Psalms 145:11

KJV

They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power;

KJV (with Strong's)

They shall speak {H559} of the glory {H3519} of thy kingdom {H4438}, and talk {H1696} of thy power {H1369};

Complete Jewish Bible

They will speak of the glory of your kingship, and they will tell about your might;

Berean Standard Bible

They will tell of the glory of Your kingdom and speak of Your might,

American Standard Version

They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, And talk of thy power;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:11 serves as a vibrant declaration of the divine mandate for God's people to actively proclaim the inherent splendor and majestic authority of His eternal reign, alongside the boundless and effective might of His sovereign power. This verse encapsulates the essence of worship as an outward, vocal testimony, highlighting that the recognition of God's attributes naturally leads to their enthusiastic communication to the world. It underscores the purpose of the redeemed community in magnifying the Lord's dominion and omnipotence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 145 is a unique acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses in some versions) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It stands as David's final psalm in the biblical collection, a grand hymn of praise that meticulously details the various facets of God's character. The preceding verse, [Psalms 145:10](/psalms/145-10 "Psalm 145:10 - All God's Works Praise Him"), states that "All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee." Psalms 145:11 elaborates on *how* the saints bless Him, specifically through vocal proclamation of His kingdom's glory and His power. The subsequent verses, such as [Psalms 145:12](/psalms/145-12 "Psalm 145:12 - Proclaiming God's Mighty Acts"), continue this theme of declaring God's mighty acts and the glorious majesty of His kingdom, leading into the declaration of His everlasting dominion in [Psalms 145:13](/psalms/145-13 "Psalm 145:13 - God's Everlasting Kingdom"). This verse is thus an integral part of a larger, sustained outpouring of praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, Psalms 145 reflects the perspective of an Israelite monarch deeply committed to the worship of Yahweh. In ancient Israel, the king was not only a political leader but also a spiritual shepherd, responsible for leading the nation in worship and upholding God's covenant. The concept of God's "kingdom" (מַלְכוּת, _malkûwth_) was central to Israelite identity, rooted in the covenant at Sinai and the promise of a Davidic dynasty that would ultimately point to God's eternal reign. Proclaiming God's power (_gᵉbûwrâh_) was a common theme, recalling His mighty acts in the Exodus, the conquest of Canaan, and His ongoing protection and provision for His people. Public declaration of God's greatness was a vital part of communal worship and national identity, often occurring in temple settings or during festivals.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 145 is replete with themes of God's **sovereignty** and **majesty**, emphasizing His rule over all creation and His inherent worthiness of praise. The psalm consistently highlights God's **goodness** and **compassion**, evident in His provision for all living things and His faithfulness to His covenant people, as seen in [Psalms 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalm 145:9 - The Lord is Good to All"). A prominent theme is also **divine power** and **might**, showcased in God's creative acts, His justice, and His ability to deliver and sustain. Finally, the psalm underscores the theme of **praise and proclamation**, not merely as an internal sentiment but as an active, vocal, and continuous declaration by God's "saints" (His faithful ones), inviting all creation to join in this chorus of adoration, echoing the call to praise found in [Psalms 150](/psalms/150 "Psalm 150 - A Call to Praise"). Psalms 145:11 directly embodies this theme of active proclamation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From H3519, this word properly signifies "weight," but figuratively it conveys "splendor" or "copiousness." When applied to God's kingdom, it speaks of its inherent magnificence, its weighty significance, and the awe-inspiring manifestation of His divine presence and authority. It is the visible, impactful radiance of God's being and rule.
* **Kingdom (Hebrew, _malkûwth'_):** From H4438, this term refers to a "rule" or, concretely, a "dominion." It encompasses the concept of kingship, royal power, and the realm over which a king exercises authority. In the context of God, it denotes His absolute sovereignty and universal reign over all creation, an eternal and unshakeable dominion.
* **Power (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** From H1369, this feminine passive participle denotes "force" (literally or figuratively), implying "valor," "victory," "mastery," or "strength." It speaks of God's immense strength, His capability, and His mighty acts, evident in creation, deliverance, and His ability to sustain and govern His kingdom. It assures believers of God's unwavering control and omnipotence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom,"**: This clause emphasizes the active, verbal declaration by God's faithful ones ("they") concerning the magnificent attributes of God's sovereign rule. "Glory" here refers to the inherent splendor, majesty, and weighty significance of God's kingdom. It's not just a private contemplation but a public articulation, a testimony to the awe-inspiring nature of God's reign, which is characterized by beauty, holiness, and supreme authority. The act of "speaking" implies a deliberate, articulate communication of these truths.
* **"and talk of thy power;"**: This second clause reinforces the first, broadening the scope of proclamation to include God's boundless might. "Talk" (from _dâbar_ or _ʼâmar_ in the Strong's data, indicating a primitive root for speaking/arranging) suggests a continuous, perhaps more informal or conversational, recounting of God's strength and capability. This "power" (_gᵉbûwrâh_) is God's active force, His ability to accomplish His will, to create, to sustain, to deliver, and to judge. The parallelism between "speak of the glory of thy kingdom" and "talk of thy power" indicates that both aspects of God's character are equally vital for proclamation.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 145:11 primarily employs **Synonymous Parallelism**, a common feature of Hebrew poetry. The two clauses, "They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom" and "and talk of thy power," express very similar ideas using different but related verbs ("speak" and "talk") and complementary nouns ("glory of thy kingdom" and "thy power"). This repetition with variation serves to intensify the message, emphasizing the dual nature of the proclamation: both the majestic beauty of God's reign and His effective omnipotence are to be declared. The use of "they" implies a collective, universal witness, further highlighting the widespread nature of this praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:11 powerfully articulates the theological truth that God's inherent majesty and active power are not meant to be hidden but are to be openly proclaimed by His people. This proclamation is an act of worship, a testimony to His sovereignty, and an invitation for others to acknowledge His reign. It connects to the broader biblical theme of God revealing Himself and His people responding with praise and witness. The glory of God's kingdom encompasses His character, His redemptive plan, and His ultimate victory, while His power undergirds all His works, from creation to salvation. This verse underscores the missional dimension of worship, where a heart filled with adoration overflows into vocal declaration.

