King James Version

What Does Psalms 116:14 Mean?

Psalms 116:14 in the King James Version says “I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 116 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.”

Psalms 116:14 · KJV

Context

12

What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?

13

I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

14

I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people.

15

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

16

O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.

Read Psalms 116 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people. Having been delivered, the psalmist fulfills commitments made during crisis. I will pay my vows (nedarai ashalem, נְדָרַי אֲשַׁלֵּם) refers to promises made to God, likely during the death-threat described in verses 3-4. Ancient worshipers often vowed offerings if God delivered them (Genesis 28:20-22, Numbers 30:2, Jonah 2:9).

Unto the LORD now (la-Yahweh negdah-na, לַיהוָה נֶגְדָה־נָּא) emphasizes immediate, public fulfillment. Negdah means 'in front of,' 'before,' indicating visible, corporate worship. Na adds urgency: 'now,' 'please,' no delay. Vows weren't private mental notes but public, binding commitments requiring public fulfillment.

In the presence of all his people (neged kol-amo, נֶגֶד כָּל־עַמּוֹ) situates vow-paying within covenant community. Worship isn't merely individual devotion but corporate testimony. When one member fulfills vows, the whole community sees God's faithfulness, strengthening collective faith. This anticipates Hebrews 10:24-25, exhorting believers not to forsake assembling together.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Temple worship included public vow fulfillment. Worshipers brought promised sacrifices (peace offerings, thank offerings) and testified to God's deliverance. These testimonies strengthened community faith and taught subsequent generations. The Hallel psalms were corporate liturgy, sung together at Passover. Individual testimony ('I will pay my vows') merged with corporate worship ('in the presence of all his people'). This pattern continues in Christian worship where personal testimonies of God's faithfulness build up the body of Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What vows or commitments have you made to God during crisis, and have you fulfilled them after deliverance?
  2. Why is public, corporate worship essential for vow fulfillment rather than private, individual practice alone?
  3. How does hearing others testify to God's faithfulness ('paying vows' publicly) strengthen your own faith?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
נְ֭דָרַי1 of 7

“my vows”

H5088

a promise (to god); also (concretely) a thing promised

לַיהוָ֣ה2 of 7

“unto the LORD”

H3068

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

אֲשַׁלֵּ֑ם3 of 7

“I will pay”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

נֶגְדָה4 of 7
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

נָּ֝֗א5 of 7
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

לְכָל6 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עַמּֽוֹ׃7 of 7

“now in the presence of all his people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

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 116:14 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 116:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 22:25Psalms 116:18Jonah 2:9Psalms 66:13-15Psalms 50:14Psalms 56:12

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 116 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 116 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes