And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore.

PSALMS 106:31KJV
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Psalms 106:31 (KJV)

What does Psalms 106:31 mean?

Psalms 106:31 says that an action was credited to someone as righteousness, and this recognition stands as an example for all generations, lasting forever. The verse highlights how a specific deed was seen as right and good in God's eyes, with lasting significance.

In context, this psalm is a reflection by the community of Israel, recalling their history and God's dealings with them. The verse refers to Phinehas, who acted zealously to stop wrongdoing among the Israelites (see Numbers 25), and God counted his action as righteousness. The psalmist is speaking to the people, reminding them how faithful actions can have a lasting impact.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:31

  • "counted" (חָשַׁב, chashav): This word means to reckon, consider, or credit. Here, it shows that God made a deliberate decision to view Phinehas's action as righteous.
  • "righteousness" (צְדָקָה, tsedaqah): This word often refers to what is just or morally right. In this verse, it means that Phinehas's deed was not just approved but seen as a model of what is right.
  • "all generations" (דּוֹר, dor): This word means a generation or an age. The repetition in the verse ("unto all generations") stresses that the recognition of Phinehas's righteousness is not temporary but continues through every age.
  • "for evermore" (עוֹלָם, olam): This word means forever or everlasting. It emphasizes the enduring nature of the honor given to Phinehas's action.

Why Psalms 106:31 matters

  • Psalms 106:31 clarifies that God notices and remembers acts of faithfulness, not just for the moment but as examples for future generations.
  • The verse connects the story of Phinehas to a broader theme in the psalm: God’s people often fail, but faithful individuals can stand out and make a difference.
  • It helps readers see that righteousness, as recognized by God, is not just about following rules but about acting with courage and integrity in difficult moments.

Where else these words appear

“for” Hebrew H5704 · used in 97 verses

  • Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
  • 1 Samuel 20:15 But also thou shalt not cut off thy kindness from my house for ever: no, not when the LORD hath cut off the enemies of David every one from the face of the earth.
  • Job 18:2 How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.

“counted” Hebrew H2803 · used in 122 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Chronicles 9:20 And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was not any thing accounted of in the days of Solomon.
  • Isaiah 2:22 Cease ye from man, whose breath is in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

“all” Hebrew H1755 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 15:21 Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.
  • 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.

“righteousness” Hebrew H6666 · used in 150 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • Psalms 103:6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.
  • Isaiah 56:1 Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.