Psalms 78:6

That the generation to come might know [them, even] the children [which] should be born; [who] should arise and declare [them] to their children:

That the generation {H1755} to come {H314} might know {H3045}{H8799)} them, even the children {H1121} which should be born {H3205}{H8735)}; who should arise {H6965}{H8799)} and declare {H5608}{H8762)} them to their children {H1121}:

so that the next generation would know it, the children not yet born, who would themselves arise and tell their own children,

that the coming generation would know them— even children yet to be born— to arise and tell their own children

That the generation to come might knowthem, even the children that should be born; Who should arise and tellthemto their children,

Commentary

Psalm 78:6 emphasizes the vital importance of intergenerational instruction, particularly in passing down the knowledge of God's mighty acts and His faithfulness to future generations.

Context

Psalm 78 is a lengthy historical psalm, a maskil (instructional poem), that recounts the history of Israel from the Exodus through the time of David. Asaph, the psalmist, aims to remind the people of God's repeated faithfulness despite Israel's persistent rebellion and forgetfulness. Verse 6 directly follows a call in Psalm 78:4 not to hide God's praise from their children, setting the stage for the purpose of recounting these historical events.

Key Themes

  • Generational Transmission of Faith: The primary message is the imperative to pass on spiritual heritage. The psalmist stresses that the purpose of remembering God's works is so "the generation to come might know them." This isn't merely historical data but a living knowledge of God's character and deeds.
  • Remembering God's Works and Law: The "them" refers to "His testimonies" and "His law" (Psalm 78:5) and the "wonderful works" of God (Psalm 78:4). These are the foundational truths that must be taught.
  • Future Responsibility: The verse looks forward, highlighting that "children which should be born" will not only learn but also "arise and declare them to their children," creating a continuous chain of spiritual instruction across time. This emphasizes a long-term vision for faith and discipleship.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "know" is yadaʿ (ידע), which often implies an intimate, experiential knowledge, not just intellectual assent. It suggests a deep understanding and personal connection to the truths being taught. The word for "declare" is sāp̄ar (ספר), meaning to recount, tell, or number. It signifies a comprehensive and deliberate telling of the story, ensuring its details are not lost.

Related Scriptures

This verse echoes a fundamental principle found throughout Scripture regarding the importance of teaching subsequent generations. The command in Deuteronomy 6:7 specifically instructs parents to teach their children diligently about God's commands. Similarly, Joel 1:3 calls for the transmission of historical events through generations: "Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation." This foundational concept is also evident in the Passover instructions, where children are encouraged to ask about the ritual's meaning (Exodus 12:26).

Practical Application

Psalm 78:6 is a timeless call to action for every generation. It underscores the responsibility of parents, teachers, and spiritual leaders to intentionally impart biblical truths and the history of God's faithfulness. This involves:

  • Intentional Discipleship: Actively teaching children and younger believers about God's character, His Word, and His redemptive plan.
  • Living Examples: Demonstrating faith through actions, not just words, so that the next generation sees the reality of God's presence.
  • Storytelling: Recounting personal testimonies and biblical narratives that highlight God's power and love, making His works relatable and memorable.
  • Building a Legacy of Faith: Recognizing that our spiritual efforts today have profound implications for the faith of generations yet to come, ensuring that the knowledge of God continues to thrive.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 102:18

    This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.

  • Joel 1:3

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

  • Psalms 22:31

    They shall come, and shall declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done [this].

  • Psalms 145:4

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

  • Psalms 90:16

    Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.

  • Joshua 22:24

    And if we have not [rather] done it for fear of [this] thing, saying, In time to come your children might speak unto our children, saying, What have ye to do with the LORD God of Israel?

  • Joshua 22:25

    For the LORD hath made Jordan a border between us and you, ye children of Reuben and children of Gad; ye have no part in the LORD: so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the LORD.
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