Psalms – Chapter 115

Old Testament • 10 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 115 of Psalms begins: "I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly." Across its 10 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and faith and trust in God. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly.

2I said in my excess: Every man is a liar.

3What shall I render to the Lord, for all the things that he hath rendered to me?

4I will take the chalice of salvation; and I will call upon the name of the Lord.

5I will pay my vows to the Lord before all his people:

6Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.

7O Lord, for I am thy servant: I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast broken my bonds:

8I will sacrifice to thee the sacrifice of praise, and I will call upon the name of the Lord.

9I will pay my vows to the Lord in the sight of all his people:

10In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem.

Important Verses in Psalms 115

“I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly.”

Psalms 115:1

“I will take the chalice of salvation; and I will call upon the name of the Lord.”

Psalms 115:4

“O Lord, for I am thy servant: I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid. Thou hast broken my bonds:”

Psalms 115:7

“In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. ”

Psalms 115:10

Historical Context

Psalms belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for god's people at prayer in every age. Chapter 115 of 150 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 10 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The passage starts with these words: "I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly." The final verse reads: "In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. " In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

The poem's language was meant to be prayed aloud, giving voice to the full range of human experience before the Lord. A pivotal line is verse 1: "I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly." The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

The Church teaches that every passage of Scripture must be read in light of Christ and the Magisterium (CIC 1095). Here, the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The spiritual sense invites believers to recognize worship and praise as part of God's pedagogy of salvation.

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓Faith is a gift and a decision: entrusting ourselves entirely to God and to His promises.
  • ✓The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.

Reflection for Today

When the Church proclaims Psalms Chapter 115 at Mass or in the Liturgy of the Hours, she treats this text as the living voice of God.

In the four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—the Church finds rich meaning in Psalms Chapter 115. At the moral level, stewardship of creation challenges us to examine conscience and amend our lives (CIC 385).

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 721).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 115 about?

Psalms 115 contains 10 verses. It opens with "I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly." and closes with "In the courts of the house of the Lord, in the midst of thee, O Jerusalem. ". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 115?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "I have believed, therefore have I spoken; but I have been humbled exceedingly." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

2 Chronicles 31Shares people and themes with this chapterJohn 12Shares people and themes with this chapterGalatians 1Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏The Apostles' Creed🙏Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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