* [Psalms 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "Isaiah 43:21 - A People Formed to Proclaim His Praise")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race to Proclaim His Excellencies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:11 is a profound call to active, vocal faith. It challenges believers to move beyond private devotion to public declaration of who God is and what He has done. Our lives, both individually and corporately as the church, are meant to be a continuous testament to God's glorious kingdom and His matchless power. This involves not only sharing the Gospel with those who do not know Him but also encouraging and edifying fellow believers by recounting God's faithfulness and might. In a world often consumed by human achievements and fleeting glories, our proclamation of God's eternal kingdom and unwavering power serves as a counter-narrative, pointing to the ultimate reality and source of all true authority and strength. It reminds us that our purpose is inextricably linked to magnifying the One who reigns supreme.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "speak of the glory of God's kingdom" in my daily life?**
* **How does understanding God's "power" encourage me in times of personal weakness or global uncertainty?**
* **What opportunities do I have to "talk of His power" to those who may not know Him?**
* **How does the collective "they" in this verse inform my understanding of the church's role in proclaiming God's attributes?**

### FAQ

**What does "the glory of thy kingdom" specifically refer to?**

Answer: "The glory of thy kingdom" refers to the inherent splendor, majesty, and weighty significance of God's sovereign rule. It encompasses the visible manifestation of His divine presence, His inherent worth, and the awe-inspiring nature of His reign. It speaks to the beauty, holiness, justice, and perfect order of God's dominion, which is not merely a future hope but a present reality that governs all creation, as affirmed in [Psalms 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalm 103:19 - The Lord's Kingdom Rules Over All").

**Why is it important for "they" (God's people) to speak and talk about God's kingdom and power?**

Answer: It is crucial for God's people to speak and talk about His kingdom and power for several reasons. Firstly, it is an act of worship and obedience, fulfilling the purpose for which we were created—to glorify God. Secondly, it serves as a powerful witness to the world, revealing God's character and inviting others to acknowledge His reign and experience His saving power. Thirdly, it strengthens the faith of believers, reminding them of God's unchanging nature and His ultimate sovereignty, especially in challenging times. This active proclamation is a core aspect of the Great Commission given in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "glory of thy kingdom" and "thy power" are most perfectly revealed and proclaimed through Him. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of God's kingdom, declaring its arrival and demonstrating its power through His miracles, teachings, and ultimately, His resurrection. He taught His disciples to pray for the coming of God's kingdom ([Matthew 6:10](/matthew/6-10 "Matthew 6:10 - The Lord's Prayer")), and He commissioned His followers to preach the good news of the kingdom ([Luke 9:2](/luke/9-2 "Luke 9:2 - Jesus Sends Out the Twelve")). The "power" spoken of in the Psalm is fully manifested in Christ's victory over sin and death, His authority over creation, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit He sent. The early church, empowered by the Spirit, continued the mission of "speaking of the glory of His kingdom" and "talking of His power," proclaiming Jesus as Lord and King ([Acts 2:36](/acts/2-36 "Acts 2:36 - God Made Him Both Lord and Christ")). Thus, the psalmist's call for God's people to declare His attributes becomes the very mission of the church, centered on the person and work of Christ, through whom God's kingdom is established and His power eternally displayed.

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

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:7

Of the increase of [his] government and peace [there shall be] no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

1 Chronicles 29:11

Thine, O LORD, [is] the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all [that is] in the heaven and in the earth [is thine]; thine [is] the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

1 Chronicles 29:12

Both riches and honour [come] of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand [is] power and might; and in thine hand [it is] to make great, and to give strength unto all.

Psalms 93:1

¶ The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, [wherewith] he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.

Psalms 93:2

Thy throne [is] established of old: thou [art] from everlasting.

Psalms 45:6

¶ Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre.