Psalms 135:13

KJV

Thy name, O LORD, [endureth] for ever; [and] thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy name {H8034}, O LORD {H3068}, endureth for ever {H5769}; and thy memorial {H2143}, O LORD {H3068}, throughout all {H1755} generations {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI, your name continues forever, your renown, ADONAI, through all generations.

Berean Standard Bible

Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your renown, O LORD, through all generations.

American Standard Version

Thy name, O Jehovah, endurethfor ever; Thy memorial name, O Jehovah, throughout all generations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 135:13 stands as a powerful and enduring declaration within a communal hymn of praise, asserting the eternal nature and everlasting renown of the God of Israel. It proclaims that the Lord's character and His identity, unlike the transient deities and fleeting empires of the world, are immutable and perpetually remembered across all generations, providing an unshakable foundation for His people's worship, trust, and intergenerational faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 135 functions as a liturgical hymn, likely intended for temple worship, possibly during significant festivals that commemorated God's mighty acts, such as Passover. The psalm begins with an urgent and inclusive call to praise the Lord, specifically addressing those who serve in the temple (`/psalms/135-1-3 "Psalm 135:1-3 - Call to Praise the Lord"`). This initial exhortation transitions into a comprehensive recounting of God's unparalleled power and historical faithfulness. The psalmist highlights God's sovereign choice of Israel as His treasured possession (`/psalms/135-4 "Psalm 135:4 - God's Special Possession"`), His omnipotence over all creation (`/psalms/135-5-7 "Psalm 135:5-7 - God's Greatness and Power"`), and His decisive acts of deliverance, particularly the plagues in Egypt and the conquest of kings in the Promised Land (`/psalms/135-8-12 "Psalm 135:8-12 - God's Mighty Deeds for Israel"`). Verse 13, the focus of this commentary, serves as a climactic theological affirmation, articulating the eternal nature of God's identity and fame. This declaration then sets up a stark and powerful contrast with the lifeless, impotent idols of the nations, which are meticulously described in the subsequent verses (`/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalm 135:15-18 - The Futility of Idols"`), before the psalm concludes with a final, resounding call for all Israel to bless the Lord (`/psalms/135-19-21 "Psalm 135:19-21 - A Concluding Call to Praise"`).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical and cultural backdrop for Psalm 135 is likely the post-exilic period, where the community was engaged in the rebuilding of the temple and the re-establishment of their national and spiritual identity. In this context, the psalm's robust affirmation of Yahweh's unique power and enduring faithfulness served as a crucial reminder and source of encouragement. It reinforced Israel's distinct identity as God's chosen people amidst the pervasive polytheism of the ancient Near East. Unlike the transient, localized, or anthropomorphic deities worshipped by surrounding nations, whose influence was often tied to specific regions, human rulers, or limited domains, the psalm unequivocally declares Yahweh's universal and eternal sovereignty. The assertion that God's "name" and "memorial" endure "for ever" and "throughout all generations" directly challenged the prevailing worldview, emphasizing that the God of Israel was not bound by time, geography, or the rise and fall of earthly empires, but was incomparably supreme and eternally active in history. This declaration would have instilled confidence and steadfastness in a community grappling with its place in a world dominated by powerful, often hostile, foreign empires.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 135:13 profoundly contributes to several core theological and narrative themes within Psalm 135 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **God's Eternal Nature and Immutability**. The declaration that God's "name" and "memorial" endure "for ever" and "throughout all generations" highlights His unchanging character and everlasting existence, providing a stable foundation for faith in a world characterized by flux and impermanence. This resonates deeply with other biblical affirmations of God's constancy, such as the declaration in `[Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change")` that the Lord does not change, and the New Testament affirmation in `[James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God, the Father of Lights")` that God is without shadow of turning. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Divine Remembrance and Perpetual Commemoration**. God's "memorial" signifies not only His own faithful remembrance of His covenant and people but also humanity's perpetual remembrance and proclamation of His mighty deeds and His unique identity. This concept is deeply rooted in the foundational revelation of God's name to Moses, where God explicitly declared, "this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations" (`/exodus/3-15 "Exodus 3:15 - God's Enduring Name and Memorial"`). Thirdly, the verse implicitly, and the psalm explicitly, speaks to **God's Sovereignty and Uniqueness**. By contrasting God's enduring nature with the lifelessness and impotence of idols in the verses that immediately follow (`/psalms/135-15-18 "Psalm 135:15-18 - The Impotence of Idols"`), the psalm asserts Yahweh's supreme authority and singular worthiness of worship above all other supposed deities.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **name (Hebrew, _shêm'_):** (H8034) A primitive word, perhaps from the idea of definite and conspicuous position; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character. In biblical thought, "name" signifies the very essence, character, reputation, and authority of a person. When applied to God, it refers to His revealed being, His attributes, His power, and His covenant relationship. The enduring nature of God's name means His essential being and character are immutable and eternally powerful.
