Psalms 78:4

KJV

We will not hide [them] from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.

KJV (with Strong's)

We will not hide {H3582}{H8762)} them from their children {H1121}, shewing {H5608}{H8764)} to the generation {H1755} to come {H314} the praises {H8416} of the LORD {H3068}, and his strength {H5807}, and his wonderful works {H6381}{H8737)} that he hath done {H6213}{H8804)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

we will not hide from their descendants; we will tell the generation to come the praises of ADONAI and his strength, the wonders that he has performed.

Berean Standard Bible

We will not hide them from their children, but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might, and the wonders He has performed.

American Standard Version

We will not hide them from their children, Telling to the generation to come the praises of Jehovah, And his strength, and his wondrous works that he hath done.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 78:4 serves as a foundational declaration within a didactic historical psalm, asserting the solemn responsibility of the covenant community to diligently transmit the divine narrative to successive generations. It underscores the imperative to openly proclaim God's glorious attributes, His demonstrated power, and His awe-inspiring miraculous interventions, ensuring that the profound legacy of His faithfulness and mighty deeds is perpetually remembered and celebrated, thereby preventing spiritual amnesia and fostering an enduring faith in the generations to come.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a *maskil* (a didactic or instructional psalm), attributed to Asaph, functioning as a lengthy historical poem. The opening verses (1-8) set the stage, declaring the psalm's purpose: to impart "dark sayings of old" (v. 2), which are profound truths and historical lessons, to the next generation. Verse 4, therefore, is not merely a statement but a programmatic declaration for the entire psalm, which proceeds to recount Israel's history from the Exodus through the establishment of David's reign. It meticulously details God's consistent faithfulness and miraculous provision contrasted sharply with Israel's repeated rebellion, forgetfulness, and idolatry. This introductory mandate establishes the psalm as a vital tool for intergenerational spiritual formation, aiming to prevent future generations from repeating the errors of their ancestors by learning from God's past actions and Israel's responses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during the monarchy, Psalm 78 reflects the deep-seated Israelite cultural imperative for generational instruction, a principle rooted in the Mosaic covenant. The command to "teach them diligently unto thy children" ([Deuteronomy 6:7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:7 - The Shema and Teaching Children")) was central to Israel's identity and survival as a covenant people. This psalm emerges from a society where oral tradition and communal memory were paramount in preserving national and religious identity. The recounting of historical events, particularly those demonstrating God's intervention (e.g., the Exodus, wilderness wanderings, conquest), served as a constant reminder of God's covenant loyalty and Israel's obligations. The failures of past generations, such as the wilderness generation's rebellion ([Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Judgment")), were not to be hidden but openly discussed as cautionary tales, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience and the necessity of trusting God.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 78:4 introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the entire psalm and are foundational to Israelite theology. Foremost is the **Generational Transmission of Faith**, emphasizing that spiritual heritage is not automatic but requires intentional, active impartation. This involves a deliberate "showing" of God's character and deeds, ensuring that the covenant relationship remains vibrant across time. Another critical theme is the **Remembrance of God's Mighty Works**, urging the community to recall and declare God's "praises," "strength," and "wonderful works." This counters the pervasive human tendency towards spiritual amnesia, which the psalm illustrates through Israel's repeated forgetting of God's miracles and provisions, leading to their rebellion (e.g., [Psalm 78:11](/psalms/78-11 "Psalm 78:11 - Forgetting God's Works")). The psalm also highlights the **Covenant Faithfulness of God versus the Unfaithfulness of Israel**, presenting a stark contrast between God's unwavering commitment to His people despite their persistent backsliding, ultimately demonstrating His patience and redemptive purpose, even in judgment. This verse sets the stage for understanding the divine pedagogy through history, where God's actions serve as lessons for all generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hide (Hebrew, _kāḥad'_):** This verb signifies to conceal, to keep secret, or to withhold knowledge. In the context of Psalm 78:4, its negation ("We will not hide") carries immense ethical and theological weight. It denotes a deliberate commitment to transparency and full disclosure regarding God's acts and character. It implies that the spiritual truths and historical accounts of God's intervention are not to be hoarded or selectively revealed but are a sacred trust to be openly and fully communicated, countering any impulse towards spiritual negligence or secrecy that might deprive future generations of their rightful heritage.
