Psalms 145:6 (KJV)

What does Psalms 145:6 mean?

Psalms 145:6 says that people will talk about the power of God’s awe-inspiring deeds, and the psalmist himself will make known how great God is. The verse highlights both the public recognition of God’s mighty actions and the personal commitment to speak about God’s greatness.

King David is the speaker in Psalms 145, addressing God directly in a song of praise. Here, David points out that God’s powerful acts are so remarkable that people will naturally talk about them, and he personally promises to keep declaring God’s greatness. This verse sits in a larger psalm that celebrates God’s character and works, inviting others to join in praise.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 145:6

• "Speak" (אָמַר, ’amar): This word often means "to say" or "to speak," but here it emphasizes people openly talking about God’s actions, not just thinking about them.
• "Might" (עֹז, ‘oz): This word means strength or power, pointing to the impressive force behind God’s deeds.
• "Acts" (יָרֵא, yare’): This word is related to fear or awe, so "terrible acts" means deeds that inspire reverence or amazement, not something evil or cruel.
• "Declare" (סָפַר, saphar): This means to count, recount, or tell, suggesting careful, intentional sharing of God’s greatness.
• "Greatness" (גְּדֻלָּה, gedullah): This word means greatness or majesty, focusing on God’s supreme and unmatched nature.

Why Psalms 145:6 matters

• Psalms 145:6 clarifies that God’s actions are not just private experiences but are meant to be talked about and shared among people, showing the public nature of praise.
• The verse balances the community’s response ("men shall speak") with the individual’s role ("I will declare"), highlighting that both group and personal praise are important.
• This verse fits into the larger psalm’s theme of passing down stories of God’s greatness to future generations, emphasizing the importance of remembering and retelling what God has done.