King James Version

What Does Psalms 145:4 Mean?

Psalms 145:4 in the King James Version says “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 145 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

Psalms 145:4 · KJV


Context

2

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

3

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. and his: Heb. and of his greatness there is no search

4

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

5

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. works: Heb. things, or, words

6

And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. declare: Heb. declare it


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. The transmission of faith across generations—dor lĕdor (דּוֹר לְדוֹר) "generation to generation"—is central to covenant faithfulness. The verb yeshabĕchu (יְשַׁבְּחוּ) "shall praise" indicates ongoing testimony, not passive tradition. God's ma'aseka (מַעֲשֶׂיךָ) "works" and gĕburoteka (גְּבוּרֹתֶיךָ) "mighty acts" encompass both creation and redemptive history.

Shall declare (yaggidu, יַגִּידוּ) means to tell, recount, make known—active proclamation, not mere preservation. Each generation has responsibility to tell the next of God's faithfulness, paralleling Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and anticipating the Great Commission's call to make disciples of all nations.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The intergenerational transmission of faith was foundational to Israelite identity (Exodus 12:26-27, Psalm 78:4-6). Fathers were commanded to teach children God's mighty acts in Egypt, the wilderness wanderings, and entrance into Canaan. This educational mandate preserved covenant knowledge through centuries of upheaval.

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific 'mighty acts' of God in your own life should you be declaring to the next generation?
  2. How can the church recover robust intergenerational faith transmission in an age-segregated culture?
  3. What prevents believers from naturally and joyfully recounting God's works to children and younger Christians?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לְ֭דוֹר1 of 6

One

H1755

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

לְ֭דוֹר2 of 6

One

H1755

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

יְשַׁבַּ֣ח3 of 6

shall praise

H7623

properly, to address in a loud tone, i.e., (specifically) loud

מַעֲשֶׂ֑יךָ4 of 6

thy works

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

וּגְב֖וּרֹתֶ֣יךָ5 of 6

thy mighty acts

H1369

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

יַגִּֽידוּ׃6 of 6

to another and shall declare

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to


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 145:4 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 145:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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