King James Version

What Does Psalms 77:12 Mean?

Psalms 77:12 in the King James Version says “I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 77 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.”

Psalms 77:12 · KJV

Context

10

And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.

11

I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

12

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

13

Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?

14

Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will meditate also of all thy work (וְהָגִיתִי בְכָל־פָעֳלֶךָ). Hagah (הָגָה) means to meditate, muse, ponder deeply—often with the connotation of verbal repetition (Psalms 1:2, 119:15). Po'al (פֹּעַל) means work, deed, or action. The psalmist commits to contemplating the totality of God's historical acts. This verse parallels verse 11 but adds the dimension of verbal reflection.

And talk of thy doings (וּבַעֲלִילוֹתֶיךָ אָשִׂיחָה). Siach (שִׂיחַ) appears again (vv.3, 6)—but now directed not inward in complaint but outward in testimony. Alilah (עֲלִילָה) means deeds, acts, or works (often mighty acts). The movement is significant: from troubled meditation (v.3) to redemptive proclamation. Memory becomes testimony; private wrestling becomes public witness. This anticipates the psalm's climactic recital of the exodus (vv.13-20).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Biblical meditation differs from Eastern mysticism—it is not emptying the mind but filling it with God's revealed acts and words. The imperative to 'talk' (declare, recount) God's works runs throughout Scripture: "We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD" (Psalm 78:4). Christian preaching and testimony continue this pattern—proclaiming what God has done in history (Acts 2:22-36).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does deliberate meditation on God's works move us from complaint to confidence?
  2. What is the relationship between private meditation and public testimony about God's deeds?
  3. How can you practice <em>hagah</em> (deep meditation) on God's acts in Christ this week?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וְהָגִ֥יתִי1 of 5

“I will meditate”

H1897

to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication, to ponder

בְכָל2 of 5
H3605

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

פָּעֳלֶ֑ךָ3 of 5

“also of all thy work”

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

וּֽבַעֲלִ֖ילוֹתֶ֣יךָ4 of 5

“of thy doings”

H5949

an exploit (of god), or a performance (of man, often in a bad sense); by implication, an opportunity

אָשִֽׂיחָה׃5 of 5

“and talk”

H7878

to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter

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 77:12 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 77:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 71:24Psalms 145:11Deuteronomy 6:7Luke 24:14-32Psalms 145:4Psalms 104:34

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