King James Version

What Does Psalms 109:30 Mean?

Psalms 109:30 in the King James Version says “I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 109 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.

Psalms 109:30 · KJV


Context

28

Let them curse, but bless thou: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let thy servant rejoice.

29

Let mine adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a mantle.

30

I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude.

31

For he shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those that condemn his soul. those: Heb. the judges of


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth (אוֹדֶה יְהוָה מְאֹד בְּפִי, odeh YHWH me'od be-fi)—Yadah means praise, give thanks; me'od means greatly, exceedingly. Yea, I will praise him among the multitude (וּבְתוֹךְ רַבִּים אֲהַלְלֶנּוּ, u-ve-tokh rabbim ahallelenu)—Halal means praise, boast in; rabbim means many, multitude.

After intense imprecation (vv. 6-20) and desperate petition (vv. 21-29), David concludes with praise—not after deliverance, but in anticipation of it. This is faith's pattern: cry out in distress, then praise before seeing the answer. The shift from private ("with my mouth") to public ("among the multitude") shows praise should move from personal devotion to corporate testimony. Verse 31 will explain why: God defends the poor.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Israelite worship was communal. Praise wasn't complete until shared with the congregation. The temple courts hosted public thanksgiving where those delivered would testify and offer sacrifices (Leviticus 7:11-15). Early church worship followed this pattern with testimonies and praise (1 Corinthians 14:26).

Reflection Questions

  1. How comfortable are you praising God publicly versus privately, and why the difference?
  2. What would it look like to move from complaint/petition to praise before seeing the answer?
  3. When have you experienced deliverance that moved you to public testimony among the congregation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
א֘וֹדֶ֤ה1 of 7

praise

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

יְהוָ֣ה2 of 7

the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

מְאֹ֣ד3 of 7

I will greatly

H3966

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

בְּפִ֑י4 of 7

with my mouth

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

וּבְת֖וֹךְ5 of 7

him among

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

רַבִּ֣ים6 of 7

the multitude

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אֲהַֽלְלֶֽנּוּ׃7 of 7

yea I will praise

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 109:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 109:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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