King James Version
What Does Psalms 145:12 Mean?
“To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.”
Psalms 145:12 · KJV
Context
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
14
The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryTo make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. The purpose clause (lĕhodi'a, לְהוֹדִיעַ "to make known") reveals why believers speak of God's kingdom: to inform bĕnei ha'adam (בְּנֵי הָאָדָם) "the sons of men/humanity" about divine realities they wouldn't otherwise know. God's gĕvurotav (גְּבוּרֹתָיו) "mighty acts" in history testify to His present power.
The glorious majesty of his kingdom (kavod hadar malkhuto, כְּבוֹד הֲדַר מַלְכוּתוֹ) again piles synonyms—kavod "glory," hadar "majesty/splendor"—to express God's kingdom's incomparable magnificence. This evangelistic thrust shows that proclamation serves divine purposes: making God's character and reign known to those who suppress or ignore it (Romans 1:18-20).
The glorious majesty of his kingdom (kavod hadar malkhuto, כְּבוֹד הֲדַר מַלְכוּתוֹ) again piles synonyms—kavod "glory," hadar "majesty/splendor"—to express God's kingdom's incomparable magnificence. This evangelistic thrust shows that proclamation serves divine purposes: making God's character and reign known to those who suppress or ignore it (Romans 1:18-20).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Israel's calling was to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6), making Yahweh known among peoples worshiping false gods. Their testimony about God's mighty acts in the Exodus, conquest, and temple construction was meant to provoke the nations to fear the true God (Joshua 2:9-11, 1 Kings 10:1-9).
Reflection Questions
- How can believers effectively 'make known' God's mighty acts to a skeptical, biblically illiterate culture?
- What is the relationship between recounting God's past mighty acts and demonstrating His present kingdom power?
- How does the church's proclamation of God's kingdom differ from mere political or social activism?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsלְהוֹדִ֤יעַ׀1 of 7
“To make known”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
לִבְנֵ֣י2 of 7
“to the sons”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
גְּבוּרֹתָ֑יו4 of 7
“his mighty acts”
H1369force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
וּ֝כְב֗וֹד5 of 7
“and the glorious”
H3519properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
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 145:12 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 145:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge