Psalms 78:6

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 78:6 articulates a profound divine imperative for intergenerational spiritual instruction, establishing a perpetual covenantal chain. It underscores the sacred responsibility of one generation to faithfully transmit the knowledge of God's character, His mighty deeds, and His unchanging covenant faithfulness to the next. This verse envisions a dynamic spiritual heritage where the truths received are not merely retained but actively embraced and declared, ensuring that future generations, even those yet unborn, will come to intimately know God and, in turn, become faithful stewards who pass on the legacy of His redemptive work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 78 is a lengthy historical *maskil*, an instructional poem attributed to Asaph, designed to teach profound spiritual lessons through the recounting of Israel's history. It meticulously traces God's consistent faithfulness and wondrous acts from the Exodus through the wilderness wanderings, the conquest, and into the Davidic era, juxtaposing His steadfastness with Israel's recurrent rebellion, forgetfulness, and idolatry. Verse 6 serves as the climactic statement of purpose for the intergenerational instruction mandated in the preceding verses. Specifically, it builds directly upon [Psalm 78:4](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - Not Hiding God's Praise from Children"), which commands the elders not to conceal God's praise and wonderful works from their children, and [Psalm 78:5](/psalms/78-5 "Psalm 78:5 - God's Law and Testimonies Established in Jacob"), which explicitly states that God established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, commanding fathers to make them known to their children. Thus, [Psalm 78:6](/psalms/78-6 "Psalm 78:6 - Intergenerational Declaration of God's Truth") articulates the vital *outcome* and *perpetual nature* of this mandated transmission, ensuring a continuous flow of divine knowledge across all future generations.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was fundamentally structured around familial and communal units, with a paramount emphasis on oral tradition and the diligent transmission of heritage. Education was primarily home-based and deeply integrated with religious instruction. The Mosaic Law, particularly foundational passages like [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Law to Children"), explicitly commanded parents to diligently teach their children God's statutes, commands, and redemptive acts. This was far more than mere academic learning; it was the essential inculcation of a national and spiritual identity, rooted in God's unique covenant relationship with His chosen people. The recounting of pivotal historical events—such as the Exodus, the giving of the Law, and the wilderness journey—served as the foundational narrative for understanding God's character, His faithfulness, and Israel's identity as His covenant people. The psalmist, writing perhaps centuries after these events, aims to re-instill this foundational knowledge in a generation prone to spiritual amnesia and idolatry, thereby highlighting the enduring relevance of God's past actions for their present obedience and future hope.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to Psalm 78 and the broader biblical narrative. The most prominent is the **Generational Transmission of Faith**, emphasizing the divine mandate for parents, elders, and the community to diligently pass on spiritual truths and the comprehensive story of God's redemptive acts to their descendants. This is not merely historical recitation but an invitation to an intimate, experiential "knowing" of God, as seen in the command to remember God's "wonderful works" ([Psalm 78:4](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - God's Wonderful Works")). Closely related is the theme of **Remembering God's Works and Law**, where the pronoun "them" refers to the "testimonies" and "law" God established ([Psalm 78:5](/psalms/78-5 "Psalm 78:5 - God's Testimonies and Law")) and His mighty deeds throughout Israel's history. This remembrance is crucial for maintaining covenant faithfulness. Finally, the verse highlights **Future Responsibility and Continuity**, envisioning a perpetual cycle where "children which should be born" will not only learn but will "arise and declare them to their children," thereby ensuring the enduring legacy of God's truth and preventing spiritual decline across all subsequent generations.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Generation (Hebrew, _dôwr'_):** From H1755, _dôwr_ properly signifies "a revolution of time," denoting an age or generation. It can also refer to a dwelling. In [Psalm 78:6](/psalms/78-6 "Psalm 78:6 - Intergenerational Declaration of God's Truth"), it speaks of a successive lineage, emphasizing the continuity of human existence through distinct periods. Here, "the generation to come" specifically refers to those who will follow, highlighting the long-term vision of God's plan for His people to transmit His truth across the ages.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, _bên_ literally means "a son," but in its widest sense, it refers to offspring, including grandsons, subjects, or even a nation. As a builder of the family name, _bên_ emphasizes lineage and continuity. In this verse, "the children which should be born" underscores the comprehensive scope of the intergenerational mandate, encompassing not just the immediate next generation but all future descendants, ensuring the unbroken chain of spiritual heritage.
* **Know (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** From H3045, _yâdaʻ_ is a primitive root meaning "to know," often implying to ascertain by seeing. Its usage is broad, encompassing observation, care, recognition, and causatively, instruction or designation. Crucially, in biblical contexts, _yâdaʻ_ signifies more than mere intellectual apprehension; it denotes an intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge, often leading to obedience and loyalty. Here, it suggests that future generations are not just to hear *about* God's acts but to genuinely *know* Him through them, internalizing His character and faithfulness in a transformative way.
