King James Version

What Does Psalms 145:13 Mean?

Psalms 145:13 in the King James Version says “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. an: Heb. a kingdom of all a...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 145 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 145:13 · KJV

Eternal Life

Context

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.

15

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. wait: or, look unto

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
This verse extends the scope of God's benevolence across time and creation: 'Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.' The phrase 'everlasting kingdom' (memlachah le'olamim) asserts both the reality of God's present kingship and its eternal continuation. 'Thy dominion endureth throughout all generations' emphasizes stability across successive human ages. This verse moves from God's intrinsic character (verses 8) to His universal rule. The theological claim is that God's sovereignty is not provisional or temporary but fundamental to creation's structure. Throughout history's successive generations, God's rule continues unchanged. This provides hope for any oppressed generation: current political circumstances do not diminish God's ultimate authority. The verse implicitly critiques reliance on earthly kingdoms, which inevitably pass (Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman empires all fell, but God's kingdom remained). This is not escapist otherworldliness but theological grounding in reality - God's kingdom, not human empires, ultimately determines history's trajectory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

During Israel's monarchical period (1000-586 BC), king-worship included celebration of the king's dynasty as 'everlasting' (Psalm 89:3-4, 28-29). However, the Babylonian exile devastated this theology - the Davidic dynasty ceased to rule. This psalm, likely composed or compiled after exile, redirects the language of 'everlasting kingdom' to God alone. This is theologically sophisticated: it maintains hope in God's enduring rule while acknowledging the failure of human kingship. During the Hellenistic period (332-165 BC), when Jews lived under the rule of Alexander and his successors, the affirmation of God's everlasting kingdom provided spiritual resistance to cultural assimilation. The concept of God's kingdom 'throughout all generations' appears in apocalyptic literature (Daniel 7, later developed into concepts of messianic kingdom and resurrection). For early Christians reading this psalm, it pointed toward Jesus's teaching about the 'kingdom of God' (Mark 1:14-15) and the expectation of a future restoration of all things.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the theological significance of affirming God's 'everlasting kingdom' during periods when human kingdoms are dominant?
  2. How does belief in God's eternal dominion affect our evaluation of current political and social circumstances?
  3. Why is it important that God's dominion endures 'throughout all generations' rather than being limited to the present?
  4. In what ways does this verse challenge human attempts to establish permanent political systems and empires?
  5. How should the recognition of God's ultimate kingship shape our loyalty to earthly authorities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
מַלְכ֥וּת1 of 8

“Thy kingdom”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

מַלְכ֥וּת2 of 8

“Thy kingdom”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

כָּל3 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עֹֽלָמִ֑ים4 of 8

“is an everlasting”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וּ֝מֶֽמְשֶׁלְתְּךָ֗5 of 8

“and thy dominion”

H4475

rule; also (concretely in plural) a realm or a ruler

בְּכָל6 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וָדֹֽר׃7 of 8

“endureth throughout all”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וָדֹֽר׃8 of 8

“endureth throughout all”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

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 145:13 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 145:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Timothy 1:17Daniel 7:14Isaiah 9:7Psalms 10:16Revelation 11:15Daniel 2:44

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