King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:4 Mean?

Psalms 78:4 in the King James Version says “We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.”

Psalms 78:4 · KJV

Strength

Context

2

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

3

Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

4

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

5

For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:

6

That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The mandate continues: "We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done" (Hebrew lo n-kached mi-b-neyhem l-dor acharon m-sapprim t-hilot YHWH v-azuzo v-nifle-otav asher asah). "Not hide" indicates intentional disclosure—faith transmission requires active effort. Three things must be shown: God's "praises" (His worshipful character), His "strength" (His power), and His "wonderful works" (His mighty acts). The verse establishes that each generation inherits responsibility to transmit faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) commanded parents to teach children constantly—"when you sit, walk, lie down, rise up." Israel's survival as covenant people depended on faithful transmission. When a generation failed this (Judges 2:10-13), apostasy followed. The New Testament continues this: parents nurture children "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).

Reflection Questions

  1. What might cause a generation to "hide" God's truth from their children, and how can you resist this?
  2. How are you intentionally "showing" (not assuming) the next generation God's praises, strength, and works?
  3. What "wonderful works" from your experience with God should you be declaring to younger believers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לֹ֤א1 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נְכַחֵ֨ד׀2 of 12

“We will not hide”

H3582

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy

מִבְּנֵיהֶ֗ם3 of 12

“them from their children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לְד֥וֹר4 of 12

“to the generation”

H1755

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

אַחֲר֗וֹן5 of 12

“to come”

H314

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

מְֽ֭סַפְּרִים6 of 12

“shewing”

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

תְּהִלּ֣וֹת7 of 12

“the praises”

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

יְהוָ֑ה8 of 12

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וֶעֱזוּז֥וֹ9 of 12

“and his strength”

H5807

forcibleness

וְ֝נִפְלְאֹתָ֗יו10 of 12

“and his wonderful works”

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 12
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשָֽׂה׃12 of 12

“that he hath done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 78:4 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 78:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 11:19Deuteronomy 4:9Psalms 145:4-6Joel 1:3Psalms 71:17-18Deuteronomy 6:7

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