and His fearsome nature, culminating in the rhetorical question, "Who may stand before you when once you are angry?" (verse 7). Verse 11, therefore, serves as a concluding call to action and recognition, a response to the overwhelming display of divine power and justice described in the preceding verses. It transitions from a declaration of God's awesome deeds to a direct exhortation for humanity's proper response.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Many scholars connect Psalm 76 to the miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege under King Sennacherib, as vividly recounted in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - The Angel of the Lord Strikes the Assyrian Army") and [Isaiah 37:36-37](/isaiah/37-36 "Isaiah 37:36-37 - God's Deliverance of Jerusalem"). This event, where 185,000 Assyrian soldiers were struck down by the Angel of the Lord overnight, would have profoundly underscored God's unique power and protective sovereignty over His people and city. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, vows were solemn and binding commitments, often made in times of distress or as expressions of devotion, carrying significant social and religious weight (e.g., [Numbers 30](/numbers/30 "Numbers 30 - Laws Concerning Vows")). The act of bringing "presents" or tribute was a common practice signifying submission, homage, or gratitude to a superior sovereign or deity, reflecting the universal recognition of a victor's authority. This cultural practice informs the psalm's call for surrounding nations to acknowledge the Lord's supreme reign.

* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 76 and the broader Psalter. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Judgment**, portraying Him as the ultimate arbiter of justice who decisively defeats oppressors and protects His people (as seen in [Psalm 76:4-6](/psalms/76-4 "Psalm 76:4-6 - God's Power Over Enemies")). Secondly, it underscores the importance of **Covenant Faithfulness**, particularly in the command to "Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God," emphasizing the integrity required in one's relationship with the divine (a theme echoed in [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Fulfilling Vows to the Lord")). Thirdly, the verse points to the **Universal Recognition of God's Majesty**. The call for "all that be round about him" to bring presents anticipates a future where all nations will acknowledge and worship the one true God, a pervasive theme throughout the prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")). Finally, the concept of "him that ought to be feared" encapsulates the theme of **Reverential Awe**, distinguishing it from mere terror and defining it as the profound respect and submission due to God's holiness, power, and justice, which the Bible often calls the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vow (Hebrew, _neder'_):** This term (נֶדֶר) refers to a solemn promise, pledge, or commitment made to God, often involving an offering or a dedication of oneself or one's possessions. Unlike a simple promise, a _neder_ was a sacred, binding obligation, typically undertaken voluntarily, often in a moment of distress, gratitude, or intense devotion. Its fulfillment was considered a matter of religious integrity and faithfulness to God.
* **Pay (Hebrew, _shalem'_):** The verb (שָׁלֵם) means to complete, fulfill, repay, or make whole. In the context of a vow, it emphasizes the absolute necessity of bringing the commitment to its intended conclusion. It implies not just the act of giving, but the restoration of a relationship or the completion of an obligation, highlighting the seriousness with which God views human promises made to Him.
* **Feared (Hebrew, _nora'_):** This adjective (נוֹרָא) describes something or someone awesome, dreadful, inspiring profound reverence, or terrible. It conveys a sense of overwhelming majesty and power that evokes deep respect and awe, rather than mere terror or fright. In this context, it speaks to God's inherent nature as the one who commands ultimate reverence and submission from all creation due to His unparalleled might and holiness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God:"** This imperative command is directed primarily at the people of Israel, those who have experienced God's deliverance and are in a covenant relationship with Him. It calls for integrity and faithfulness in their spiritual lives. A "vow" (נֶדֶר, _neder_) is a sacred, voluntary promise made to God, often in exchange for a specific blessing or as an act of devotion. To "pay" (שָׁלֵם, _shalem_) means to fulfill or complete that vow, emphasizing that such commitments are not to be taken lightly but must be diligently honored. This highlights the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship: God has acted powerfully on their behalf, and their response is faithful obedience and the keeping of their word.
* **"let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared."** This second imperative extends the call beyond Israel to the surrounding nations or peoples, implying a universal recognition of God's sovereignty. "All that be round about him" refers to those who witnessed or were affected by God's mighty acts. To "bring presents" (מִנְחָה, _minchah_) signifies an offering, tribute, or gift, typically rendered as an act of homage, submission, or worship to a superior ruler or deity. This is a call for universal homage to God, who is "him that ought to be feared" (נוֹרָא, _nora_). This "fear" is not terror but a profound, reverential awe and respect for His holiness, power, and justice, acknowledging His absolute authority and unique worthiness of worship.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 76:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The verse begins with a direct **Imperative** ("Vow, and pay"), creating a sense of urgency and direct command, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of fulfilling commitments to God. This is followed by a **Jussive** construction ("let all that be round about him bring presents"), which functions as a command or exhortation, extending the call for homage universally. There is a strong sense of **Parallelism** in the two clauses, where the specific covenant obligation of Israel (vowing and paying) is paralleled by the universal obligation of all nations (bringing presents), both directed towards the same God who is worthy of fear. The phrase "all that be round about him" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche** or **Hyperbole**, representing all peoples or nations, emphasizing the sweeping scope of God's dominion. Finally, the repeated emphasis on God as "him that ought to be feared" employs **Epithet**, assigning a descriptive title that encapsulates His essence and authority, reinforcing the central theme of His awe-inspiring power and majesty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 76:11 serves as a profound theological statement on divine authority and human responsibility. It underscores the sanctity of promises made to God, reflecting a broader biblical principle that integrity in word and deed is foundational to a right relationship with the Creator. The command to "vow and pay" is not merely about legalistic adherence but about the heart's devotion and faithfulness to the God who has demonstrated His power and protection. Furthermore, the verse expands the scope of God's dominion beyond Israel, asserting His universal sovereignty. The call for "all that be round about him" to bring presents anticipates the eschatological vision of all nations bowing before the Lord, acknowledging His unique status as the one truly "feared"—meaning revered, awesome, and worthy of all worship. This universal acknowledgment is a testament to His unmatched power and righteous judgment, making Him the ultimate object of reverence for all creation.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay to Pay Your Vow")
* [Psalm 65:1-2](/psalms/65-1 "Psalm 65:1-2 - Praise Awaits You, O God, in Zion; Vows Will Be Fulfilled")
* [Malachi 1:11](/malachi/1-11 "Malachi 1:11 - From the Rising of the Sun to its Setting, My Name Will Be Great Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 76:11 calls believers to a profound reflection on their commitments and their posture before God. The command to "vow, and pay" challenges us to examine the promises we have made to the Lord, whether explicit vows of dedication, pledges of service, or implicit commitments to live according to His Word. Are we diligent in fulfilling these? This extends to our financial stewardship, our time in prayer, our service in the church, and our ethical conduct in the world. Our integrity in these areas reflects the sincerity of our faith. Beyond personal vows, the verse compels us to cultivate a deep, reverential awe for God. This "fear of the Lord" is not a cowering dread, but a profound respect for His holiness, power, and justice, which should shape our worship, our obedience, and our daily lives. Recognizing Him as "him that ought to be feared" transforms our perspective, reminding us that we serve a God who is utterly sovereign and worthy of all honor. Finally, the universal call for "all that be round about him" to bring presents reminds us of God's global dominion and His desire for all nations to acknowledge Him, fueling our passion for missions and sharing the Gospel so that His name may be feared and glorified throughout the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "vows" or commitments have I made to God, either explicitly or implicitly, that I need to faithfully "pay" or fulfill?**
* **How does my daily life demonstrate a healthy "fear of the Lord"—a profound reverence and awe for His power and holiness?**
* **In what ways can I contribute to "all that be round about him" bringing presents (tribute and worship) to God, both locally and globally?**

