Psalms 66:14 — Word Study
WLCאֲשֶׁר־ פָּצ֥וּ שְׂפָתָ֑י וְדִבֶּר־ פִּ֝֗י בַּצַּר־ לִֽי׃
BSA[the vows] thatʼăsher [promises, utterances] my lipssâphâh [language, edge of the mouth] promisedpâtsâh■ [spoken, uttered] and my mouthpeh [edge, border] spokedâbar■ [communicated, declared] in my distresstsar [trouble, narrow place, affliction]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אֲשֶׁר־ | which | Particle |
| פָּצ֥וּ | they opened | Verb, Qal, perfect third person common plural |
| שְׂפָתָ֑י | lips my | Noun common feminine dual construct, suffix |
| וְדִבֶּר־ | and it spoke | Verb, Piel, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| פִּ֝֗י | mouth my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| בַּצַּר־ | when it was distress | Preposition |
| לִֽי׃ | to me | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress. |
| KJV | Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. |
| ASV | Which my lips uttered, And my mouth spake, when I was in distress. |
| YLT | For opened were my lips, And my mouth spake in my distress: |
| WEB | which my lips promised, and my mouth spoke, when I was in distress. |
| BBE | Keeping the word which came from my lips, and which my mouth said, when I was in trouble. |
The translations agree on the meaning of the vows made by the psalmist during distress.
The verse presents a main clause detailing the vows, followed by a subordinate clause describing the action taken during distress.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbפָּצָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 66:14
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — A Psalm of Praise and Vowsgenerated
Psalms 66:14 reflects the psalmist's commitment to fulfill vows made to God during a time of distress. This verse is part of a larger context where the psalmist expresses gratitude and devotion, promising to offer sacrifices and declare God's deeds. It serves as a reminder of the importance of promises made in moments of trouble, as highlighted in the preceding and following verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 11:35–36 | As soon as Jephthah saw her, he tore his clothes and said, “No! Not my daughter! You have brought me to my knees! You have brought great misery upon me, for I have given my word to the LORD and cannot take it back.” |
| 2 | Numbers 30:2–8 | If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised. |
| 3 | Genesis 28:20–22 | Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear, |
| 4 | Genesis 35:3 | Then let us arise and go to Bethel. I will build an altar there to God, who answered me in my day of distress. He has been with me wherever I have gone.” |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 1:11 | And she made a vow, pleading, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head.” |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֲשֶׁר, 'a.Sher-generated
The word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that connects ideas, often indicating relationships between clauses. It serves to introduce the vows made by the psalmist, linking them to the context of distress. This word is frequently used throughout the Hebrew Bible to establish connections and clarify meaning.
This word appears frequently, indicating its importance in Hebrew syntax. In this verse, it introduces the specific promises made, emphasizing the personal nature of the vows and their significance in the psalmist's relationship with God.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations agree on the rendering of the verse, maintaining the essence of the psalmist's vows made during distress.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse centers around two main verbs: פָּצ֥וּ (*they opened*) and דִבֶּר (*it spoke*), which govern the actions of the lips and mouth. The verse unfolds with a noun phrase introducing the subject, followed by clauses that detail the actions taken during distress.
The order of the Hebrew words places emphasis on the vows made, highlighting the psalmist's commitment and the context of distress. This structure reflects the flow of thought, connecting the act of speaking with the emotional state of the speaker.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew אֲשֶׁר is rendered as ἃς, which serves a similar function in connecting the ideas of the verse. This choice indicates a consistent understanding of the relationship between the vows and the context of distress.
The translation choices in the Septuagint reflect a close adherence to the original Hebrew meanings, preserving the significance of the psalmist's promises.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 66:14 describes the vows that the psalmist made with his lips and mouth during a time of trouble. The verse emphasizes the importance of these promises, showing a personal commitment to God in moments of distress.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The psalmist refers to commitments made to God during a time of trouble, indicating a promise to fulfill these vows as an act of devotion.
The vows are significant because they represent a personal commitment made during distress, highlighting the psalmist's reliance on God in difficult times.
This verse ties into the overall theme of praise and thanksgiving, showing how the psalmist acknowledges God's faithfulness and expresses a desire to fulfill promises made in distress.