* **Declare (Hebrew, _çâphar'_):** From H5608, _çâphar_ is a primitive root meaning "to score with a mark as a tally or record," and by implication, "to inscribe" or "to enumerate." Intensively, it means "to recount" or "to celebrate." This word implies a comprehensive, deliberate, and often public narration, ensuring that the details of God's mighty acts and His law are fully conveyed. It's an active, intentional proclamation, emphasizing the responsibility to articulate the divine narrative clearly and compellingly to the next generation, ensuring it is preserved and celebrated.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the generation to come might know them":** This initial clause establishes the overarching purpose of the intergenerational instruction commanded in the preceding verses. The pronoun "them" refers collectively to God's "testimonies," "law" ([Psalm 78:5](/psalms/78-5 "Psalm 78:5 - God's Testimonies and Law")), and "wonderful works" ([Psalm 78:4](/psalms/78-4 "Psalm 78:4 - God's Wonderful Works")). The ultimate goal is for the subsequent generation to gain not just intellectual awareness but an intimate, experiential knowledge of God's character and actions, which is foundational for their faith, identity, and covenant loyalty.
* **"even the children which should be born; who should arise":** This phrase precisely defines *who* constitutes "the generation to come"—those yet unborn, emphasizing a long-term, far-reaching vision for spiritual continuity that extends beyond the immediate future. The subsequent phrase, "who should arise," suggests an active posture of readiness, engagement, and responsibility. It implies that these future children will not merely be passive recipients of truth but will actively embrace and internalize the legacy they inherit, taking ownership of their spiritual heritage.
* **"and declare them to their children":** This final clause completes the sacred cycle of intergenerational transmission. The children who have come to "know" God and have "arisen" in spiritual readiness are then expected to become the teachers themselves, faithfully "declaring" these same truths to *their* own children. This creates a perpetual, unbroken chain of spiritual heritage, ensuring that God's faithfulness, His commands, and His redemptive story are continuously remembered, proclaimed, and lived out across all future generations, thereby preventing spiritual amnesia and fostering ongoing covenant faithfulness.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 78:6 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The primary device is **Intergenerational Continuity**, which is not merely a theme but a structural and conceptual device embedded in the verse's progression from "the generation to come" to "children which should be born" who will then "declare them to their children," establishing a perpetual cycle. This creates a powerful sense of **Anticipation** and **Foreshadowing**, as the psalmist projects the impact of present instruction far into the distant future, underscoring the long-term significance of their actions. The phrase "who should arise and declare them" utilizes **Personification** by attributing active agency and responsibility ("arise and declare") to future generations, emphasizing their future role as active participants and stewards in the transmission of faith, rather than passive recipients. The entire verse functions as a powerful **Didactic Statement**, directly instructing and impressing upon the audience the vital importance of their role in preserving and propagating divine truth, making it a foundational principle for the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse encapsulates a core theological principle woven throughout the entire biblical narrative: the divine mandate for intergenerational discipleship and the preservation of covenant memory. God's redemptive acts and His revealed will are not meant to be confined to a single generation but are to be faithfully transmitted, ensuring that His people continually remember His character and commands. This continuity of faith is essential for the health and identity of God's covenant community, preventing spiritual decline and fostering a living relationship with the Creator. The "them" that is to be known and declared encompasses both God's mighty deeds (His *heilsgeschichte* or salvation history) and His moral law (His *torah*), demonstrating that both revelation and response are crucial components of this heritage. This emphasis on remembering and recounting serves as a bulwark against idolatry and apostasy, which often stem from forgetting God's past faithfulness and His covenant obligations.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-7 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching the Law Diligently to Your Children")
* [Joel 1:3](/joel/1-3 "Joel 1:3 - Tell Your Children and Grandchildren")
* [Exodus 12:26-27](/exodus/12-26-27 "Exodus 12:26-27 - Explaining the Passover to Your Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 78:6 serves as a profound and enduring challenge to every believer and every generation, calling us beyond mere personal piety to a communal and generational responsibility. Our faith is not a private possession but a sacred trust, a precious inheritance to be diligently stewarded and faithfully passed on. This means intentionally creating environments—within our homes, our churches, and our broader communities—where the transformative stories of God's faithfulness, the timeless truths of His Word, and the profound lessons of His redemptive history are not only taught but also lived out, celebrated, and deeply internalized. It compels us to be active, passionate narrators of God's unfolding story, ensuring that the next generation doesn't merely inherit a set of abstract beliefs but a vibrant, living, and personal relationship with the God who acts in history and in their lives. The verse powerfully reminds us that the spiritual health and vitality of future generations hinge significantly on our faithfulness today, urging us to consider the long-term impact of our discipleship efforts and to prayerfully invest in and equip those who will carry the torch of faith after us, extending the reach of God's truth to the ends of the earth and to the end of time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "them" (God's works, law, character, and Christ's gospel) am I actively knowing, internalizing, and experiencing in my own life today?**
* **In what practical and intentional ways am I currently "declaring" God's truth and faithfulness to the younger generations within my sphere of influence (family, church, mentorships, community)?**
* **What spiritual legacy am I intentionally building for "the children which should be born," and how does my daily life and priorities reflect this crucial long-term vision?**
* **How can our church or community better equip parents, grandparents, and spiritual mentors to more effectively fulfill this biblical mandate of intergenerational instruction and discipleship?**

