King James Version

What Does Psalms 40:9 Mean?

Psalms 40:9 in the King James Version says “I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 40 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.”

Psalms 40:9 · KJV

Context

7

Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,

8

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. within: Heb. in the midst of my bowels

9

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.

10

I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.

11

Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.

Read Psalms 40 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
David declares his proclamation of 'righteousness in the great congregation.' The Hebrew tzedaqah (righteousness) refers to God's covenant faithfulness and saving acts. The 'great congregation' (qahal rav) indicates public worship where testimony strengthens corporate faith. David's refrain 'I have not refrained my lips' emphasizes bold, unashamed witness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Temple worship included public testimony of God's deliverance. This pattern of corporate witness shaped Israel's identity and later influenced early Christian practice of sharing testimonies in gathered assemblies.

Reflection Questions

  1. What prevents you from sharing God's faithfulness in the 'great congregation'?
  2. How does public testimony strengthen both the one who shares and those who hear?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
בִּשַּׂ֤רְתִּי1 of 11

“I have preached”

H1319

properly, to be fresh, i.e., full (rosy, figuratively cheerful); to announce (glad news)

צֶ֨דֶק׀2 of 11

“righteousness”

H6664

the right (natural, moral or legal); also (abstractly) equity or (figuratively) prosperity

בְּקָ֘הָ֤ל3 of 11

“congregation”

H6951

assemblage (usually concretely)

רָ֗ב4 of 11

“in the great”

H7227

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

הִנֵּ֣ה5 of 11
H2009

lo!

שְׂ֭פָתַי6 of 11

“my lips”

H8193

the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.)

לֹ֣א7 of 11
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶכְלָ֑א8 of 11

“lo I have not refrained”

H3607

to restrict, by act (hold back or in) or word (prohibit)

יְ֝הוָ֗ה9 of 11

“O LORD”

H3068

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

אַתָּ֥ה10 of 11
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יָדָֽעְתָּ׃11 of 11

“thou knowest”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

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 40:9 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 40:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 22:25Mark 16:15-16Psalms 119:13Psalms 71:15-18Psalms 22:22Luke 4:16-22

Test Your Knowledge

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