We can learn the importance of making and keeping promises to God, especially during challenging times, as a way to express our faith and gratitude.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What promises have I made to God during difficult times, and how can I fulfill them?
- How can I remember to express gratitude to God for His help in my life?
- What does it mean to me to declare what God has done for me, as the psalmist does?
- In what ways can I encourage others to keep their commitments to God?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers, like Augustine of Hippo, reference this verse to discuss the significance of vows made to God, as seen in his exposition on Psalms 66.
"I will render to You my vows, which my lips have distinguished" [Psalms 66:14].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 66 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 66:14 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleWhich my lips have uttered,.... Or "opened" (e); publicly and distinctly declared, and from which there is no going back; see Jude 11:33; and my mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble; this refers
Read John Gill on Psalms 66 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryWhich my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. Which my lips have uttered - literally, have opened; i:e., vehemently uttered when in pain.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 66 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHitherto he spoke in the plural number, but now he begins to speak in the singular number; but still the speech is continued of the same person or persons; only sometimes the whole body speaks, and sometimes one man speaks in the name of all the rest.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 66 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 66:14 Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.Ver. 14. Which my lips have uttered] Heb. have opened, that is, which I have uttered diductis labiis, with lips wide open. Videmus qualiter vota nuncupari soleant, saith Vatablus, Here we see after what sort vows use to be made, when we are under any pressing affliction; but when once delivered, how heavily many come off in point of payment. And my mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble] Then men will promise anything for ease and release. But what saith the Italian proverb? Sciapato il morbo, fraudato il Santo, when the disease is cured the saint is defrauded. Horace calleth upon Mecaenas, who in his…
Read John Trapp on Psalms 66 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 14. When I was in trouble.] This is generally the time when good resolutions are formed, and vows made; but how often are these forgotten when affliction and calamity are removed!
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 66 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges14. Wherewith my lips opened, And which my mouth spake, when I was in distress. For the first line cp. Judges 11:35 f; but there is no reason to suppose that rash vows are here meant.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 66 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleWhich my lips have uttered ... - Margin, “opened.” The Hebrew word, however - פצה pâtsâh - means properly to tear apart; to rend; and then, to open wide, as the mouth, for example - or the throat,
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 66 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress.
which my lips promised, and my mouth spoke, when I was in distress.
the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress.
which my lips uttered and my mouth spoke when I was in trouble.
Tyndale line
Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.
Which my lips uttered, And my mouth spake, when I was in distress.
Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in distress.
Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.
Which my lippes haue promised, and my mouth hath spoken in mine affliction.
Strictly literal
Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.
For opened were my lips, And my mouth spake in my distress:
For my lips were opened, || And my mouth spoke in my distress:
Which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in distress.
which my lips promised and my mouth spoke when I was in distress.
Simplified
the promises I made when I was in trouble.
Keeping the word which came from my lips, and which my mouth said, when I was in trouble.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Psalms 66:14 reads, "אֲשֶׁר־ פָּצ֥וּ שְׂפָתָ֑י וְדִבֶּר־ פִּ֝֗י בַּצַּר־ לִֽי׃" which translates to "the vows that my lips promised and my mouth spoke in my distress." The Septuagint, while not providing a direct translation here, matches all seven words from the Masoretic Text in its word-by-word correspondence, indicating agreement in the core elements of the verse. There are no significant differences noted between these witnesses for this verse.
אֲשֶׁר־ פָּצ֥וּ שְׂפָתָ֑י וְדִבֶּר־ פִּ֝֗י בַּצַּר־ לִֽי׃
7 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 66:14
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word אֲשֶׁר (*asher*) is a relative pronoun that can mean 'who,' 'which,' or 'that.' It serves various grammatical functions, including as an adverb or conjunction, indicating relationships between clauses, places, or conditions. Variants like בַאֲשֶׁר (*ba-asher*), מֵאֲשֶׁר (*me-asher*), and כַּאֲשֶׁר (*ka-asher*) expand its usage to specific contexts such as location, causation, and time.
אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause.
base
בַאֲשֶׁר
in (that) which
adv. in (the place) where
conj. in that, inasmuch as
on account of whom?
base
מֵאֲשֶׁר
from (or than) that which
adv. from (the place) where
conj. from (the fact) that …, since
base
כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when
according to that which, according as, as
with a causal force, in so far as, since
with a temporal force, when
base
H834a אֲשֶׁר part. of relation A sign of relation, bringing the clause introduced by it into relation with an antecedent clause. H834b בַאֲשֶׁר . in (that) which
. adv. in (the place) where
. conj. in that, inasmuch as
. on account of whom?
H834c מֵאֲשֶׁר . from (or than) that which
. adv. from (the place) where
. conj. from (the fact) that …, since
H834d כַּאֲשֶׁר conj. according as, as, when . according to that which, according as, as
. with a causal force, in so far as, since
. with a temporal force, when
834 'aher ash-er'
a primitive relative pronoun (of every gender and number);
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction)
when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.:--X after, X
alike, as (soon as), because, X every, for, + forasmuch, +
from whence, + how(-soever), X if, (so) that ((thing) which,
wherein), X though, + until, + whatsoever, when, where
(+ -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, +
whither(- soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is
indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun
expletively, used to show the connection.
אֲשֶׁר (a.sher) — which.
A: 1) (relative part.)
1a) which, who
1b) that which
2) (conj)
2a) that (in obj clause)
2b) when
2c) since
2d) as
2e) conditional if
B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
D: Kaph+
1) (conj.), according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since
1c) with a temporal force: when
בַאֲשֶׁר (ba.a.sher) — in which.
1) in (that) which
2) (adv)
2a) where
3) (conj)
3a) in that, inasmuch as
3b) on account of
מֵאֲשֶׁר (me.a.sher) — whence.
1) from (or than) that which
2) from (the place) where
3) from (the fact) that, since
כַּאֲשֶׁר (ka.a.sher) — as which.
conj
1) according as, as, when
1a) according to that which, according as, as
Rel — ParticleHTr
פָּצָה (patsah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to open or part, particularly in reference to the mouth. It encompasses actions like snatching away or setting free. The entries highlight its use in contexts of utterance and deliverance, but do not provide specific verse references.
[פָּצָה] vb. part, open;—Qal
open mouth
snatch away, set free
base
H6475 פָּצָה part, open . open mouth
. snatch away, set free
6475 patsah paw-tsaw'
a primitive root; to rend, i.e. open (especially the
mouth):--deliver, gape, open, rid, utter.
פָּצָה (pa.tsah) — to open.
1) to part, open, separate, set free
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to open (mouth), utter
1a2) to snatch away, set free
V-Qal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Qal · perfect third person common pluralHVqp3cp
The Hebrew word שָׂפָה (*saphah*) encompasses meanings related to 'lip,' 'speech,' and 'edge.' It is derived from concepts of termination, suggesting boundaries like the edge of a vessel or the bank of a river. The word can refer to physical lips, language, or the edges of various objects, including shores.
שָׂפָה 176 n.f. lip, speech, edge
lip
language
edge: shore of sea; bank of river
base
H8193 שָׂפָה lip, speech, edge . lip
. language
. edge: shore of sea; bank of river
8193 saphah saw-faw'
or (in dual and plural) sepheth {sef-eth'}; probably from
5595 or 8192 through the idea of termination (compare 5490);
the lip (as a natural boundary); by implication, language; by
analogy, a margin (of a vessel, water, cloth, etc.):--band,
bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip,
prating, ((sea-))shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words.
see HEBREW for 05595
see HEBREW for 08192
see HEBREW for 05490
שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lips.
: lips/mouth
1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding
1a) lip (as body part)
1b) language
1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: words.
: words/language
1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding
1a) lip (as body part)
1b) language
1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: edge.
: edge/border/opening
1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding
1a) lip (as body part)
1b) language
1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
שָׂפָה (sa.phah) — lip: shore.
: shore/bank(of_sea/river)
1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding
1a) lip (as body part)
1b) language
1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
N-fd | Suff — Noun common feminine dual construct · suffixHNcfdc/Sp1bs
דָבַר (dabar) is a Hebrew verb primarily meaning 'to speak.' It encompasses a range of actions including declaring, commanding, and conversing. The root suggests a figurative use of words, with some entries noting a rare destructive sense of subduing. Various forms of the verb indicate different nuances, such as speaking with one another or making promises.
