King James Version

What Does Psalms 79:13 Mean?

Psalms 79:13 in the King James Version says “So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generatio...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 79 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations. to all: Heb. to generation and generation”

Psalms 79:13 · KJV

Context

11

Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; thy: Heb. thine arm preserve: Heb. reserve the children of death

12

And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

13

So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations. to all: Heb. to generation and generation

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations. The psalm concludes with a vow of perpetual praise—the anticipated response to answered prayer. Having confessed sin, appealed to God's name, and requested deliverance, the community now promises thanksgiving that will extend through all generations.

"We thy people and sheep of thy pasture" (va'anachnu ammekha vetzon mar'itekha, וַאֲנַחְנוּ עַמְּךָ וְצֹאן מַרְעִיתֶךָ) employs the shepherd-flock imagery prominent in this section of the Psalter (74:1, 77:20, 78:52, 80:1). Despite judgment and suffering, Israel remains God's people, His flock. The relationship, though strained by sin and discipline, persists. This identity provides basis for hope: shepherds do not abandon their flocks permanently.

"Will give thee thanks for ever" (nodeh lekha le'olam, נוֹדֶה לְּךָ לְעוֹלָם) promises ongoing todah (thanksgiving, confession, acknowledgment). The adverb le'olam (forever, perpetually) extends the vow beyond the immediate generation. This is not a temporary bargain but permanent commitment.

"We will shew forth thy praise to all generations" (ledor vador nesapper tehillatekha, לְדֹר וָדֹר נְסַפֵּר תְּהִלָּתֶךָ) envisions intergenerational testimony. Saphar means to recount, tell, declare; tehillah means praise, hymn, song of praise. The community commits to transmitting praise through successive generations. God's saving acts will become the content of ongoing worship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Vows of praise frequently conclude Israelite laments. The pattern moves from distress to petition to praise—sometimes anticipated praise before deliverance, sometimes thanksgiving after deliverance. These vows reinforced the community's commitment and expressed confidence that God would act.

The emphasis on transmitting praise through generations reflects covenant theology. God's relationship with Israel was not merely with one generation but with their descendants forever (Genesis 17:7). Parents were responsible to teach children what God had done (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, 20-25). The Psalms themselves became vehicles for this transmission—sung in temple, memorized at home, recited in liturgy.

For post-exilic Israel, this verse anticipated restoration and renewal. The destroyed temple would be rebuilt; worship would resume; praise would continue. The devastation described in verse 1 was not the end of the story. God's faithfulness would be declared to future generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the shepherd-flock imagery provide comfort in the context of judgment and suffering?
  2. What is the significance of promising praise 'for ever' and 'to all generations'?
  3. How do lament psalms model the movement from distress through petition to praise?
  4. What responsibility do believers have to 'shew forth' God's praise to the next generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַאֲנַ֤חְנוּ1 of 11
H587

we

עַמְּךָ֙׀2 of 11

“So we thy people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וְצֹ֥אן3 of 11

“and sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

מַרְעִיתֶךָ֮4 of 11

“of thy pasture”

H4830

pasturage; concretely, a flock

נ֤וֹדֶ֥ה5 of 11

“will give thee thanks”

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

לְּךָ֗6 of 11
H0
לְע֫וֹלָ֥ם7 of 11

“for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וָדֹ֑ר8 of 11

“generations”

H1755

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

וָדֹ֑ר9 of 11

“generations”

H1755

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

נְ֝סַפֵּ֗ר10 of 11

“we will shew forth”

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

תְּהִלָּתֶֽךָ׃11 of 11

“thy praise”

H8416

laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn

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 79:13 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 79:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 95:7Isaiah 43:21Psalms 74:1Psalms 100:3Psalms 145:4Psalms 74:18

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