Psalms 145:5

KJV

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will speak {H7878} of the glorious {H3519} honour {H1926} of thy majesty {H1935}, and of thy wondrous {H6381} works {H1697}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will meditate on the glorious splendor of your majesty and on the story of your wonders.

Berean Standard Bible

the glorious splendor of Your majesty. And I will meditate on Your wondrous works.

American Standard Version

Of the glorious majesty of thine honor, And of thy wondrous works, will I meditate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 145:5 is a profound declaration by King David, expressing his unwavering commitment to publicly articulate and celebrate the inherent splendor of God's character alongside the awe-inspiring nature of His actions. This verse encapsulates a foundational theme of the Psalter: the active, intentional, and public proclamation of God's supreme worthiness, drawing worshipers to contemplate both His majestic being and His miraculous deeds in the world. It serves as a personal vow of praise, inviting all to join in extolling the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145 is a magnificent Davidic psalm of praise, uniquely structured as an alphabetic acrostic, where each successive verse (or pair of verses) typically begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Positioned towards the end of the Psalter, it serves as a grand summation of themes of divine kingship, goodness, and faithfulness that permeate the Psalms. Verse 5, beginning with the Hebrew letter Daleth, forms part of David's personal commitment to praise, setting a tone for the entire psalm that moves from individual adoration to a broader call for all creation to glorify God. It flows seamlessly from the preceding verses that speak of God's greatness and awesome deeds, establishing the psalmist's personal resolve to echo and amplify these truths. The psalm culminates in a universal call for all flesh to bless God's holy name forever and ever, making David's personal declaration in [Psalm 145:5](/psalms/145-5 "Psalm 145:5 - David's Vow of Praise") a foundational stone for this grand doxology, a theme echoed in [Psalm 145:21](/psalms/145-21 "Psalm 145:21 - All Flesh Shall Bless His Holy Name").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, a figure central to Israel's monarchy and worship, Psalm 145 reflects the cultural importance of public and communal praise in ancient Israel. Kings, as God's anointed representatives, were expected to lead their people in worship and embody devotion. David's declaration to "speak" of God's majesty and works would have been understood as a public, authoritative act, setting an example for the entire nation. The concept of "majesty" (Hebrew: *hôwd*, *hâdâr*) was deeply intertwined with the attributes of a sovereign ruler, emphasizing God's supreme authority and royal dignity over all creation, far surpassing any earthly king. Similarly, "wondrous works" (Hebrew: *pâlâʼ*) would evoke memories of God's mighty acts in Israel's history, such as the [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The Passover and Exodus") and the [giving of the Law at Sinai](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai"), which served as foundational narratives for their identity and faith. This historical backdrop underscores the tangible and experiential nature of God's glory, not merely as an abstract concept but as a reality demonstrated through His powerful interventions.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 145:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Vocal Proclamation of Praise**, emphasizing that worship is not merely an internal sentiment but an active, deliberate, and often public declaration. David's "I will speak" (Hebrew: *sîyach*) signifies a commitment to verbalize God's greatness, aligning with the biblical call for believers to [offer a sacrifice of praise](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Continually Offer a Sacrifice of Praise"). Secondly, the verse underscores **God's Transcendent Majesty and Inherent Worthiness**. By speaking of "the glorious honour of thy majesty," David points to God's intrinsic splendor, supreme authority, and royal dignity, which inherently demand adoration. This theme resonates throughout the Psalms, where God is consistently portrayed as the [great King above all gods](/psalms/95-3 "Psalm 95:3 - The Lord is a Great God and a Great King"). Thirdly, the verse celebrates **God's Immanent Power and Active Intervention** through His "wondrous works." These are the tangible demonstrations of His power, wisdom, and goodness in creation, providence, and salvation history. From the [heavens declaring God's glory](/psalms/19-1 "Psalm 19:1 - The Heavens Declare the Glory of God") to His deliverance of His people, these acts inspire awe and gratitude, revealing God's active engagement with His creation. The interplay between God's majestic being and His mighty deeds forms the bedrock of biblical worship, inviting a holistic response of adoration and testimony.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **speak (Hebrew, _sîyach'_):** This primitive root means "to ponder," and by implication, "to converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter." It denotes a deep, meditative reflection that overflows into verbal expression. David's "I will speak" is not a casual utterance but a deliberate, thoughtful, and often public declaration stemming from profound contemplation. It implies a sustained act of communication, whether in prayer, meditation, or public testimony, making known the greatness of God.
* **glorious (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** From the root meaning "weight," this term figuratively refers to splendor or copiousness. In the context of God, *kâbôwd* signifies His manifest presence, His inherent magnificence, and the weighty significance of His being. It speaks to His divine radiance and the overwhelming impression He makes, indicating His supreme reputation and inherent worthiness of all praise.
* **wondrous (Hebrew, _pâlâʼ'_):** A primitive root meaning "to separate," or "distinguish," by implication, "to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful." This term describes actions that are extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond human comprehension. God's "wondrous works" are those deeds that are astonishing, set apart from the ordinary, and reveal His unique power and wisdom, often associated with divine intervention and miracles that inspire awe and wonder.
* **works (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From the root meaning "to speak," this term refers to a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing. In this context, it refers to God's deeds or actions, which are as significant and purposeful as His spoken word. It emphasizes the tangible, active manifestations of God's power and will in the world, giving concrete substance to His character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will speak":** This opening phrase signifies David's personal, deliberate, and intentional commitment. It is a resolute vow, indicating that his praise is not spontaneous or accidental but a conscious act of worship. The use of the first person singular "I" highlights the psalmist's individual devotion, which then serves as a model for the community. It implies a verbal, public proclamation, moving beyond internal thought to outward expression. The verb *sîyach* (H7878) suggests a deep, meditative reflection that culminates in vocal utterance.
* **"of the glorious honour of thy majesty":** This clause focuses on God's intrinsic attributes and character. "Majesty" (Hebrew: *hôwd*, H1935) refers to God's grandeur, imposing form, and inherent splendor, while "honour" (Hebrew: *hâdâr*, H1926) speaks of His magnificence, dignity, and beauty. The addition of "glorious" (Hebrew: *kâbôwd*, H3519) intensifies this, pointing to His weighty, manifest presence and overwhelming radiance. Together, these terms paint a picture of God's supreme, royal, and awe-inspiring being, emphasizing His inherent worthiness of worship regardless of His actions. It is a declaration of who God is in His essence.
* **"and of thy wondrous works":** This second clause shifts the focus from God's being to His actions. "Wondrous" (Hebrew: *pâlâʼ*, H6381) describes actions that are extraordinary, miraculous, or beyond human comprehension. "Works" (Hebrew: *dâbâr*, H1697) refers to God's deeds or actions. These encompass His acts of creation, His providential care for humanity, His interventions in salvation history (like the Exodus or the giving of the Law), and His ongoing sustenance of the universe. This part of the verse acknowledges that God's character is not merely abstract but is powerfully demonstrated through His active engagement with the world, providing tangible reasons for praise and inspiring awe at His power and wisdom.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 145:5 employs several literary devices to enhance its impact and meaning. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous or perhaps complementary parallelism, where "the glorious honour of thy majesty" is balanced by "thy wondrous works." This pairing highlights two distinct yet interconnected facets of God: His inherent, majestic being and His active, powerful deeds. The psalmist commits to speaking of both, indicating a holistic understanding of divine revelation. This creates a comprehensive scope for praise, encompassing both who God is and what God does. Another device at play is **Hyperbole**, as the terms "glorious," "honour," "majesty," and "wondrous" are used to convey the immeasurable and transcendent nature of God's attributes and actions, suggesting that human language can barely capture their full extent. The personal declaration "I will speak" functions as a **Vow** or a **Solemn Resolution**, emphasizing the psalmist's deep commitment and intentionality in worship. Finally, the verse, as part of an **Acrostic Psalm**, contributes to the overall literary artistry and mnemonic quality of Psalm 145, suggesting a comprehensive and ordered approach to praising God from A to Z.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 145:5 articulates a fundamental theological truth: God reveals Himself in two primary ways—through His intrinsic character and through His active engagement with creation. The "glorious honour of thy majesty" speaks to God's transcendence, His unapproachable light, and His inherent sovereignty as the King of the universe, worthy of worship simply for who He is. This aspect draws our attention to His holiness, omnipotence, and eternal nature. Conversely, "thy wondrous works" highlights God's immanence, His active presence in the world, and His powerful interventions in history and in individual lives. These works demonstrate His wisdom, goodness, faithfulness, and redemptive power. The psalmist's commitment to speak of both aspects underscores that true worship is a holistic response to the full revelation of God, encompassing both adoration for His being and awe at His deeds. This dual focus ensures that our understanding of God is neither abstractly philosophical nor merely pragmatic, but deeply rooted in both His glorious essence and His tangible acts of love and power.

