My praise shall be of thee in the great congregation: I will pay my vows before them that fear him.

PSALMS 22:25KJV
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Psalms 22:25 (KJV)

What does Psalms 22:25 mean?

Psalms 22:25 describes the speaker’s intention to publicly praise God and fulfill promises made to God, doing so in front of a large group of worshipers who also honor God. The verse highlights both gratitude and a sense of responsibility to keep vows in the presence of others who share reverence for God.

The speaker here is traditionally understood to be David, expressing thanks after deliverance from distress. He speaks to God, promising to offer praise and fulfill his vows not in private, but before the “great congregation”—a large assembly of faithful people. This verse comes after a long lament, marking a shift to hope and public thanksgiving.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 22:25

  • The word for “praise” is תְּהִלָּה (tehillah), meaning spoken or sung praise. This emphasizes that the speaker’s gratitude is vocal and meant to be heard by others.
  • “Great” is רַב (rav), which often means numerous or large, highlighting the size and significance of the gathering.
  • “Congregation” is קָהָל (qahal), referring to an assembly or gathering of people, especially for worship. This shows the setting is a communal, not private, act.
  • “Pay” is שָׁלַם (shalam), meaning to fulfill or complete, especially in the sense of making good on a promise or vow.
  • “Vows” is נֶדֶר (neder), which means a solemn promise made to God, often in times of trouble, to be fulfilled when help is received.
  • “Fear” is יָרֵא (yare’), describing those who deeply respect or revere God, not just those who are afraid.

Why Psalms 22:25 matters

  • This verse clarifies that praise and thanksgiving are not just private feelings but are meant to be shared with others, especially in a community of faith.
  • It shows the importance of keeping promises made to God, especially when others are watching, which underscores integrity and accountability in worship.
  • The verse marks a turning point in Psalm 22, moving from personal suffering to public gratitude, and connects individual experience with the wider faith community.

Where else these words appear

“praise” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 71:6 By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.
  • Isaiah 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

“vows” Hebrew H5088 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 28:20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
  • Numbers 30:5 But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.
  • 2 Samuel 15:7 And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, in Hebron.

“fear” Hebrew H3373 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 22:12 And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.
  • Psalms 15:4 In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not.
  • Psalms 128:1 A Song of degrees. Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

“pay” Hebrew H7999 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
  • 1 Kings 9:25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.
  • Proverbs 7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.