Psalms 145:4

KJV

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.

KJV (with Strong's)

One {H1755} generation {H1755} shall praise {H7623} thy works {H4639} to another, and shall declare {H5046} thy mighty acts {H1369}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each generation will praise your works to the next and proclaim your mighty acts.

Berean Standard Bible

One generation will commend Your works to the next, and will proclaim Your mighty acts—

American Standard Version

One generation shall laud thy works to another, And shall declare thy mighty acts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 145:4 declares the perpetual mandate for each successive generation to actively and vocally transmit the knowledge, praise, and testimony of God's character and deeds to the next. It underscores the vital importance of intergenerational discipleship, ensuring that the divine narrative of creation, providence, and redemption—manifested in God's "works" and "mighty acts"—remains vibrant, celebrated, and deeply embedded in the communal memory and worship of His people through all ages.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 is a majestic acrostic hymn of praise, traditionally attributed to King David, celebrating the boundless majesty and goodness of God. Each verse, or pair of verses, generally follows the Hebrew alphabet, creating a comprehensive and ordered declaration of divine attributes and actions. This particular verse, [Psalms 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalm 145:4 - Generational Praise and Proclamation"), serves as a pivotal transition within the psalm. It shifts from the individual and immediate praise of God's greatness, as articulated in [Psalms 145:3](/psalms/145-3 "Psalm 145:3 - God's Unsearchable Greatness"), to the communal and enduring responsibility of transmitting that praise across the continuum of generations. This verse sets the stage for the psalm's subsequent verses, which continue to elaborate on the eternal nature of God's kingdom, His unwavering faithfulness, and His profound compassion—all of which are explicitly designated as content to be declared and celebrated by every age.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, the diligent transmission of heritage, law, and religious truth from one generation to the next was not merely a cultural norm but a foundational divine imperative. The family unit, alongside the wider community, served as the primary conduit for both education and spiritual formation. The explicit command found in [Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - Teach Your Children Diligently") to "diligently teach them to your children" exemplifies this profound emphasis on oral tradition and the lived expression of faith. The "works" and "mighty acts" of God would have resonated deeply with the collective memory of pivotal historical events such as the Exodus, the giving of the Law at Sinai, the conquest of Canaan, and God's ongoing providential care. These events were not just historical facts but were foundational to Israel's national identity and their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Thus, this verse reflects a culture where history was understood as sacred, embodying God's active presence, and therefore demanding continuous remembrance, proclamation, and re-enactment through worship and instruction.
* **Key Themes:** [Psalms 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalm 145:4 - The Generational Mandate for Praise") powerfully encapsulates several core themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, it highlights the **Generational Transmission of Faith**, emphasizing that faith is not a static inheritance but a dynamic, living legacy to be actively passed down. This ensures the continuity and vitality of God's covenant people across time, preventing spiritual amnesia and fostering a living relationship with God. Secondly, the verse focuses on **God's Works and Mighty Acts** as the primary content of this essential transmission. "Thy works" (Hebrew: *ma'aseh*) refers to God's creative, providential, and ongoing activities in the world, while "thy mighty acts" (Hebrew: *gᵉbûwrâh*) points specifically to His powerful, often miraculous, interventions in history—His demonstrations of strength in salvation, judgment, and the establishment of His kingdom. This echoes the call in [Psalm 78:4](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - Declaring God's Praiseworthy Deeds to the Next Generation") to declare God's deeds. Finally, the verse underscores the **Active Declaration and Praise** required of each generation. It is not sufficient to merely possess knowledge about God; there is a divine call to "praise" and "declare" His deeds, implying a vocal, public, and intentional sharing of testimony and worship that transcends individual experience and becomes a communal heritage, binding generations in a shared narrative of divine faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "to revolve" or "to encircle," properly signifies a revolution of time, an age, or a generation. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of human existence and the succession of people through time. In this context, it highlights the continuous procession of human beings, each group having the responsibility to receive and transmit the divine narrative, ensuring its perpetual vitality.
* **praise (Hebrew, _shâbach'_):** A primitive root meaning "to address in a loud tone" or "to commend." It suggests a boisterous, public, and enthusiastic celebration or acclamation. It implies not a quiet, internal appreciation but a vibrant, vocal, and often communal declaration of God's goodness and greatness, indicating an active and audible form of worship that is meant to be heard and witnessed by others.