* [Psalm 19:1](/psalms/19-1 "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God")
* [Romans 1:20](/romans/1-20 "God's Invisible Qualities Clearly Seen")
* [Revelation 4:11](/revelation/4-11 "Worthy Are You, Our Lord and God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 145:5 serves as a timeless blueprint for personal and communal worship, challenging believers to move beyond passive appreciation to active, vocal proclamation of God's greatness. David's "I will speak" is a powerful call to intentionality in our praise. It encourages us to cultivate a heart that not only recognizes but articulates the "glorious honour" of God's majesty—His inherent worthiness, His supreme authority, and His matchless splendor. This requires thoughtful meditation on His attributes, allowing His character to shape our understanding and deepen our reverence. Simultaneously, we are called to reflect on and declare His "wondrous works"—the countless ways He has intervened in history, in the world, and in our personal lives. From the grandeur of creation to the intimate details of His providence, these tangible demonstrations of His power and love fuel our testimony. This verse compels us to consider how our lives, both privately and publicly, can become a living testament to God's glory, inspiring others to behold and declare His matchless worth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does meditating on God's inherent majesty and glory deepen your personal worship and reverence for Him?**
* **What specific "wondrous works" of God, both in biblical history and in your own life, have most profoundly impacted you and inspire your praise?**
* **In what practical ways can you more intentionally "speak" of God's glorious honor and wondrous works in your daily conversations and interactions?**

