Psalm 66 14

Psalm 66:14 kjv

Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.

Psalm 66:14 nkjv

Which my lips have uttered And my mouth has spoken when I was in trouble.

Psalm 66:14 niv

vows my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.

Psalm 66:14 esv

that which my lips uttered and my mouth promised when I was in trouble.

Psalm 66:14 nlt

yes, the sacred vows that I made
when I was in deep trouble.

Psalm 66 verses

Psalm 66 14 Meaning

Psalm 66:14 refers to solemn promises or vows made to God by the Psalmist during a time of intense personal distress or trouble. It emphasizes that these are not merely fleeting thoughts, but words that were physically articulated from his lips and mouth, signifying a deliberate and fervent commitment. The verse underscores the sacred obligation to fulfill these spoken commitments once deliverance has been experienced.

Psalm 66 14 Context

Psalm 66 is a song of praise to God, primarily for His mighty acts of deliverance, both national and personal. The Psalm begins with a call for all the earth to praise God for His awesome deeds (vv. 1-7), particularly referencing the parting of the Red Sea and leading Israel through the wilderness. It then transitions to a more personal testimony of the Psalmist's own experience of affliction and God's rescue (vv. 8-12), using imagery of being refined by fire and brought into a rich place. Verse 13 marks a pivot point where the Psalmist declares his intention to fulfill the vows made during this period of suffering. Therefore, verse 14 explains the nature of these commitments—they were spoken from his mouth precisely when he was in deep trouble, anticipating the specific offerings mentioned in verses 13 and 15, and the thanksgiving promised in verses 16-20. It's a testament to the direct appeal made to God from a desperate heart and the subsequent obligation of grateful worship.

Psalm 66 14 Word analysis

• which: Refers back to the "burnt offerings" and "vows" mentioned in verse 13. It emphasizes that the subject is concrete promises.

• my lips: (Hebrew: śᵉfāṯay, שְׂפָתַי). Dual form, meaning "my two lips." Signifies the physical instrument of speech. It indicates that the vow was not merely internal thought but outwardly expressed.

• have uttered: (Hebrew: qaddəḥâ, קָדְחוּ). From the root meaning "to kindle, burn, or ignite," and can also imply "to make shine" or "to pierce/dig forth." In this context, it powerfully conveys that the words were not casually spoken but poured out fervently and earnestly, as if ignited by the distress. It's a deep, deliberate declaration, often understood as making a vow.

• and my mouth: (Hebrew: pî, פִי). From peh (פֶּה), meaning "mouth." Reinforces the physical, verbal declaration. It often represents the entire person's capacity for speech.

• has spoken: (Hebrew: dibbārtî, דִּבַּרְתִּי). From dāḇar (דָּבַר), a common Hebrew verb meaning "to speak, utter, declare, command." While "uttered" suggests intensity, "spoken" confirms the act of verbal communication, emphasizing clarity and intentionality.

• which my lips have uttered and my mouth has spoken: This phrase utilizes synonymous parallelism, a common poetic device in Psalms. "Lips" and "mouth" are parallel instruments of speech, and "have uttered" and "has spoken" are parallel actions of verbalization. This repetition emphasizes the sincerity, the earnestness, and the binding nature of the vow. It was a conscious, clear declaration, doubly affirmed by the poetic structure, signifying absolute commitment. The deliberate and vocal articulation leaves no room for retraction or pretense; these were definite, audible promises.

• when I was in trouble: (Hebrew: bəṣārâ, בְּצָרָה). From tsārâ (צָרָה), meaning "distress, anguish, tribulation, straitness." This defines the specific circumstances under which the vows were made: a time of deep personal affliction and suffering. This context highlights the desperation that drove the Psalmist to seek God's intervention, making his commitment all the more solemn and weighty, a plea for divine rescue during dire need.

Psalm 66 14 Bonus section

The context of vows made in "trouble" resonates deeply with the human experience of turning to God in extremity. These are often not calculated, but desperate, heart-wrenching pleas. Yet, the biblical emphasis remains on their sacredness and the expectation of fulfillment, regardless of the emotional state they originated from. This serves as a test of integrity: does one remember God's deliverance and honor the vow, or forget the distress once it has passed? The integrity of human speech before God reflects one's integrity with God Himself. Furthermore, the act of qaddəḥâ ("uttered" with a sense of burning or kindling) implies that the distress itself may have ignited the fervent prayer and promise. The promise was thus not merely spoken, but impassioned and heartfelt, emphasizing the true depth of the commitment made in the face of suffering.

Psalm 66 14 Commentary

Psalm 66:14 provides a concise yet profound insight into the integrity of the believer's response to God's faithfulness. It highlights the deeply personal nature of a vow, originating from the desperate cry of a heart overwhelmed by "trouble." The use of parallel expressions—"my lips have uttered" and "my mouth has spoken"—underscores the earnestness and deliberation behind these promises. They were not fleeting thoughts but audible declarations, an externalization of an internal covenant made with God during crisis. This commitment, articulated in the vulnerability of suffering, becomes a binding obligation upon deliverance. The verse reminds believers of the sacredness of their word before God, especially promises made in times of distress. It stands as a timeless call to personal accountability, affirming that genuine faith is demonstrated not only by calling upon God in need but also by faithfully following through on commitments once relief is granted, glorifying God as the rescuer.