Psalms 145:12

KJV

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

KJV (with Strong's)

To make known {H3045} to the sons {H1121} of men {H120} his mighty acts {H1369}, and the glorious {H3519} majesty {H1926} of his kingdom {H4438}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to let everyone know of your mighty acts and the glorious majesty of your kingship.

Berean Standard Bible

to make known to men Your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of Your kingdom.

American Standard Version

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, And the glory of the majesty of his kingdom.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:12 serves as a profound declaration of purpose within David's psalm of praise, articulating that the recognition of God's awe-inspiring power and the magnificent splendor of His sovereign rule is not merely for personal contemplation but for active, public proclamation. This verse bridges the divine attributes of God, celebrated throughout the psalm, with humanity's solemn responsibility to bear witness to His character and deeds across generations, ensuring that all people come to know and honor the King of creation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 145 stands as a unique and pivotal psalm, being the only one in the Masoretic Text explicitly titled "A Psalm of Praise. Of David." It is an alphabetic acrostic, a literary device where each successive verse (or pair of verses) begins with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet, signifying completeness and comprehensive praise. This structure underscores the psalm's exhaustive celebration of God's character. Verse 12 emerges from a section (verses 10-13) that shifts focus from God's inherent greatness to the *proclamation* of that greatness. Preceding verses laud God's wonderful works and glorious splendor (e.g., [Psalms 145:5](/psalms/145-5 "Psalms 145:5 - I Will Meditate on Your Glorious Splendor")), setting the stage for the explicit command in verse 12 to make these divine attributes known to humanity. It articulates the *why* behind the praise, providing a missional impetus to the adulation of God's active involvement in the world and His benevolent, eternal rule, echoing the call to praise found at the psalm's outset in [Psalms 145:1](/psalms/145-1 "Psalms 145:1 - I Will Extol You, My God and King").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, this psalm reflects the theological and cultural landscape of ancient Israel, where the kingship of God was a foundational concept, often contrasted with earthly monarchies. David, as an earthly king, understood his own reign as subservient to God's ultimate sovereignty. The emphasis on "mighty acts" (Hebrew: *gevurot*) would have resonated deeply with Israel's history, recalling pivotal moments like the Exodus (e.g., [Exodus 15:6](/exodus/15-6 "Exodus 15:6 - The Lord's Right Hand Is Glorious in Power")) and the conquest of Canaan, where God's power was demonstrably revealed. The call to "make known to the sons of men" implies a universal audience, consistent with Israel's prophetic role as a light to the nations (e.g., [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light for the Gentiles")). Public proclamation and intergenerational teaching were crucial for maintaining covenant faithfulness and transmitting spiritual heritage in a pre-literate society. The "kingdom" (Hebrew: *malkûwth*) here is not merely a political entity but God's active, righteous, and eternal reign over all creation, a concept deeply embedded in Israelite worship and eschatological hope (e.g., [Daniel 4:3](/daniel/4-3 "Daniel 4:3 - God's Kingdom Is an Everlasting Kingdom")).
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 145:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Proclamation of God's Deeds**, emphasizing that the knowledge of God's "mighty acts" (His powerful interventions, creation, deliverance, and judgment) is not meant to be confined to personal experience but actively shared. This outward declaration is a core aspect of worship, mirroring the call to remember and recount God's wonders (e.g., [Psalms 77:11](/psalms/77-11 "Psalms 77:11 - I Will Remember the Deeds of the Lord")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Majesty of God's Kingdom**, pointing to His supreme authority, sovereign rule, and the inherent splendor with which He governs all creation. This theme emphasizes that God's dominion is not only powerful but also beautiful, just, and worthy of universal adoration, a truth echoed in declarations of His eternal reign (e.g., [Psalms 103:19](/psalms/103-19 "Psalms 103:19 - The Lord Has Established His Throne in Heaven")). Finally, the phrase "to the sons of men" powerfully conveys the theme of **Intergenerational Witness and Universal Scope**, indicating that this proclamation is for all humanity and for all time. It is a divine mandate to transmit the knowledge of God's character