Psalms 35:28 (KJV)

What does Psalms 35:28 mean?

Psalms 35:28 describes the psalmist’s commitment to speak about God’s righteousness and to praise God continually throughout the day. The verse expresses a promise to use one’s words to highlight God’s just character and to offer praise without ceasing.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God during a time of trouble, asking for deliverance from his enemies. After calling for God’s help, David ends with this declaration, showing his intention to respond to God’s righteousness with ongoing praise. The verse highlights how David’s trust in God leads him to focus on God’s goodness and justice, even when facing hardship.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 35:28

• "Tongue" (לָשׁוֹן, lashon): This word refers to speech or language. Here, it emphasizes that David’s spoken words, not just his thoughts, will be used to honor God.
• "Speak" (הָגָה, hagah): This word often means to meditate, utter, or muse. In this context, it suggests not just casual talk, but a thoughtful, ongoing declaration about God.
• "Righteousness" (צֶדֶק, tsedeq): This word points to God’s just and fair actions. David is highlighting God’s moral uprightness, especially in how God deals with people.
• "Praise" (תְּהִלָּה, tehillah): This word means praise or song of praise. It emphasizes joyful, public acknowledgment of God’s greatness.
• "Day" (יוֹם, yom): This word means "day," and the phrase "all the day long" stresses that David’s praise is not occasional but constant.

Why Psalms 35:28 matters

• The verse clarifies that praise and acknowledgment of God’s justice are meant to be ongoing, not limited to moments of blessing or rescue.
• By focusing on God’s righteousness (צֶדֶק, tsedeq), the verse connects personal experience with a larger truth about God’s character, showing that even in hardship, God’s fairness can be trusted.
• Psalms 35:28 serves as a fitting conclusion to a psalm filled with distress, reminding readers that praise can be a response to God’s faithfulness, regardless of circumstances.