King James Version

What Does Psalms 145:11 Mean?

Psalms 145:11 in the King James Version says “They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power; — study this verse from Psalms chapter 145 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;

Psalms 145:11 · KJV


Context

9

The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

10

All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

11

They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;

12

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

13

Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. an: Heb. a kingdom of all ages


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power. The focus shifts from God's attributes to His malkhut (מַלְכוּת) "kingdom/reign"—God's sovereign rule over all creation. Kvod malkhutekha (כְּבוֹד מַלְכוּתְךָ) "the glory of your kingdom" emphasizes the majestic splendor of divine governance. Unlike earthly kingdoms marked by corruption and weakness, God's reign manifests perfect justice, wisdom, and power.

Talk of thy power (gĕburatekha yedabberu, גְּבוּרָתְךָ יְדַבֵּרוּ)—gĕburah (גְּבוּרָה) denotes strength, might, heroic power. The repetition ("shall speak...talk") emphasizes continuous proclamation. This kingdom-language anticipates Jesus's central message: "The kingdom of God is at hand" (Mark 1:15), ultimately fulfilled when Christ's reign becomes universally manifest (Revelation 11:15).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

David knew earthly kingship firsthand—its privileges, limitations, and corruptions. His kingdom foreshadowed the Messiah's eternal reign, where power would be exercised perfectly for subjects' good. The psalm's kingdom emphasis prepared Israel to recognize their true King when He appeared.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does meditating on God's kingdom counteract anxiety about political instability or national decline?
  2. In what ways does the church proclaim 'the glory of God's kingdom' to a world rejecting His reign?
  3. What aspects of God's powerful rule most need emphasis in contemporary Christian testimony?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
כְּב֣וֹד1 of 5

of the glory

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

מַלְכוּתְךָ֣2 of 5

of thy kingdom

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

יֹאמֵ֑רוּ3 of 5

They shall speak

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וּגְבוּרָתְךָ֥4 of 5

of thy power

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

יְדַבֵּֽרוּ׃5 of 5

and talk

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue


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 145:11 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 145:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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