Psalms 145:13

KJV

Thy kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion [endureth] throughout all generations.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thy kingdom {H4438} is an everlasting {H5769} kingdom {H4438}, and thy dominion {H4475} endureth throughout all {H1755} generations {H1755}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Your kingship is an everlasting kingship, your reign continues through all generations.

Berean Standard Bible

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is faithful in all His words and kind in all His actions.

American Standard Version

Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:13, a pivotal declaration within King David's acrostic psalm of praise, profoundly asserts the eternal and unchanging nature of God's sovereign rule. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement, assuring believers that God's kingdom transcends all temporal limitations and human empires, extending His steadfast dominion across every generation, thereby offering enduring stability and an ultimate ground for worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 is unique, explicitly titled "David's Psalm of Praise." It is an acrostic psalm, with each verse (or pair of verses in some translations) beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This particular verse, "Thy kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion [endureth] throughout all generations," corresponds to the 'Mem' section. The psalm systematically praises God's attributes: His greatness (vv. 1-7), goodness and compassion (vv. 8-9), righteous acts (vv. 10-13a), and faithfulness (vv. 13b-21). Verse 13 stands as a climactic declaration of God's enduring reign, building upon previous affirmations of His power and majesty (e.g., [His mighty acts](/psalms/145-4 "Psalm 145:4 - God's Mighty Acts") and [His glorious kingdom](/psalms/145-11 "Psalm 145:11 - The Glory of God's Kingdom")). It transitions from general praise of God's character to a specific focus on the eternal nature of His kingship.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Near Eastern kingship was often characterized by instability, conquest, and the rise and fall of empires. Human rulers, no matter how powerful, were mortal and their reigns finite. Israel's own history, from the united monarchy to divided kingdoms and exile, demonstrated the transient nature of earthly power. Against this backdrop, David's declaration of God's "everlasting kingdom" and "dominion throughout all generations" would have been profoundly counter-cultural and reassuring. It contrasted the fleeting nature of human rule (as seen in [the rise and fall of empires](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Four Beasts and the Ancient of Days")) with the divine, eternal, and unshakable sovereignty of Yahweh. The concept of a divine king was not unique, but the *eternality* and *moral perfection* of this divine king's rule set Israel's God apart.

* **Key Themes:**
* **God's Eternal Sovereignty:** The verse's primary theme is the absolute and unending nature of God's rule. Unlike human kingdoms that rise and fall, God's reign is not subject to time or decay. This theme is foundational to the entire psalm, which consistently emphasizes God's greatness and enduring power (e.g., [Psalm 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - God's Greatness")).
* **Unchanging Dominion and Faithfulness:** "Dominion" (memshâlâh) highlights God's active governance and authority. The phrase "throughout all generations" underscores His continuous, unwavering control over history and creation. This speaks to God's steadfast character and reliability, providing a stable anchor in a world of flux, echoing themes of God's covenant faithfulness seen throughout [the Pentateuch](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Beginning of God's Covenant with Humanity").
* **Ground for Praise and Trust:** The enduring nature of God's kingdom serves as the ultimate reason for worship and trust. If God's rule is eternal, then His promises are secure, His justice will prevail, and His goodness will endure. This truth empowers believers to praise Him without reservation and to find security in His ultimate control, a message reinforced by David's consistent call to praise (e.g., [Psalm 145:21](/psalms/145-21 "Psalm 145:21 - A Call to Praise")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Kingdom (Hebrew, _malkûwth'_):** This term (H4438) derives from a root meaning "to rule" or "to be king." It signifies not merely a geographical realm, but primarily the active exercise of royal power, kingship, or sovereignty. In the context of God, it denotes His inherent right and active administration as the supreme ruler over all creation, encompassing both His authority and the sphere of His reign.
* **Everlasting (Hebrew, _ʻôwlâm'_):** This powerful word (H5769) implies perpetuity, eternity, or a duration without end, often referring to time "out of mind" or "to the vanishing point." When applied to God's kingdom, it emphasizes its timelessness, its transcendence over all temporal limitations, and its unending nature, contrasting sharply with the finite existence of human empires.
* **Dominion (Hebrew, _memshâlâh'_):** As the feminine form of a word meaning "rule" (H4475), this term specifically refers to the act of ruling, governance, or the sphere of authority. It underscores the active, continuous, and effective control that God exercises over all things, reinforcing the concept of His absolute sovereignty and active presence throughout history.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thy kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom":** This opening clause declares the fundamental nature of God's rule. The repetition of "kingdom" (malkûwth) emphasizes its central importance, while "everlasting" ('ôwlâm) qualifies it as timeless and unending. This is not a temporary reign or a kingdom subject to decay, but one that exists eternally, transcending all limitations of time and space. It asserts God's inherent and perpetual sovereignty.
* **"and thy dominion [endureth] throughout all generations":** This second clause parallels and reinforces the first, using different but complementary terms. "Dominion" (memshâlâh) highlights God's active and continuous exercise of power and authority. The phrase "throughout all generations" (b'khol-dôwr va'dôwr, using H1755 dôwr) emphatically conveys the universality and perpetuity of God's rule across the entire span of human history, from antiquity to the future. It signifies that God's active governance is not confined to a specific era but is constant and unwavering for all time.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 145:13 employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("and thy dominion [endureth] throughout all generations") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first half ("Thy kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom"). Both clauses express the same core truth—God's eternal rule—using different but related concepts ("kingdom" and "dominion," "everlasting" and "throughout all generations"), thereby intensifying the declaration. The **Repetition** of "kingdom" in the first clause also serves to emphasize the central theme of divine kingship. Furthermore, the use of terms like "**everlasting**" and "**throughout all generations**" functions as a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, stressing the absolute and boundless nature of God's reign beyond any human comprehension of time. This verse, like the entire psalm, is also part of an **Acrostic** structure, which, while not strictly internal to the verse, contributes to the psalm's comprehensive and systematic praise of God's attributes, lending a sense of completeness and order to the declaration of His eternal dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:13 stands as a cornerstone for understanding the biblical doctrine of God's sovereignty. It asserts that God's rule is not merely powerful but also perpetual, providing ultimate stability and meaning in a transient world. This truth undergirds the entire narrative of salvation history, from creation to consummation. It assures believers that divine purposes will ultimately prevail, regardless of earthly chaos or human opposition. The eternal nature of God's kingdom means that His justice, love, and faithfulness are also eternal, offering an unshakable foundation for faith and hope. This verse connects deeply with the prophetic vision of God's ultimate triumph and the establishment of His perfect rule, a theme that resonates throughout both the Old and New Testaments.

* [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Indestructible Kingdom")
* [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Reign")
* [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of Our Lord and His Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The declaration of God's everlasting kingdom and enduring dominion in Psalms 145:13 offers profound comfort and challenges for daily living. In a world marked by constant change, political instability, and personal uncertainties, this verse serves as an anchor for the soul. It reminds us that no earthly power, no human crisis, and no personal struggle can ultimately thwart the eternal purposes of God. This truth invites us to release anxieties rooted in transient circumstances and to place our ultimate trust in the One whose reign is unshakable. Practically, it calls us to live with an eternal perspective, aligning our priorities, actions, and aspirations with the values and mission of God's enduring kingdom. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that our efforts in serving God are not in vain but contribute to a reality that will never pass away.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's everlasting kingdom impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to trust in fleeting earthly powers rather than God's eternal dominion?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to align your daily choices more closely with the values of God's enduring kingdom?**

### FAQ
**What does "everlasting kingdom" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: In Psalms 145:13, "everlasting kingdom" (Hebrew: _malkûwth 'ôwlâm_) signifies a kingdom that is not bound by the limitations of time, decay, or human succession. It means God's rule is eternal, without beginning or end, and not subject to the rise and fall that characterize all earthly empires. Unlike the temporary reigns of human kings, God's sovereignty is inherent, perpetual, and unchangeable. This concept is further developed in prophetic books, where God's kingdom is depicted as one that [will never be destroyed](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Indestructible Kingdom") or given to another people, but will stand forever.

**How does "dominion throughout all generations" differ from "everlasting kingdom"?**

Answer: While both phrases emphasize the eternal nature of God's rule, they offer complementary perspectives. "Everlasting kingdom" (malkûwth 'ôwlâm) primarily focuses on the *timeless nature* of God's reign—it is eternal in its essence. "Dominion throughout all generations" (memshâlâh dôwr dôwr) highlights the *active and continuous exercise* of God's authority across the entire span of human history. It emphasizes that God's rule is not a static concept but an active, ongoing governance that extends to every age, from the past to the present and into the future. It underscores His faithfulness and active involvement in the affairs of humanity and creation throughout all time, as seen in His consistent dealings with His people from [Abraham](/genesis/12-1 "Genesis 12:1 - The Call of Abraham") to the present day.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:13 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the King of this everlasting kingdom and the embodiment of God's eternal dominion. The angel Gabriel's prophecy to Mary declared that Jesus "will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of [His kingdom there will be no end](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Reign")"—a direct echo of the psalm's declaration. Through His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, Jesus inaugurated this everlasting kingdom, demonstrating God's power over sin, death, and all earthly authorities. His resurrection marked the decisive victory, establishing Him as [Lord of both the living and the dead](/romans/14-9 "Romans 14:9 - Christ's Lordship"). The dominion that endures throughout all generations is now actively exercised by Christ, who has been given [all authority in heaven and on earth](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission"). Believers are called to live as citizens of this present and future kingdom, participating in its expansion until the day when Christ fully consummates His reign and [the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of Our Lord and His Christ") forever and ever. Thus, David's ancient praise of God's eternal rule finds its glorious and living reality in Jesus, the King eternal.

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

1 Timothy 1:17

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Daniel 7:14

And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom [that] which shall not be destroyed.

Psalms 10:16

The LORD [is] King for ever and ever: the heathen are perished out of his land.

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.

Revelation 11:15

And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

Daniel 2:44

And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Daniel 7:27

And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.