Psalms 145:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 145:6 serves as a profound declaration of God's majestic power and inherent greatness, articulating a dual call to worship: the universal acknowledgment by humanity of His awe-inspiring deeds and the psalmist's personal, resolute commitment to proclaim His boundless majesty. This verse encapsulates the essence of praise, transitioning from a broad, compelled recognition of God's mighty acts in history and creation to an intimate, individual resolve to recount His supreme attributes, thereby underscoring that God's power and intrinsic majesty compel both public testimony and deeply personal devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 145, uniquely designated as a "Psalm of Praise" (Hebrew: *Tehillah*) and attributed to David, is an acrostic poem systematically extolling God's character and deeds. While one letter is missing in the Masoretic Text, its structure is designed to be comprehensive, moving from A to Z in its celebration of divine attributes. Verse 6 is strategically placed within the psalm's opening section (vv. 1-7), which establishes the eternal and universal nature of God's greatness and His mighty works. It builds upon the generational praise articulated in [Psalm 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalm 145:4 - Generations Declare God's Works") and the psalmist's personal meditation on God's glorious splendor in [Psalm 145:5](/psalms/145-5 "Psalm 145:5 - Meditation on God's Glory"). This progression is significant: it moves from a general declaration of God's majesty to a more specific focus on His "terrible acts" (awe-inspiring deeds) and culminates in the psalmist's personal resolve to "declare" His "greatness." This trajectory highlights that God's power is not merely observed passively but actively proclaimed, both broadly by "men" and intimately by the individual worshiper, fostering a comprehensive and dynamic response of praise.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed by King David, Psalm 145 is deeply rooted in the worship traditions of ancient Israel, where public proclamation and communal praise were integral to religious and national identity. The concept of God's "terrible acts" (awe-inspiring deeds) would have resonated profoundly with Israel's collective memory, recalling pivotal moments of divine intervention. These included the miraculous [Exodus from Egypt](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), the awe-inspiring revelation of the Law at Mount Sinai (cf. [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Appearance at Sinai")), and the victorious conquest of Canaan—events where Yahweh's mighty hand was undeniably evident. These were not mere historical facts but foundational narratives that shaped Israel's understanding of Yahweh as a powerful, covenant-keeping God who actively intervened on behalf of His people. The cultural expectation was that such a God, active in both history and creation, would elicit both reverential fear (awe) and enthusiastic praise from His people, expressed through both individual devotion and corporate worship, often through song, public testimony, and the recounting of His deeds.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Psalm 145 and the broader Psalter. First, it powerfully underscores **God's Omnipotence and Sovereignty**, emphasizing that His "might" is undeniably demonstrated through "terrible acts"—deeds so powerful they inspire profound awe and reverence. Second, it highlights the theme of **Universal Witness and Proclamation**, as "men shall speak" of these acts, implying a widespread, compelled acknowledgment of God's power across humanity, extending His fame beyond Israel's borders (cf. [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations")). Third, the verse beautifully balances this universal witness with the theme of **Personal Worship and Declaration**, as the psalmist commits to "declare" God's "greatness," illustrating that true praise is not merely a communal obligation but a heartfelt, individual response. Finally, the verse points to **God's Intrinsic Greatness**, acknowledging that beyond His powerful deeds, God Himself is worthy of ultimate praise for His inherent majesty, infinite perfections, and boundless nature, a theme that permeates the entirety of [Psalm 145](/psalms/145 "Psalm 145 - A Psalm of Praise").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **speak (Hebrew, _ʼâmar'_):** H559. This primitive root carries a broad semantic range, meaning "to say," "to declare," "to command," or "to tell." In Psalms 145:6, when "men shall speak," it denotes a public, widespread acknowledgment and discourse about God's powerful deeds. It implies that God's actions are so evident and impactful that they naturally become a subject of conversation and recognition among people, leading to a compelled verbal testimony.
* **terrible acts (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** H3372. This word comes from a primitive root meaning "to fear," but in this biblical context, it refers to acts that inspire profound awe, reverence, and respectful fear. These are God's "awe-inspiring" or "fear-inducing" deeds—not in a negative, frightening sense, but in a way that evokes wonder, astonishment, and deep respect for His power, holiness, and majesty. These acts are undeniable demonstrations of His supreme authority and might, compelling a response of reverential awe.
* **declare (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** H5608. This primitive root properly means "to score with a mark as a tally or record," and by implication, "to inscribe," "to enumerate," or "to recount." Intensively, it means "to celebrate" or "to proclaim." When the psalmist says, "I will declare," it suggests a personal, detailed, and celebratory recounting of God's attributes and deeds, going beyond mere speaking to a deliberate, comprehensive, and enthusiastic proclamation of His greatness. It implies a full and public recounting of God's excellencies.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And [men] shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts":** This initial clause emphasizes the universal and public recognition of God's power. The implied "men" or "they" represent humanity at large, who are compelled to discuss and acknowledge the overwhelming "might" (H5807, *ʻĕzûwz'*, meaning "forcibleness" or "strength") of God's "terrible acts." These are His awe-inspiring, reverence-inducing deeds—His powerful interventions in creation, history, and the lives of His people that demonstrate His supreme authority and power, eliciting a response of wonder and compelled proclamation from those who witness or hear of them.
* **"and I will declare thy greatness":** This second clause marks a significant shift from the universal to the intensely personal. The psalmist expresses an individual, intentional, and resolute commitment to "declare" (H5608, *çâphar'*) God's "greatness" (H1420, *gᵉdûwlâh*). This declaration is a detailed, celebratory, and comprehensive recounting of God's intrinsic majesty, His boundless perfections, His omnipotence, and His infinite nature. It signifies a personal, heartfelt response of worship that complements and deepens the general acknowledgment of His mighty works, demonstrating that true praise involves both objective observation and subjective devotion.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. Most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a form of **Synonymous Parallelism** with a distinct complementary nuance. The first clause, "And [men] shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts," is echoed and deepened by the second, "and I will declare thy greatness." While both clauses speak of proclaiming God's attributes, the shift from "men" (universal, general) to "I" (personal, specific) and from "terrible acts" (demonstrated power) to "greatness" (intrinsic nature) provides a powerful **Contrast** and **Complement**. This structure emphasizes that God's revealed power, evident in His awe-inspiring deeds, naturally leads to a recognition and proclamation of His inherent, boundless majesty. The use of "might" and "greatness" also functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, attempting to capture the ineffable and boundless nature of God's power and majesty, which transcends full human comprehension yet is worthy of endless and enthusiastic proclamation. The entire verse functions as a **Call and Response**, where God's actions elicit a human verbal response.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 145:6 profoundly connects to the theological truth of God's active self-revelation and humanity's mandated response of worship. God is not a passive or distant deity but an active, intervening Lord whose mighty "terrible acts" (awe-inspiring deeds) are visible testimonies to His power, sovereignty, and faithfulness. These acts, whether in the grandeur of creation, the unfolding of salvation history, or the intimacy of personal providence, are not meant to be hidden but to elicit a response of profound awe and enthusiastic proclamation. The verse highlights that God's greatness is both demonstrated through His deeds and inherent in His being, compelling both a universal witness by "men" and a deeply personal, detailed declaration by the individual believer. This dual emphasis underscores that true worship is both communal and personal, public and intimate, a holistic response to the God who reveals Himself in power and majesty, a theme echoed in Israel's call to remember God's mighty works (cf. [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Remember God's Works")).