and works to future generations, ensuring a continuous chain of worship and understanding, aligning with the psalm's broader emphasis on God's faithfulness from generation to generation (e.g., [Psalms 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalms 145:4 - One Generation Shall Commend Your Works to Another")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **make known (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, this primitive root means "to know," but encompasses far more than mere intellectual apprehension. It implies an experiential, intimate knowledge, and causatively, "to cause to know," "to instruct," or "to declare." In Psalms 145:12, it signifies actively revealing, proclaiming, and teaching others about God's character and deeds, moving from internal recognition to outward declaration.
* **mighty acts (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** From H1369, this feminine passive participle denotes "force," "valor," "victory," "might," or "power." It refers to God's powerful, heroic deeds and demonstrations of strength, particularly His interventions in history, such as creation, deliverance, and judgment. It speaks of God's active, dynamic involvement in the world, showcasing His omnipotence.
* **kingdom (Hebrew, _malkûwth'_):** From H4438, this term refers to "a rule," "dominion," "empire," or "realm." In the context of God, it signifies His sovereign reign, His royal authority, and the sphere of His divine governance. It highlights the absolute and eternal nature of God's kingship, which is characterized by justice, righteousness, and splendor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To make known to the sons of men":** This opening clause establishes the core purpose and audience of the declaration. "To make known" (Hebrew: *yâdaʻ*) implies an active, intentional proclamation, moving beyond mere personal knowledge to public testimony. "The sons of men" (Hebrew: *bên ʼâdâm*) signifies all humanity, emphasizing the universal scope of this divine revelation and the call to share it across all generations and cultures.
* **"his mighty acts":** This phrase specifies the content of the proclamation. "Mighty acts" (Hebrew: *gᵉbûwrâh*) refers to God's powerful, valorous deeds throughout history and creation—His interventions, deliverances, judgments, and demonstrations of strength. These are not abstract concepts but tangible manifestations of His power that demand recognition and declaration.
* **"and the glorious majesty of his kingdom":** This second object of proclamation complements the first, focusing on God's inherent nature and sovereign rule. "Glorious majesty" (Hebrew: *kâbôwd hâdâr*) combines concepts of splendor, honor, weightiness, and magnificence, painting a picture of overwhelming beauty, dignity, and significance. This refers to the inherent splendor and authority of God's "kingdom" (Hebrew: *malkûwth*), His eternal and righteous reign over all creation. It emphasizes that His dominion is not only powerful but also magnificent and worthy of ultimate adoration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 145:12 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact. **Parallelism** is evident in the two objects of proclamation: "his mighty acts" and "the glorious majesty of his kingdom." While distinct, these phrases are complementary, highlighting different facets of God's greatness that are to be made known. The "mighty acts" speak to His dynamic power in history, while the "glorious majesty of his kingdom" points to His inherent, regal splendor and sovereign authority. This creates a rich, multifaceted understanding of what is to be proclaimed. The use of **Theocentric Language** is pervasive, with every phrase directed towards God's attributes, reinforcing His centrality in all creation and human experience. The psalm also uses **Hyperbole** implicitly, as the "mighty acts" and "glorious majesty" are presented as boundless and beyond full human comprehension, yet still commanded to be declared, suggesting an inexhaustible source of praise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:12 articulates a fundamental theological truth: God's self-revelation necessitates human proclamation. It underscores that the knowledge of God's power and the splendor of His reign is not an end in itself for the individual, but a divine trust to be shared universally. This verse connects intimately with the biblical theme of God's desire for all creation to recognize His sovereignty and respond in worship. It portrays a God who is both transcendent in His majesty and immanent in His active involvement in the world, performing deeds that warrant ceaseless praise and declaration. This mandate to "make known" serves as a foundational principle for mission and evangelism throughout scripture, emphasizing that God's character and kingdom are meant to be revealed to every generation and every nation, ensuring that His glory fills the earth.