* **for ever (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** (H5769) Properly, concealed, i.e. the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e. (practically) eternity. When predicated of God, `ʻôwlâm` denotes His timelessness, His existence without beginning or end, and the perpetual duration of His attributes, promises, and reign. It emphasizes the absolute permanence and boundless nature of God's identity and power, extending beyond any conceivable temporal limit.
* **memorial (Hebrew, _zêker'_):** (H2143) From זָכַר (zâkar); a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration. This term refers to God's enduring fame, His remembered acts of power and faithfulness, and the way He is called to mind by His people. It signifies that God's identity and His mighty deeds are not forgotten but are perpetually celebrated and proclaimed across generations, ensuring His continued recognition, worship, and the perpetuation of His covenant relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever":** This initial clause serves as a profound theological declaration concerning the eternal nature of God's character, authority, and very being. The "name" (Hebrew: _shêm_) of God represents His revealed essence, His attributes, and His unique identity as the covenant-keeping God (YHWH, rendered as "LORD"). The assertion that this name "endureth for ever" (Hebrew: _ʻôwlâm_) signifies that God's essential being, His power, His faithfulness, and His very existence are not subject to the passage of time, decay, or change. He is immutable, self-existent, and everlasting, providing an unchanging and utterly reliable foundation for all creation and for His relationship with humanity. This is a declaration of His ontological permanence.
* **"and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations":** This second clause powerfully reinforces and complements the first by focusing on the perpetual remembrance and commemoration of God. "Thy memorial" (Hebrew: _zêker_) refers to God's enduring fame, His mighty deeds, His acts of salvation, and the way He is called to mind and celebrated by His people. The phrase "throughout all generations" (Hebrew: _dôwr dôwr_) emphasizes the intergenerational continuity of this remembrance. It signifies that God's acts of power, His faithfulness, and His identity will be perpetually recalled, celebrated, and proclaimed by His people from one generation to the next, ensuring that His glory and His covenant promises are never forgotten but remain a living testimony across the ages. This speaks to the enduring impact and recognition of God's work in history.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 135:13 is crafted with several potent literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the two clauses "Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever" and "and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations" express similar ideas in different words, reinforcing the central message of God's eternal nature and enduring renown. The concept of God's "name" enduring "for ever" is mirrored and expanded by His "memorial" enduring "throughout all generations," creating a powerful echo that deepens the impact. The direct address "O LORD" is an example of **Apostrophe**, a rhetorical device where the speaker directly addresses an absent person or a personified object. This creates a sense of intimate, personal praise and elevates the declaration, making it a direct and fervent address to the Divine. Furthermore, the terms "name" and "memorial" function as **Metonymy**, where these abstract concepts stand in for God's entire being, character, and historical acts. The "name" encapsulates His essence and authority, while the "memorial" represents the lasting impact and perpetual remembrance of His works, making the abstract concept of God's eternity tangible and comprehensible to the worshiper.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 135:13 articulates a foundational truth of biblical theology: God's eternal nature and His unwavering covenant faithfulness. This verse assures believers that the God they worship is not a transient deity, but One whose character, promises, and redemptive acts are immutable and perpetually relevant. This declaration provides immense comfort and stability, knowing that the source of their hope and salvation is an unshifting, ever-present reality. It also underscores the profound importance of the intergenerational transmission of faith, as God's "memorial" is to be kept alive "throughout all generations," calling each new generation to remember, proclaim, and pass on the mighty deeds and enduring identity of God. This perpetuates the covenant relationship and ensures that His glory is continually recognized and celebrated.

* [Exodus 3:15](/exodus/3-15 "Exodus 3:15 - God's Name and Memorial to All Generations")
* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - The Unchanging God")
* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same Yesterday, Today, and Forever")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by relentless change, fleeting trends, and shifting allegiances, Psalms 135:13 offers a profound and unshakeable anchor for the soul. The declaration that God's name and memorial endure forever reminds us that our ultimate hope, security, and identity rest not in human institutions, temporary circumstances, or personal achievements, but in the unchanging, eternal character of the Almighty. This truth invites us to cultivate a deep and abiding trust in Him, knowing that His promises are steadfast, His love is unfailing, and His power is undiminished across all time. It frees us from the anxiety of impermanence and calls us to align our lives with His eternal purposes. Furthermore, the call for His "memorial" to endure "throughout all generations" places a sacred responsibility upon us, the current generation of believers. We are not merely passive recipients of a historical faith but active participants in its transmission. This means intentionally recounting God's mighty acts, teaching His Word, living lives that bear witness to His enduring faithfulness, and investing in the spiritual formation of the next generation, ensuring that they too will know, remember, and worship the God whose name endures forever.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the unchanging nature of God's "name" provide comfort and stability in your life when facing uncertainty or change?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively contribute to keeping God's "memorial" alive for future generations within your family, church, or community?**
* **How does meditating on God's eternal character deepen your worship and strengthen your trust in His promises for your life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "name" and "memorial" in Psalms 135:13?**

Answer: In biblical thought, a "name" (Hebrew: _shêm_) is far more than a mere label; it encapsulates the very essence, character, authority, and reputation of an individual. When applied to God, "Thy name, O LORD" refers to His revealed being, His attributes, His power, and His covenant relationship with Israel. It signifies that God's essential nature and all that He is remains eternally consistent and powerful, never diminishing or changing. "Memorial" (Hebrew: _zêker_) refers to God's enduring fame, His remembered acts of power and faithfulness, and the way He is called to mind by His people. It’s not just about God remembering His people, but about humanity remembering and proclaiming His greatness. Together, these terms emphasize that God's identity, His mighty deeds (such as the Exodus and the giving of the Law), and His covenant faithfulness are not forgotten but are perpetually celebrated and proclaimed across all generations, ensuring His continued recognition and worship. This concept is deeply rooted in `[Exodus 3:15](/exodus/3-15 "Exodus 3:15 - God's Name and Memorial")`, where God explicitly declares His name and memorial to be for all generations, establishing a perpetual remembrance of His divine identity and saving acts.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 135:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, for He is the very embodiment of God's eternal "name" and "memorial" made manifest in human history. The "name, O LORD," which endures forever, is perfectly revealed in `[Jesus Christ](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")`, who is `[the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")`. He is `[the same yesterday, today, and forever](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")`, the eternal Son of God, whose divine nature is `[without beginning or end](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")` and who declares Himself as `[the Alpha and the Omega](/revelation/22-13 "Revelation 22:13 - Jesus, the Alpha and Omega")`. Furthermore, the "memorial... throughout all generations" is supremely realized in Christ's redemptive work. His life, atoning death, glorious resurrection, and triumphant ascension constitute the greatest acts of God's power and faithfulness, establishing a new covenant that is `[eternal](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Eternal Covenant")` and remembered by believers across all ages through the `[Lord's Supper](/1_corinthians/11-23-26 "1 Corinthians 11:23-26 - The Lord's Supper")` ("Do this in remembrance of me") and the `[proclamation of the Gospel](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confess Jesus as Lord")`. The enduring fame and remembrance of God are now inextricably linked to the person and saving work of Christ, through whom `[all things were created and in whom all things hold together](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")` and `[through whom we have eternal life](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")`. Thus, the psalm's declaration points forward to the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice and reign ensure that God's name and memorial will indeed endure for all generations, for `[He has been given the name that is above every name](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - The Name Above Every Name")`, to the glory of God the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 102:12

¶ But thou, O LORD, shalt endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations.

Exodus 3:15

And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this [is] my name for ever, and this [is] my memorial unto all generations.

Psalms 72:17

His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and [men] shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

Psalms 8:9

O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth!

Psalms 102:21

To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem;

Psalms 89:1

¶ Maschil of Ethan the Ezrahite. I will sing of the mercies of the LORD for ever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations.

Psalms 8:1

¶ To the chief Musician upon Gittith, A Psalm of David. O LORD our Lord, how excellent [is] thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.