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

PSALMS 102:18KJV
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Psalms 102:18 (KJV)

What does Psalms 102:18 mean?

Psalms 102:18 says that what is being written down is meant for future generations, so that people who have not yet been born will one day praise the LORD. The verse highlights the intention that these words are preserved to inspire praise from those who come after.

The psalm is written by someone in deep distress, speaking to God and reflecting on suffering and hope. Here, the writer pauses to say that this message is not just for his own time, but for people yet to come. The verse emphasizes that God’s faithfulness and the reasons to praise Him are not limited to one generation, but are meant to be remembered and celebrated by all who will exist in the future.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 102:18

  • "written" (כָּתַב, kātav): This word means to record or inscribe. The idea is that the message is intentionally preserved, not just spoken, so it can last and reach those who are not present now.
  • "generation" (דּוֹר, dor): This word refers to an age group or people living at a certain time. Here, it points to people in the future, beyond the psalmist’s own era.
  • "created" (בָּרָא, bara’): This word is often used for God’s creative work, especially in Genesis. In this verse, it refers to people who will exist in the future, almost as if they are a new creation meant to continue the praise.
  • "praise" (הָלַל, halal): This word means to boast about, celebrate, or praise enthusiastically. The verse looks forward to future people joining in joyful praise of the LORD.

Why Psalms 102:18 matters

  • Psalms 102:18 clarifies that the psalmist’s words are not just for his own comfort or for his contemporaries, but are meant to encourage faith and praise in people who have not yet been born.
  • The verse emphasizes the lasting importance of God’s works and faithfulness, showing that remembering and praising God is meant to be an ongoing, generational act.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse shifts the focus from immediate suffering to long-term hope, connecting personal pain to a bigger story that includes future worshippers.

Where else these words appear

“LORD” Hebrew H3050 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 113:1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD.
  • Psalms 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

“created” Hebrew H1254 · used in 46 verses

  • Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
  • Psalms 89:12 The north and the south thou hast created them: Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name.
  • Isaiah 45:12 I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded.

“come” Hebrew H314 · used in 48 verses

  • Genesis 33:2 And he put the handmaids and their children foremost, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph hindermost.
  • 1 Kings 17:13 And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
  • Psalms 78:4 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.

“generation” Hebrew H1755 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 15:21 Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.
  • Psalms 79:13 So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.