* [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Teach Your Children God's Deeds")
* [Isaiah 43:21](/isaiah/43-21 "A People I Formed for Myself to Declare My Praise")
* [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "Proclaiming God's Excellencies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:12 issues a powerful call to action for every believer: our encounter with God's power and glory must translate into public testimony. It reminds us that our knowledge of God's "mighty acts" – His saving work, His provision, His faithfulness in our lives and in history – is not solely for our personal spiritual enrichment, but for the edification and evangelization of others. We are commissioned to be active participants in God's ongoing revelation to the world. This involves not only verbal proclamation but also living a life that reflects the "glorious majesty of His kingdom" – a life characterized by justice, love, and righteousness that points to His reign. Our lives become a living commentary on His greatness, inviting others to recognize and submit to His benevolent rule. This verse challenges us to move beyond passive admiration to active, intentional witness, ensuring that the truth of who God is and what He has done is made known to "the sons of men" in our generation and those to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "make known" God's mighty acts and the glorious majesty of His kingdom in my daily life?**
* **What specific "mighty acts" of God have I personally experienced or witnessed that I can share with others?**
* **How does my understanding of God's "glorious majesty" influence my worship and my interactions with the world?**
* **What barriers might prevent me from proclaiming God's greatness, and how can I overcome them?**

### FAQ

**What are God's "mighty acts" mentioned in Psalms 145:12?**

Answer: God's "mighty acts" (Hebrew: *gᵉbûwrâh*) refer to His powerful, valorous deeds and interventions throughout history and in creation. These include His acts of creation (e.g., [Genesis 1:1](/genesis/1-1 "In the Beginning God Created")), His deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "The Crossing of the Red Sea")), His provision in the wilderness (e.g., [Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Manna and Quail")), His establishment of the covenant, His judgments against sin, and His ongoing sustenance of the world. In the New Testament, the ultimate "mighty act" is the work of salvation through Jesus Christ, including His death, resurrection, and ascension (e.g., [Colossians 2:12](/colossians/2-12 "Raised with Him Through Faith")).

**Why is it important to proclaim God's "glorious majesty of his kingdom"?**

Answer: Proclaiming the "glorious majesty of his kingdom" is crucial because it declares God's supreme sovereignty and rightful rule over all creation. It reminds humanity that there is an ultimate authority, a divine King whose reign is characterized by justice, righteousness, and splendor. This proclamation invites others to acknowledge God's kingship, to submit to His benevolent rule, and to find their true purpose and peace within His kingdom. It counters human pride and false idols, pointing to the one true God who reigns eternally (e.g., [Psalms 93:1](/psalms/93-1 "The Lord Reigns")).

**Who are "the sons of men" to whom God's acts and kingdom are to be made known?**

Answer: "The sons of men" (Hebrew: *bên ʼâdâm*) is a comprehensive biblical phrase referring to all humanity, without distinction. It emphasizes the universal scope of the command to proclaim God's greatness. This means that the message of God's mighty acts and the glory of His kingdom is intended for every individual, every nation, and every generation. It underscores the missional heart of God, desiring that all people come to know Him (e.g., [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "God Desires All People to Be Saved")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:12 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "mighty act" of God, the supreme demonstration of divine power and love. In His incarnation, life, miraculous works, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, God's power and faithfulness were made known in a way unparalleled in history (e.g., [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). Jesus perfectly embodies the "glorious majesty of his kingdom" because He *is* the King. His very person and mission inaugurated the kingdom of God, making its reality tangible and accessible to humanity (e.g., [Luke 17:21](/luke/17-21 "The Kingdom of God Is Within You")). Through Him, the invisible God is made visible, and His glory is fully revealed (e.g., [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "No One Has Seen God Except the Son")). The call to "make known to the sons of men" God's mighty acts and the majesty of His kingdom is now primarily fulfilled through the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Great Commission (e.g., [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "The Great Commission")) is the New Testament embodiment of this psalmist's mandate, empowering believers to declare the Good News of the King and His redemptive work to every corner of the earth, inviting all to enter His glorious and everlasting dominion (e.g., [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Delivered from Darkness into His Kingdom")).

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 105:1

¶ O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

Revelation 12:10

And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

Psalms 105:5

Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth;

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

Psalms 98:1

¶ A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.

Revelation 19:15

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

Revelation 19:16

And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.