What does Psalms 22:31 mean?
"They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this." - Psalms 22:31

The verse Psalms 22:31 from the King James Version of the Bible states: "They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this." At first glance, this verse may appear to be a simple declaration of God's righteousness being proclaimed to future generations. However, when examined in its broader context and within the historical and theological framework of the Psalms as a whole, this verse takes on a deeper and more profound meaning.
First and foremost, it is important to understand the context in which this verse is situated. Psalms 22 is a lament of the psalmist, expressing feelings of abandonment and distress. The psalm opens with the famous words spoken by Jesus on the cross, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" (verse 1). This psalm has been traditionally understood as a prophecy of the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, as many of the details described in the psalm correspond with the events of Jesus' crucifixion as recorded in the New Testament.
With this context in mind, the verse in question takes on a greater significance. It is a declaration of hope and confidence in the midst of suffering and despair. The psalmist looks forward to a time when the righteousness of God will be proclaimed to future generations, despite the current feelings of abandonment and distress. This verse highlights the theme of faith and trust in God's ultimate justice and redemption, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The language used in this verse also carries symbolic significance. The phrase "a people that shall be born" points to the future generations who will come to know and proclaim the righteousness of God. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the spread and growth of the Christian faith, as well as a reminder that God's righteousness and redemptive work transcends time and generations.
Furthermore, the phrase "that he hath done this" can be understood as a reference to the ultimate act of salvation accomplished by God through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This act of atonement is the central focus of the Christian faith, and the psalmist's declaration of God's righteousness being proclaimed to future generations directly relates to the spreading of the message of Christ's sacrifice and redemption.
In a broader theological sense, this verse can also be interpreted as a testament to the enduring nature of God's righteousness and the hope of future generations coming to know and experience the redemptive work of God. It reaffirms the belief that God's justice and mercy will ultimately prevail, and that the suffering and struggles of the present moment are not the final word.
In conclusion, Psalms 22:31 from the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful and profound declaration of hope and faith in the midst of suffering and despair. It speaks to the enduring nature of God's righteousness and the ultimate proclamation of God's redemptive work to future generations. When understood within the broader context of the psalm and the larger theological framework of the Christian faith, this verse serves as a reminder of the hope and confidence we can have in God's ultimate justice and redemption, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Have questions about Psalms 22:31?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Psalms 22:31 Artwork
Psalms 22:31 - "They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this."
"They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this." - Psalms 22:31
"For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee." - Psalms 31:22
Psalms 31:22 - "For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee."
Psalms 69:31 - "This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs."
Psalms 22:18 - "They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture."
Psalms 31:10 - "For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed."
"For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?" - Psalms 18:31
Psalms 89:31 - "If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments;"
"He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts." - Psalms 105:31
"I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD." - Psalms 31:6
"They gaped upon me with their mouths, as a ravening and a roaring lion." - Psalms 22:13
"The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works." - Psalms 104:31
Psalms 22:7
"The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide." - Psalms 37:31
"But I trusted in thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my God." - Psalms 31:14
Psalms 106:31 - "And that was counted unto him for righteousness unto all generations for evermore."
"I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee." - Psalms 22:22
"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." - Psalms 22:3
"Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and terrible things by the Red sea." - Psalms 106:22
Psalms 105:31 - "He spake, and there came divers sorts of flies, and lice in all their coasts."
Psalms 18:31 - "For who is God save the LORD? or who is a rock save our God?"
"But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people." - Psalms 22:6
"Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles." - Psalms 25:22
Psalms 31:6 - "I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD."
"So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee." - Psalms 73:22
Psalms 104:31 - "The glory of the LORD shall endure for ever: the LORD shall rejoice in his works."
Psalms 37:31 - "The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide."
"For such as be blessed of him shall inherit the earth; and they that be cursed of him shall be cut off." - Psalms 37:22
"I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel." - Psalms 31:12