Psalms 145:6

And [men] shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.

And men shall speak {H559} of the might {H5807} of thy terrible acts {H3372}: and I will declare {H5608} thy greatness {H1420}.

People will speak of your awesome power, and I will tell of your great deeds.

They will proclaim the power of Your awesome deeds, and I will declare Your greatness.

And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts; And I will declare thy greatness.

Psalm 145 is a magnificent acrostic psalm of praise, attributed to King David, celebrating the boundless nature of God. It is unique in the Psalter as the only psalm explicitly titled "A Psalm of Praise" (Hebrew: Tehillah). This particular verse, Psalm 145:6, highlights two complementary aspects of worship: the general acknowledgment of God's power by humanity and the psalmist's personal commitment to proclaim His greatness.

Context

This verse fits seamlessly into Psalm 145's overarching theme of extolling God's character and deeds. The surrounding verses speak of God's majesty, His mighty acts, and His eternal kingdom. The psalmist moves from a general declaration of God's glory by all generations (Psalm 145:4) to a more specific focus on God's "terrible acts" (awe-inspiring deeds) and His "greatness." It emphasizes that God's power is not hidden but visible and worthy of widespread proclamation.

Key Themes

  • God's Awesome Power: The phrase "might of thy terrible acts" refers to God's powerful and awe-inspiring deeds. The KJV word "terrible" here derives from the Hebrew nora'ot (נוֹרָאוֹת), meaning "things that inspire awe or reverence," not terror in a negative sense. These are God's mighty interventions in creation, history, and the lives of His people, such as the parting of the Red Sea or other acts of salvation and judgment.
  • Universal Declaration: "And [men] shall speak of..." indicates a widespread, public acknowledgment of God's power. It implies that God's works are so profound that they compel people to discuss and recognize His hand.
  • Personal Proclamation: "and I will declare thy greatness" signifies the psalmist's individual, heartfelt response. This personal commitment to worship complements the universal witness, showing that praise is both a communal and an intimate act. The Hebrew word for "declare" (sâphar - סָפַר) here suggests recounting, numbering, or proclaiming God's attributes in detail.
  • God's Greatness: The ultimate object of this praise is God's intrinsic "greatness" (Hebrew: gādōl - גָּדוֹל), a summary term for His majesty, omnipotence, and infinite perfections.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's "terrible acts" can be a source of misunderstanding for modern readers. The Hebrew word nora'ot (נוֹרָאוֹת) is better translated as "awesome deeds" or "awe-inspiring acts." It comes from the root yare' (יָרֵא), which means "to fear," but in a context of reverence, respect, and profound wonder at God's power and holiness. These are acts that demonstrate God's supreme authority and elicit reverent fear and astonishment.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder and call to action for believers today. Just as "men shall speak" of God's mighty works, we are called to bear witness to His power in our lives and in the world. Our personal relationship with God should lead us to "declare His greatness," not just in private devotion but also in public testimony. Recognizing God's "awesome deeds" in our own lives, in history, and in the ongoing work of salvation should inspire us to active worship and sharing His truth with others. It encourages us to be mindful of God's active presence and power, prompting genuine thanksgiving and praise.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Habakkuk 2:14

    For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.

  • Daniel 3:28

    ¶ [Then] Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed [be] the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

  • Daniel 3:29

    Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.

  • Psalms 107:31

    Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!

  • Psalms 107:32

    Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

  • Psalms 22:27

    All the ends of the world shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.

  • Psalms 126:2

    Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.

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