King James Version
What Does Psalms 48:13 Mean?
“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.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe 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.
KJV Study — Public Domain
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
- How does studying God's works prepare us to 'tell it to the generation following'?
- What responsibility do you have to transmit faith to the next generation?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 9 wordsלִבְּכֶ֨ם׀2 of 9
“ye well”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
לְמַ֥עַן6 of 9
H4616properly, 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”
H5608properly, 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”
H1755properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
אַחֲרֽוֹן׃9 of 9
“following”
H314hinder; 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