* **mighty acts (Hebrew, _gᵉbûwrâh'_):** This feminine passive participle denotes force, valor, victory, or strength. It refers specifically to God's powerful deeds, His miraculous interventions, and His demonstrations of power in history, often in acts of salvation, judgment, or creation. These are the tangible, undeniable evidences of God's active presence and sovereignty that are to be declared and celebrated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"One generation shall praise thy works to another,"**: This opening clause establishes the profound responsibility and privilege of each successive group of people—a "generation"—to actively and vocally laud, celebrate, and worship God for His "works." These "works" encompass His creative acts, His ongoing providential care, and His consistent activity in the world. The crucial phrase "to another" underscores the direct, intentional, and continuous transmission of this praise. It signifies a spiritual relay race, where those who have experienced or learned of God's deeds pass on that adoration and recognition of God's character, as revealed in His actions, to those who follow. This is not a passive inheritance but an active, deliberate impartation.
* **"and shall declare thy mighty acts."**: This parallel clause reinforces and expands upon the first, adding depth to the nature of the intergenerational transmission. To "declare" implies making known, announcing, proclaiming, or expounding God's "mighty acts." These "mighty acts" refer to His powerful, often miraculous, interventions in history—His demonstrations of strength, valor, and victory, such as the Exodus or the conquest of Canaan. This declaration is not merely an internal acknowledgment but an outward, bold, and public proclamation. The pairing of "praise" and "declare" signifies both an act of worshipful adoration and an act of evangelism or testimony, ensuring that the historical and powerful demonstrations of God's character are not forgotten but actively proclaimed, taught, and celebrated by new generations.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 145:4 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. Most prominently, it utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and shall declare thy mighty acts") reiterates and amplifies the meaning of the first clause ("One generation shall praise thy works to another"). "Praise thy works" is echoed and strengthened by "declare thy mighty acts," with both "works" and "mighty acts" referring to the divine deeds, and "praise" and "declare" both signifying vocal proclamation and testimony. This repetition serves to intensify the mandate and underscore the dual nature of the transmission: both worshipful adoration and informative testimony. Furthermore, there is an element of **Personification**, as "one generation" is depicted as an active agent performing the actions of praising and declaring, highlighting the collective, corporate responsibility of a community across time. The implied continuity across successive generations also suggests a powerful theme of **Enduring Testimony**, where the very passage of time becomes the stage for the perpetual proclamation of God's greatness and faithfulness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational to the theology of intergenerational faith and the enduring nature of God's self-revelation. It posits that God's character and actions are not confined to a single historical moment or a specific group of people but are meant to be known, celebrated, and transmitted through all ages. The continuity of praise ensures that the knowledge of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and power remains vibrant and relevant, preventing spiritual amnesia and fostering a perpetual awareness of His active presence. It underscores the relational aspect of faith, where the living God continues to perform "works" and "mighty acts" that demand a response of worship and testimony, thereby fostering a perpetual covenant relationship between God and His people across the span of human history. This divine imperative ensures that the story of God's redemptive work is never lost but continually renewed in the hearts and minds of each new generation.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teach Your Children God's Commands")
* [Psalm 78:3-4](/psalms/78-3-4 "Psalm 78:3-4 - We Will Not Hide God's Deeds from Our Children")
* [Joel 1:3](/joel/1-3 "Joel 1:3 - Tell Your Children and Their Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 145:4 serves as a profound charge for every believer and for the church as a whole, reminding us that our faith is not a private possession but a sacred trust to be stewarded and shared. In an age often characterized by rapid change, historical detachment, and a tendency towards individualism, this verse calls us to intentionally bridge the generational divide, ensuring that the timeless truths of God's "works" and "mighty acts" are not lost to the currents of contemporary culture. This involves more than just formal teaching; it encompasses living out our faith authentically, sharing personal testimonies of God's faithfulness, recounting biblical narratives with passion and relevance, and modeling a life of genuine praise and worship. Parents, grandparents, mentors, and spiritual leaders are all commissioned to be active conduits of this divine legacy, fostering environments where the next generation can encounter the living God for themselves and be equipped to continue the cycle of praise and declaration. Our worship today is not just for our own spiritual benefit, but it is a vital act of spiritual inheritance and formation for those who will follow in our footsteps.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "works" and "mighty acts" of God have you personally experienced or witnessed that you are called to declare to others?**
* **How are you actively participating in the intergenerational transmission of faith within your family, church, or broader community?**
* **What practical steps can you take to ensure that the next generation truly understands and praises God's character and deeds, rather than merely inheriting a tradition or a set of rules?**

