King James Version

What Does Psalms 48:13 Mean?

Psalms 48:13 in the King James Version says “Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following. Mark: Heb. Set your he...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following. Mark: Heb. Set your heart to consider: or, raise up”

Psalms 48:13 · KJV

Context

11

Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

12

Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

13

Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following. Mark: Heb. Set your heart to consider: or, raise up

14

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The purpose of the survey: 'Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following.' Observation serves transmission. We study God's works in order to teach them to our children. Faith is not merely personal possession but heritage to be passed on.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Intergenerational transmission of faith was commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and modeled throughout Israel's history. Each generation was responsible to receive, preserve, and communicate the truth about God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does studying God's works prepare us to 'tell it to the generation following'?
  2. What responsibility do you have to transmit faith to the next generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
שִׁ֤יתוּ1 of 9

“Mark”

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

לִבְּכֶ֨ם׀2 of 9

“ye well”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

לְֽחֵילָ֗ה3 of 9

“her bulwarks”

H2430

an intrenchment

פַּסְּג֥וּ4 of 9

“consider”

H6448

to cut up, i.e., (figuratively) contemplate

אַרְמְנוֹתֶ֑יהָ5 of 9

“her palaces”

H759

a citadel (from its height)

לְמַ֥עַן6 of 9
H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

תְּ֝סַפְּר֗וּ7 of 9

“that ye may tell”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

לְד֣וֹר8 of 9

“it to the generation”

H1755

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

אַחֲרֽוֹן׃9 of 9

“following”

H314

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

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 48:13 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 48:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 71:18Psalms 122:7Psalms 78:4-6Joel 1:3Deuteronomy 11:19Acts 15:14-16

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