* [Deuteronomy 10:21](/deuteronomy/10-21 "Deuteronomy 10:21 - God is Your Praise and Awesome Deeds")
* [Psalm 96:3](/psalms/96-3 "Psalm 96:3 - Declare His Glory Among the Nations")
* [Isaiah 12:4](/isaiah/12-4 "Isaiah 12:4 - Declare His Deeds Among the Peoples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse serves as a profound and enduring call to action for every believer today. Just as the psalmist declares, God's "terrible acts"—His awe-inspiring, mighty deeds—are not confined to ancient history but continue to manifest in our lives, in the church, and in the world around us. We are called to cultivate a spiritual sensitivity to recognize God's active hand in the miraculous, the providential, and the transformative, seeing His power at work even in the seemingly mundane. Our personal experience of God's power, goodness, and faithfulness should naturally lead us to "declare His greatness," not just in private prayer and contemplation but also in public testimony, sharing with others the profound impact He has had on our lives. This involves recounting His faithfulness, celebrating His interventions, and articulating His supreme majesty, thereby inspiring others to acknowledge and worship Him. In a world often desensitized to wonder and quick to dismiss the divine, our vocal proclamation of God's greatness becomes a vital witness, reminding ourselves and others of the living God who is worthy of all praise and who continues to perform awe-inspiring deeds.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do God's "awesome acts" manifest in our lives today, and how can we better recognize them amidst the mundane and challenging circumstances of daily existence?**
* **In what specific ways can we, both individually and communally, "declare His greatness" to a world that often overlooks, denies, or misunderstands Him?**
* **What specific "terrible acts" (awe-inspiring deeds) of God, whether in biblical history or your personal life, most profoundly impact your understanding of His might and compel your praise?**

### FAQ
**What does "terrible acts" mean in Psalms 145:6, and why is this translation used in the KJV?**

Answer: In modern English, "terrible" often implies something dreadful, horrifying, or extremely bad. However, in the King James Version of Psalms 145:6, "terrible acts" translates the Hebrew word derived from the root *yârêʼ* (H3372), which means "to fear," but in the context of reverence, awe, and profound wonder. Therefore, "terrible acts" here signifies God's "awe-inspiring deeds," "reverence-inducing acts," or "fear-inspiring acts" in a positive sense. These are powerful, majestic interventions by God—such as the [parting of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea"), the miracles of Jesus, or the resurrection—that are so grand and mighty they naturally evoke a sense of reverential fear, astonishment, and deep respect for His power and holiness. The KJV's use of "terrible" reflects an older English usage where the word could mean "causing terror or awe," emphasizing the overwhelming and magnificent nature of God's power rather than something negative or evil. It conveys the idea that God's actions are so immense they evoke a sense of holy dread and wonder.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 145:6 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme "terrible act"—the most awe-inspiring and mighty deed of God—through whom God's greatness is most fully revealed and declared to humanity. The incarnation of God in human flesh, as described in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), is an act of unparalleled might and wonder, demonstrating God's profound condescension and boundless love. Christ's earthly life, His miraculous healings, His authoritative teachings, and His power over nature were a continuous demonstration of the "might of thy terrible acts," revealing the Father's sovereign power over all creation and human infirmity (cf. [Matthew 8:27](/matthew/8-27 "Matthew 8:27 - Disciples Marvel at Jesus' Power")). His crucifixion, though appearing as an act of weakness, was in fact the ultimate display of God's power over sin and death, culminating in the awe-inspiring resurrection, which is the cornerstone of our faith and the greatest of God's "terrible acts" (cf. [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God by Resurrection")). Through Christ, the very "greatness" of God is made tangible and accessible, for He is the "radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Thus, when "men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts," they are ultimately speaking of the saving work of Christ and His victory, and when we "declare thy greatness," we are proclaiming the majesty of God revealed in His Son, whom God has "highly exalted and given Him the name which is above every name" ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")).

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

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.