### FAQ
**Why is the intergenerational transmission of faith so crucial according to this verse?**

Answer: The intergenerational transmission of faith is crucial because it ensures the continuity of God's praise and the knowledge of His character and actions throughout human history. [Psalms 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalm 145:4 - Generational Praise and Proclamation") highlights that God's "works" and "mighty acts" are enduring and deserve perpetual adoration. Without intentional declaration from one "generation" to "another," the memory of God's faithfulness and power could fade, leading to spiritual amnesia and a diminished understanding of His sovereignty. This continuity preserves the covenant relationship between God and His people, allowing each new age to experience and respond to His living presence, ensuring that the divine narrative remains vibrant and relevant.

**What is the difference between "works" and "mighty acts" in this context?**

Answer: While both terms refer to God's actions, "works" (Hebrew: *maʻăseh*) generally encompasses God's ongoing creative activity, providential care, and the regular operations of His kingdom in the world. It speaks to His consistent, reliable, and sustaining nature. "Mighty acts" (Hebrew: *gᵉbûwrâh*), on the other hand, specifically refers to God's powerful, often miraculous, interventions in history—His demonstrations of strength, valor, and victory, such as the Exodus from Egypt or the conquest of Canaan. Both are vital aspects of God's revelation that are to be praised and declared, showcasing His comprehensive engagement with His creation and His people, revealing both His consistent character and His extraordinary power.

**How can we "praise" and "declare" God's works and mighty acts in contemporary society?**

Answer: To "praise" (Hebrew: *shâbach*) and "declare" (Hebrew: *nâgad*) God's works and mighty acts today involves both corporate and individual expressions. Corporately, it means vibrant, authentic worship in churches, where God's attributes and deeds are celebrated through song, prayer, and preaching that centers on His revealed character and actions. Individually, it involves sharing personal testimonies of God's faithfulness in our lives, recounting biblical narratives to our children and others, engaging in intentional discipleship relationships, and living lives that visibly reflect God's character and the impact of His transforming power. It's about making God's story and His ongoing activity known and celebrated in all spheres of life, ensuring that the next "generation" encounters a living, active God, rather than merely an abstract concept.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme manifestation of God's "works" and "mighty acts," for in Him, God's creative power, redemptive plan, and sovereign rule are perfectly revealed. The "generation" that praises God's works and declares His "mighty acts" now has the definitive act of God's love and power to proclaim: the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. The New Testament church, empowered by the Holy Spirit, became the primary conduit for this intergenerational declaration, fulfilling the Great Commission to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Every sermon preached, every testimony shared, and every act of worship that centers on Christ is a continuation of this ancient mandate. Through Jesus, the "mighty acts" of God are not just historical events but living realities, offering salvation and new life to all who believe, ensuring that His praise continues to echo through every age until His glorious return, when "every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'" ([Revelation 5:13](/revelation/5-13 "Revelation 5:13 - Every Creature Praises God and the Lamb")).

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 78:3

Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us.

Psalms 78:7

That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:

Psalms 71:18

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto [this] generation, [and] thy power to every one [that] is to come.

Deuteronomy 6:7

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Isaiah 38:19

The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I [do] this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.

Psalms 44:1

¶ To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, [what] work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

Psalms 44:2

[How] thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; [how] thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.