### FAQ
**Why is vocal proclamation of God's praise so important in the Bible?**

Answer: Vocal proclamation, as seen in [Psalm 145:5](/psalms/145-5 "Psalm 145:5 - David's Vow of Praise"), is crucial because it transforms internal appreciation into outward testimony. It serves multiple purposes: it honors God publicly, fulfilling the command to [declare His glory among the nations](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations"); it builds up the community of faith, as shared testimonies encourage and strengthen fellow believers; and it acts as an evangelistic witness to the world, revealing God's character and deeds to those who do not yet know Him. It is an active expression of faith and a demonstration of God's transformative power in a believer's life, echoing the call to [offer a sacrifice of praise](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Continually Offer a Sacrifice of Praise").

**What is the distinction between "majesty" and "wondrous works" in this verse?**

Answer: The distinction lies in two facets of God's revelation. "Majesty" refers to God's inherent, intrinsic attributes—who He is in His very being. It speaks of His supreme sovereignty, His divine splendor, and His unchangeable, glorious character. It is about His essence and worthiness. "Wondrous works," on the other hand, refers to God's actions and deeds—what He does. These are His powerful, miraculous, and astonishing interventions in creation, history, and individual lives. While distinct, they are intrinsically linked: God's works flow from His character, and His character is revealed through His works. The verse calls us to praise both His being and His doing, offering a comprehensive understanding of divine greatness.

**Is Psalm 145 truly an acrostic psalm, and why is the letter Nun sometimes missing?**

Answer: Yes, Psalm 145 is indeed an alphabetic acrostic, where each verse (or pair of verses) typically begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This literary device was common in Hebrew poetry, aiding memorization and signifying completeness. However, it is true that the verse beginning with the Hebrew letter Nun is missing in the Masoretic Text (the standard Hebrew text of the Old Testament). While the exact reason for its omission is unknown, it is present in some ancient versions, such as the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament) and the Dead Sea Scrolls (specifically 11Q5, the Great Psalms Scroll). The inclusion of this verse in other ancient manuscripts suggests it may have been part of the original composition, though its absence in the Masoretic Text remains a textual puzzle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 145:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent revelation of God's "glorious honour and majesty." As the [radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory"), Jesus perfectly embodies the divine splendor that David longed to speak of. In Him, the invisible God is made visible ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - The Image of the Invisible God")), allowing humanity to behold the very "glory, as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Furthermore, Jesus's entire earthly ministry is a testament to God's "wondrous works." His miracles—healing the sick, casting out demons, calming storms, raising the dead—were not merely acts of compassion but powerful demonstrations of divine authority and the [finger of God at work](/luke/11-20 "Luke 11:20 - The Finger of God"). His death on the cross, His resurrection, and His ascension are the ultimate "wondrous works" of salvation history, revealing God's unfathomable love and power to redeem humanity from sin and death ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Shows His Love for Us")). Therefore, when believers today "speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works," our praise is inherently Christ-centered, for it is through Him that we know God's majesty, and it is in Him that God's most wondrous works of redemption have been accomplished. Our eternal worship will be directed to the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-12 "Revelation 5:12 - Worthy is the Lamb Who Was Slain"), who perfectly embodies both the glorious majesty and the wondrous works of God.

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 12:4

¶ And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.

Psalms 119:27

Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.

Psalms 104:1

¶ Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty.

Psalms 104:2

Who coverest [thyself] with light as [with] a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain:

Daniel 4:37

Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works [are] truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase.

Psalms 105:2

Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works.

Psalms 71:24

My tongue also shall talk of thy righteousness all the day long: for they are confounded, for they are brought unto shame, that seek my hurt.