### FAQ
**What does "the generation to come" specifically refer to in this verse?**

Answer: "The generation to come" in [Psalm 78:6](/psalms/78-6 "Psalm 78:6 - Intergenerational Declaration of God's Truth") refers to future generations, specifically identified as "the children which should be born." This phrase emphasizes the long-term, perpetual nature of the divine command to transmit God's truth. It's not limited to the immediate next generation but is about establishing a continuous, unbroken chain of spiritual instruction that extends indefinitely into the future, ensuring that the intimate knowledge of God and His mighty works never fades from His people. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on covenant continuity, where God's promises and commands are for thousands of generations, as seen in [Deuteronomy 7:9](/deuteronomy/7-9 "Deuteronomy 7:9 - God's Covenant Faithfulness for a Thousand Generations").

**Why is it so important for children to "know" and "declare" these truths?**

Answer: It is crucial for several profound reasons. First, "knowing" (Hebrew _yadaʿ_) implies an intimate, experiential, and relational understanding, not merely intellectual assent to facts. For children to truly know God, they must grasp His character, His redemptive acts, and His covenant faithfulness throughout history. This deep, personal knowledge forms the indispensable foundation of their faith, identity, and obedience. Second, "declaring" (Hebrew _çâphar_) signifies an active, intentional, and comprehensive recounting. This ensures that the divine narrative is not lost, diluted, or forgotten. By actively declaring these truths, future generations become not just recipients but active participants and stewards in the preservation and propagation of faith, preventing spiritual amnesia and fostering ongoing covenant faithfulness. This echoes the solemn command in [Deuteronomy 4:9](/deuteronomy/4-9 "Deuteronomy 4:9 - Do Not Forget What Your Eyes Have Seen"), where Israel is warned not to forget God's deeds and to diligently teach them to their children and grandchildren.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Psalm 78:6 speaks of transmitting the knowledge of God's Old Testament acts and law, its ultimate fulfillment and deepest, most glorious meaning are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "them" that future generations are to know and declare culminates definitively in the revelation of God's character and His perfect redemptive plan through His Son. Jesus Himself is the perfect embodiment of God's "wonderful works," the very Word made flesh who dwelt among us, full of grace and truth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He is the living Word who perfectly reveals the Father, declaring, "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")). The "testimonies" and "law" of God find their ultimate purpose, their complete expression, and their saving fulfillment in Christ's atoning work on the cross and His establishment of the New Covenant, a covenant founded on better promises ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Therefore, the "generation to come" is now supremely called to know and declare the gospel—the good news of salvation through Christ's sacrificial death, burial, and glorious resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:3-4](/1-corinthians/15-3-4 "1 Corinthians 15:3-4 - The Gospel Message")). The Great Commission, as given by the resurrected Christ in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"), is the New Testament's ultimate and expansive expression of this intergenerational mandate, calling believers to make disciples of all nations, teaching them "all that I have commanded you," thereby ensuring that the knowledge of Christ and His saving work is faithfully transmitted, proclaimed, and lived out until His triumphant return. This perpetual declaration of Christ's glory and His saving work is the highest and most complete form of fulfilling the psalmist's ancient call.

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

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.