Psalm 116 14

Psalm 116:14 kjv

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

Psalm 116:14 nkjv

I will pay my vows to the LORD Now in the presence of all His people.

Psalm 116:14 niv

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

Psalm 116:14 esv

I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people.

Psalm 116:14 nlt

I will keep my promises to the LORD
in the presence of all his people.

Psalm 116 verses

Psalm 116 14 Meaning

Psalm 116:14 expresses the psalmist's solemn declaration and firm resolve to fulfill sacred promises made to the Lord. It explicitly states that this act of faithfulness will be carried out openly and publicly, witnessed by the entire community of God's covenant people. This verse is an outpouring of thanksgiving, where verbal gratitude is transformed into concrete action in response to the Lord's deliverance and goodness.

Psalm 116 14 Context

Psalm 116 is a profoundly personal psalm of thanksgiving, arising from the psalmist's intense distress and a divine rescue from the brink of death. Having cried out to the Lord (vv. 3-4) and being heard and delivered (vv. 5-8), the psalmist now expresses overwhelming gratitude and renews his commitment to the One who saved him. Verses 13 and 15-19 further elaborate on this thanksgiving, highlighting the preciousness of God's saints, the value of life preserved, and the intention to praise God continually in the communal setting of Jerusalem.

Culturally and historically, vows (Hebrew: neder) were common and significant religious practices in ancient Israel. They were solemn, voluntary promises made to God, often in a time of crisis in exchange for divine intervention or as an expression of devout gratitude. These vows, once made, were considered highly binding and their fulfillment was expected promptly (Deut 23:21-23). The act of fulfilling such a vow was often a public event, performed in the Temple or a designated sacred space, before the assembled community, serving as a powerful testimony to God's faithfulness and strengthening the corporate faith of Israel.

Psalm 116 14 Word analysis

• I will pay: (Hebrew: אֲשַׁלֵּם, 'ashallēm) – Derived from the root shalem (שָׁלֵם), meaning "to be complete," "to render," or "to repay." This verb denotes a firm and determined future action, signifying the faithful and full discharge of an obligation. It implies not just the giving of something, but the integrity of making good on a promise, restoring what is due, or making whole. Theologically, it signifies moving towards spiritual completeness and integrity in response to God's perfect deliverance.

• my vows: (Hebrew: נְדָרַי, n'dārāy) – Plural of neder (נֶדֶר). These are voluntary but weighty promises or pledges made directly to God, often out of personal devotion or as part of a desperate prayer for help. They could involve an offering, a specific act of service, or a dedication. Their solemnity meant they were to be kept rigorously. The plural form may imply multiple specific promises or a comprehensive commitment by the psalmist.

• to the LORD: (Hebrew: לַיהוָה, laYHWH) – This uses the personal, covenantal name of God, YHWH. This identifies the unique and specific recipient of the psalmist's commitment. It emphasizes that the fulfillment of these vows is a deeply personal and covenantal act of worship, directed to the true and living God who hears prayers and actively intervenes in the lives of His people.

• in the presence: (Hebrew: לְעֵינֵי, le'eynê) – Literally "before the eyes of" or "in the sight of." This phrase strongly underlines the public nature of the act. The psalmist intends for his vow fulfillment to be openly witnessed, not a private matter. This transparency is crucial in ancient societies for credibility and public testimony.

• of all his people: (Hebrew: כָּל עַמּוֹ, kol 'ammōw) – Refers to the entire assembled community of Israel, the covenant nation, or the congregation of worshipers gathered in a sacred place. Their presence serves as both witnesses and fellow participants in the corporate worship. This highlights the communal aspect of individual thanksgiving, reinforcing shared faith, encouraging others, and providing public glory to God.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • I will pay my vows to the LORD: This declaration expresses profound personal resolve and faithfulness. It shows a response to God's saving grace that moves beyond mere feeling to concrete action. The "I will" signifies a deliberate, personal commitment, ensuring that promises made during distress are honored once deliverance arrives. It underscores the reciprocal nature of the covenant relationship, where God's faithfulness elicits human faithfulness.

  • in the presence of all his people: This phrase shifts a private act of thanksgiving into a public testimony. Performing such an act before the entire assembly of believers serves to glorify God openly, strengthen the faith of the community by demonstrating His goodness, and provide an encouraging example of walking in integrity before both God and humanity. It illustrates that individual worship, when shared, powerfully contributes to the collective worship and edification of God's chosen community.

Psalm 116 14 Bonus section

• Integrity of Speech and Heart: While New Testament teaching on oaths cautions against thoughtless vows (Matt 5:33-37; Jas 5:12), the underlying principle of keeping one's word, especially before God, is reinforced. Psalm 116:14 reflects a heart eager to prove its devotion and sincerity by carrying out pledges made. It’s a testament to the psalmist's high view of God and the solemnity of promises made to Him. This aligns with the New Testament emphasis on truthfulness and a clear "Yes" or "No."

• Corporate Witness: The emphasis on "all his people" highlights the significant role of the community in validating and participating in acts of thanksgiving. The psalmist's deliverance becomes a story shared for the benefit of all, strengthening corporate faith and providing encouragement in times of personal and communal trials. It portrays a vibrant worshipping community where individual stories of God's goodness contribute to the collective praise and identity.

• Costly Devotion: Fulfilling vows often involved tangible sacrifices or actions that had a cost (e.g., burnt offerings, time, dedication). Therefore, paying vows was not merely a symbolic gesture but demonstrated a tangible, costly devotion that acknowledged the value of God's deliverance and the worthiness of His name.

Psalm 116 14 Commentary

Psalm 116:14 encapsulates a foundational principle of biblical faith: the direct correlation between divine deliverance and the believer's response of integrity and gratitude. The psalmist, having been miraculously saved from death's grip, now declares his determined resolve to publicly fulfill the sacred promises he made to God during his time of deep distress. This is not merely a statement of intention but a committed public act of worship. Performing these vows "in the presence of all his people" means transforming a personal act of thanksgiving into a communal testimony. This public witness serves multiple vital purposes: it magnifies the Lord's faithfulness before the entire congregation, encourages fellow believers to trust in God's saving power, educates future generations about divine intervention, and solidifies the psalmist's own integrity within the covenant community. This verse underscores that genuine gratitude finds its full expression not only in inner devotion but also in visible, purposeful actions that bring glory to God and edify His body. It is an affirmation that words spoken to God should always be honored, particularly when His promises have been proven true.

• Practical usage examples:
  • A Christian leader shares a personal story of how God answered a specific prayer in their life, explicitly thanking God for His faithfulness and recalling a promise they made to Him during that struggle, thus inspiring the congregation.
  • A church member, after experiencing a financial provision following prayer and a vow to give generously, shares how God provided, linking it directly to their commitment to increase their giving.