[דָבַר] 1142 vb. speak (original mng. dub.)
Qal speak
Niph. reciprocal sense, speak with one another, talk
Pi. speak
Pu. in the day when she may be spoken for
Hithp. speaking this word
Hiph. either leads subject, or puts to flight, fig. for subdues
base
H1696 דָבַר speak (original mng. dub.)
1696 dabar daw-bar'
a primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used
figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive
sense) to subdue:--answer, appoint, bid, command, commune,
declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse,
say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think,
use (entreaties), utter, X well, X work.
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: speak.
: speak/tell/command
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: subdue.
: subdue
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
דָבַר (da.var) — to speak: promise.
: promise/declare
1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing
1a) (Qal) to speak
1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk
1c) (Piel)
1c1) to speak
1c2) to promise
1d) (Pual) to be spoken
1e) (Hithpael) to speak
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms — Verb · Piel · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vpq3ms
spok (1Ki 7:33).
See SEA, THE MOLTEN.
The Hebrew word פֶּה (*peh*) means 'mouth' and encompasses various meanings, including the mouth of a person or animal, as well as openings or orifices. It can also refer to speech, edges, and portions. Additionally, it denotes a weight equal to one third of a shekel, found in 1 Samuel 13:21.
פֶּה 485 n.m. mouth
mouth, of man, organ of eating and drinking
external organ
much oftener, as organ of speech, of man
as laughing; panting
of God
of idols
of musical instr. = sound
of animals; hence of edge of sword
mouth = opening, orifice
extremity, end
= portion
with preps.
base
H6310 פֶּה mouth . . mouth, of man, organ of eating and drinking
. external organ
. . much oftener, as organ of speech, of man
. as laughing; panting
. of God
. of idols
. of musical instr. = sound
. of animals
. mouth = opening, orifice
. . extremity, end
. = portion
. with preps.
6310 peh peh
from 6284; the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether
literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically
edge, portion or side; adverbially (with preposition)
according to:--accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment,
assent, collar, command(-ment), X eat, edge, end, entry, +
file, hole, X in, mind, mouth, part, portion, X (should)
say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, X spoken, talk,
tenor, X to, + two-edged, wish, word.
see HEBREW for 06284
פֶּה (peh) — lip.
: lip/mouth
peh
1) mouth
1a) mouth (of man)
1b) mouth (as organ of speech)
1c) mouth (of animals)
1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
1e) extremity, end pim
2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
פֶּה (peh) — lip: edge.
: edge
peh
1) mouth
1a) mouth (of man)
1b) mouth (as organ of speech)
1c) mouth (of animals)
1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
1e) extremity, end pim
2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
פֶּה (peh) — lip: word.
: word/command
peh
1) mouth
1a) mouth (of man)
1b) mouth (as organ of speech)
1c) mouth (of animals)
1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc)
1e) extremity, end pim
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word צַר (tsar) is built from the root meaning 'narrow' or 'tight.' It encompasses a range of meanings including 'distress,' 'adversary,' and 'hard pebble' or 'flint.' The term can refer to physical tightness or metaphorical trouble, as well as an enemy or foe. It appears in contexts of anguish and tribulation, with a specific verse reference in Isaiah 5:28.
צַר adj. narrow, tight
base
צַר n.[m.] straits, distress
base
צַר 68 n.m. adversary, foe
base
צַר n.[m.] hard pebble, flint;—Is 5:28
ref
H6862a צַר narrow, tight H6862b צַר straits, distress H6862c צַר adversary, foe H6862d צַר hard pebble, flint
6862 tsar tsar
or tsar {tsawr}; from 6887; narrow; (as a noun) a tight place
(usually figuratively, i.e. trouble); also a pebble (as in
6864); (transitive) an opponent (as crowding):--adversary,
afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe,
narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble.
see HEBREW for 06887
see HEBREW for 06864
צַר (tsar) — narrow.
narrow, tight
צַר (tsar) — distress.
straits, distress
צַר (tsar) — enemy.
adversary, foe, enemy, oppressor
צַר (tsar) — hard.
hard pebble, flint
Prep | Adj — PrepositionHRd/Aamsa
נִי (ni) — me.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 1st person singular
HR/Sp1bs — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp1bs