* **Shewing (Hebrew, _sāp̄ar'_):** Meaning to recount, to tell, to declare, or to number. This word implies a detailed, intentional, and comprehensive narration. It's not a casual mention but a thorough exposition, akin to a scribe carefully cataloging and presenting information. In this verse, "shewing" emphasizes the active, pedagogical role of the current generation in narrating God's story to the next. It encompasses both the factual recounting of events and the interpretive explanation of their theological significance, ensuring that the divine acts are understood in their full glory and purpose.
* **Wonderful works (Hebrew, _nip̄lāʾōt'_):** This plural noun refers to wonders, marvelous deeds, or miracles. It specifically denotes actions that are extraordinary, astonishing, and beyond human capability, unequivocally demonstrating divine intervention and power. These are the awe-inspiring acts of God, such as the parting of the Red Sea ([Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Parting of the Red Sea")) or the provision of manna in the wilderness ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - Manna and Quail")), which evoke wonder, fear, and praise. The emphasis on "wonderful works" underscores that God's historical engagement with His people is marked by supernatural demonstrations of His might and grace, which are central to the narrative to be transmitted.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"We will not hide [them] from their children":** This opening clause establishes a firm, collective resolve. The "we" refers to the psalm's intended audience and the covenant community, committing themselves to an open and honest transmission of the "dark sayings of old" (v. 2)—the profound truths and historical lessons of God's dealings with Israel. It is an active rejection of spiritual negligence or secrecy, highlighting a moral and theological obligation to reveal rather than conceal the divine narrative.
* **"shewing to the generation to come":** This phrase specifies the target audience and the method of transmission. "The generation to come" emphasizes the future, underscoring the long-term, intergenerational nature of this mandate. "Shewing" implies a deliberate, comprehensive, and instructional declaration, ensuring that the historical and theological legacy is not merely passed on but actively taught and explained, fostering understanding and faithfulness in the succeeding age.
* **"the praises of the LORD":** This refers to God's glorious character and the acts that evoke worship and adoration. It encompasses not just verbal praise but the very attributes and deeds of God that are worthy of such praise. This includes His holiness, justice, mercy, and faithfulness, all demonstrated through His interactions with humanity.
* **"and his strength":** This highlights God's omnipotence and His demonstrated might in history. It speaks to His power to deliver, to judge, and to sustain. Recounting His strength involves narrating instances where His divine power was unmistakably displayed, such as the defeat of Pharaoh's army or the sustenance of Israel in the wilderness.
* **"and his wonderful works that he hath done":** This final phrase emphasizes God's miraculous and awe-inspiring interventions. These are the supernatural deeds that defy natural explanation and clearly reveal God's active involvement in human affairs. By recounting these "wonderful works," the current generation testifies to God's unique sovereignty and His profound care for His people, inspiring faith and reverence in those who hear.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:4 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Didacticism**, as the entire psalm is framed as an instructional poem designed to teach moral and theological lessons through historical narrative. The verse itself functions as a direct statement of this didactic purpose. There is also a clear use of **Parallelism** in the structure "We will not hide... shewing to the generation to come," where the negation of hiding is immediately followed by the affirmative act of showing, reinforcing the active nature of the command. The phrase "praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works" utilizes **Tricolon** (a series of three parallel words or phrases), creating a cumulative effect that emphasizes the multifaceted nature of God's revelation. This list also functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where these three aspects represent the full scope of God's character and His redemptive history, encompassing His being, His power, and His actions. The overall tone is one of **Solemn Declaration**, conveying the gravity and imperative nature of the responsibility being articulated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 78:4 powerfully articulates the theological necessity of intergenerational spiritual transmission, grounding it in God's historical self-revelation. It posits that divine truth and the legacy of God's mighty acts are not merely historical facts but are living testimonies intended to shape the faith and obedience of future generations. This mandate reflects God's desire for an enduring covenant relationship, one that is sustained through conscious remembrance and active teaching, countering the human tendency towards spiritual amnesia and rebellion. The verse establishes a direct link between remembering God's past faithfulness and fostering future faithfulness, making the act of "showing" a vital component of covenant continuity and the prevention of idolatry and disobedience.

