Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

PSALMS 145:13KJV
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What does Psalms 145:13 mean?

Psalms 145:13 says that God’s kingdom lasts forever and that His rule continues through every generation. The verse highlights the unending nature of God’s authority and the fact that His power is not limited by time or by the changes of human history.

In this psalm, David is speaking to God, praising Him for His greatness and faithfulness. The verse comes in the middle of a song that celebrates God’s character and His care for all creation. By saying God’s kingdom is everlasting, David is emphasizing that God’s reign is stable and reliable, unlike human kingdoms that rise and fall.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 145:13

  • "kingdom" (מַלְכוּת, malkhut): This word points to God’s reign or royal authority, not just a physical territory. It stresses God’s active rule over all things.
  • "everlasting" (עוֹלָם, olam): This Hebrew word often means “forever” or “eternal,” highlighting that God’s kingdom has no end.
  • "dominion" (מֶמְשָׁלָה, memshalah): This term refers to God’s governing power or sovereignty, showing that His control is complete and ongoing.
  • "generations" (דּוֹר, dor): This word means an age or a generation of people. The verse uses it to say that God’s rule continues unbroken through every era of human history.

Why Psalms 145:13 matters

  • Psalms 145:13 clears up any idea that God’s power is temporary or limited to a certain group or time; it makes clear that His rule is always active.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s faithfulness and reliability, which is a comfort to people living through changing times or uncertain situations.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse helps readers see that God’s greatness is not just about power, but about a steady, caring rule that lasts for all people, everywhere, always.

Where else these words appear

“dominion” Hebrew H4475 · used in 16 verses

  • Genesis 1:16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
  • Psalms 103:22 Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.
  • Isaiah 39:2 And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.

“kingdom” Hebrew H4438 · used in 82 verses

  • Numbers 24:7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted.
  • 2 Chronicles 33:13 And prayed unto him: and he was intreated of him, and heard his supplication, and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God.
  • Esther 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

“all” 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.