Psalms 22:31 - They shall come and shall declare his righteousness to a people that shall be born, for he has done it.

Generated Verse: Psalms 22:31

What does "Psalms 22:31" mean?


Psalm 22:31 is a powerful statement about the enduring and universal impact of God's righteousness, specifically as seen through the suffering and eventual victory of the psalmist (often interpreted as a prophecy of Jesus). Let's break down the verse:

"They shall come...": This refers to future generations. "They" can be understood as people in the future who will come to understand and proclaim God's righteousness.

"...and shall declare his righteousness...": This is the core of the verse. These future generations will announce, proclaim, and make known God's righteousness. Righteousness, in this context, means God's justice, holiness, faithfulness, and saving power. It also speaks to God's vindication of the righteous (in this case, the suffering psalmist, often seen as a foreshadowing of Christ).

"...to a people that shall be born...": This specifies who will hear the declaration. It's directed to people who will be born after the events described in the psalm have unfolded. This reinforces the idea that God's righteousness has implications and effects that extend far into the future.

"...for he has done it.": This is the crucial concluding phrase. It's a statement of certainty and completion. Whatever act of righteousness is being discussed (God's deliverance, his faithful upholding of justice, his redemptive work), it is finished, accomplished, and unchangeable. It provides the foundation for the future generations' declaration. It emphasizes the certainty of God's action and its lasting impact.

In essence, the verse speaks to a prophetic vision:

The verse is expressing that God's act of salvation, or his demonstration of righteousness, is not merely a past event, but has consequences that reverberate throughout history, inspiring generations to come to proclaim his faithfulness.

Interpretations and Context:

Messianic Interpretation: Many Christians see this verse as a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection are seen as the ultimate demonstration of God's righteousness, offering salvation to all who believe. The "people that shall be born" are future generations of Christians who proclaim the Gospel. "He has done it" refers to Christ's finished work on the cross.

General Application: Even without a specifically Messianic interpretation, the verse speaks to the enduring nature of God's acts of justice and deliverance. It suggests that God's interventions in history have far-reaching consequences, inspiring faith and witness in generations to come. Any act where God has set something right (delivered a group from oppression, answered a prayer, etc.) can be seen in this light.
Psalm 22 Overall: It is important to read this verse in the context of the whole psalm. The psalm begins with a cry of dereliction, describing immense suffering and apparent abandonment by God. However, it then transitions into a song of praise and thanksgiving, celebrating God's deliverance. Psalm 22:31 is part of this final section, looking ahead to a future where God's faithfulness will be recognized and proclaimed.

In summary, Psalm 22:31 is a powerful statement about the enduring and universal impact of God's actions. Whether interpreted as a prophecy of Christ or as a broader affirmation of God's faithfulness, it highlights the lasting consequences of God's work in the world and the responsibility of future generations to declare his righteousness.