### FAQ
**What does "Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God" mean for believers today?**

Answer: For believers today, this command emphasizes the importance of integrity and faithfulness in our relationship with God. While literal vows (like those in the Old Testament concerning offerings or specific dedications) might be less common, the principle applies to all promises and commitments we make to God. This includes our baptismal vows, commitments made during communion, pledges of service, promises to give financially, or even personal resolutions for spiritual growth (e.g., to read the Bible daily, to pray consistently). The phrase "pay unto the LORD your God" underscores that these are not casual intentions but solemn obligations that God expects us to fulfill. It's a call to be people of our word, especially when that word is given to the Almighty, reflecting the seriousness of our covenant relationship with Him, as highlighted in [Ecclesiastes 5:4-5](/ecclesiastes/5-4 "Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 - Do Not Delay to Pay Your Vow").

**Who are "all that be round about him" and what does it mean for them to "bring presents"?**

Answer: "All that be round about him" refers broadly to the nations and peoples surrounding Israel, particularly those who witnessed or were impacted by God's mighty acts of deliverance and judgment, such as the defeat of the Assyrians. In a broader sense, it can refer to all humanity. To "bring presents" (מִנְחָה, _minchah_) signifies bringing tribute, offerings, or gifts as an act of homage, submission, and worship. In ancient cultures, this was a common way to acknowledge the sovereignty and power of a king or deity. For Psalm 76:11, it means that even those outside the immediate covenant community of Israel are called to recognize God's supreme authority and offer Him the reverence and worship He alone deserves. This foreshadows the universal worship of God by all nations, a theme prevalent in prophetic literature (e.g., [Isaiah 2:2-4](/isaiah/2-2 "Isaiah 2:2-4 - The Mountain of the Lord's House")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 76:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The call to "Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God" is perfectly embodied in Christ's life of absolute obedience and faithfulness to His Father. Unlike humanity, who often fail to keep their vows, Jesus perfectly fulfilled every divine requirement and promise, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Jesus' Obedience to Death")). He is the ultimate "present" brought to God, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice that truly takes away the sin of the world ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the declaration that "all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared" points directly to Christ's universal Lordship. After His resurrection and ascension, all authority in heaven and on earth was given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the one who "ought to be feared" (revered and worshipped) by all creation, for at His name every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")). Through Christ, the nations are indeed bringing their "presents"—their worship, their lives, their obedience—to the one true God, fulfilling the psalmist's vision of universal homage to the fearsome and glorious King.

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

Ecclesiastes 5:4

¶ When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for [he hath] no pleasure in fools: pay that which thou hast vowed.

Ecclesiastes 5:6

Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it [was] an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?

Psalms 50:14

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

Psalms 68:29

Because of thy temple at Jerusalem shall kings bring presents unto thee.

Psalms 89:7

God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all [them that are] about him.

Genesis 31:42

Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked [thee] yesternight.

Psalms 119:106

¶ I have sworn, and I will perform [it], that I will keep thy righteous judgments.