* [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Do Not Forget God's Deeds")
* [Psalm 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalm 145:4 - One Generation Declares God's Works to Another")
* [Joel 1:3](/joel/1-3 "Joel 1:3 - Tell Your Children and Their Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 78:4 offers a timeless and profound mandate for believers today, calling us to embrace our sacred responsibility in the ongoing narrative of God's redemptive work. It challenges us to move beyond passive faith and become active participants in transmitting the "praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works" to those who follow. This applies not only to parents in discipling their children within the home but also to the broader Christian community, emphasizing the vital role of intergenerational ministry, robust Christian education, and intentional mentorship. We are called to be storytellers of God's faithfulness, sharing personal testimonies of His grace, recounting the grand narrative of salvation history, and demonstrating how His character and deeds are relevant and transformative in every age. By faithfully remembering and proclaiming what God "hath done," we equip future generations to know, trust, and worship Him, ensuring that the legacy of faith continues to flourish and that the cycle of spiritual amnesia is broken.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways are you actively "showing" God's praises, strength, and wonderful works to the next generation in your sphere of influence?**
* **What stories of God's faithfulness, both from Scripture and your own life, are you intentionally sharing with younger believers or family members?**
* **How does remembering God's past "wonderful works" strengthen your faith and prepare you to face current challenges?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean to "not hide" God's works from children?**

Answer: To "not hide" God's works means to actively and intentionally reveal, teach, and discuss them. It implies a commitment to transparency and a rejection of spiritual negligence. Instead of allowing the knowledge of God's character and deeds to fade or remain unspoken, the current generation is mandated to openly and consistently narrate the divine story, ensuring that the historical acts of God, His covenant faithfulness, and His mighty power are clearly understood by the next generation. This involves more than just factual recounting; it includes explaining the theological significance and the lessons learned from Israel's history, as highlighted throughout [Psalm 78](/psalms/78 "Psalm 78 - A Historical Psalm of God's Faithfulness and Israel's Rebellion"). It's about fostering a living, active faith through shared spiritual heritage.

**Why is generational transmission of faith so important in the Bible?**

Answer: Generational transmission of faith is paramount in the Bible because it is the primary means by which God's covenant relationship with His people is sustained and perpetuated across time. Without it, each generation would have to rediscover God anew, risking spiritual amnesia, idolatry, and disobedience, as repeatedly demonstrated by Israel's failures in the Old Testament. Passages like [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching God's Commands Diligently") and [Psalm 145:4](/psalms/145-4 "Psalm 145:4 - One Generation Shall Praise Your Works to Another") underscore that the knowledge of God's character, His commands, and His redemptive acts is a sacred trust to be passed down. This ensures that the covenant community remains rooted in its history, understands its identity, and continues to worship and obey the one true God, thereby fulfilling His purposes for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 78:4 speaks of the historical acts of the LORD in the Old Covenant, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression are found in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate "praise of the LORD," the very embodiment of God's "strength," and the pinnacle of God's "wonderful works." The entire narrative of the Gospels is the definitive "showing to the generation to come" of God's ultimate self-revelation. In Christ, God's character, power, and redemptive purpose are fully unveiled: His praises are seen in Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial love ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")); His strength is powerfully demonstrated in His miracles, His triumph over sin and death, and His resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Spiritual Powers")); and His wonderful works culminate in the cross and empty tomb, providing salvation for all who believe ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). The Church, as the new covenant community, is now commissioned to continue this "showing," proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ to every generation, ensuring that the ultimate "wonderful work" of God—His redemption through His Son—is never hidden but always declared, compelling hearts to worship the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb 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

Deuteronomy 11:19

And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Psalms 145:4

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

Psalms 145:6

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

Joel 1:3

Tell ye your children of it, and [let] your children [tell] their children, and their children another generation.

Psalms 71:17

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

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 4:9

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;