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.

PSALMS 78:4KJV
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Psalms 78:4 (KJV)

What does Psalms 78:4 mean?

Psalms 78:4 says that the people will not keep silent about what God has done, but will tell the next generation about the LORD’s greatness, strength, and the amazing things He has accomplished. The verse stresses openly sharing stories of God’s power and goodness with children and future generations.

This verse is spoken by the psalmist Asaph, addressing the people of Israel. The setting is a call to remember and pass on the history of God’s actions so that each new generation knows about God’s character and deeds. The verse highlights the importance of teaching children about God’s works, not keeping them hidden.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 78:4

  • "hide" (כָּחַד, kachad): This word means to conceal or keep something secret. The verse uses it to stress that the stories of God’s deeds should not be kept from children.
  • "children" (בֵּן, ben): This word refers to sons or descendants, emphasizing that the message is for the next generation, not just literal children.
  • "shewing" (סָפַר, saphar): This word means to recount or declare. It carries the sense of telling a story in detail, not just mentioning it briefly.
  • "praises" (תְּהִלָּה, tehilah): This word means songs or words of praise, highlighting that what is being passed down are not just facts, but reasons to honor and celebrate God.
  • "strength" (עֹז, oz): This word means might or power, focusing on God’s ability to act powerfully in history.
  • "works" (פָּלָא, pala): This word means wonderful or extraordinary deeds, pointing to actions that are beyond ordinary human ability.

Why Psalms 78:4 matters

  • Psalms 78:4 makes clear that remembering and sharing God’s works is not optional; it is a responsibility to future generations.
  • The verse emphasizes that faith is meant to be shared in community and within families, not kept private or hidden.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of Psalm 78, which recounts Israel’s history as a lesson and warning for those who come after.

Where else these words appear

“strength” Hebrew H5807 · used in 3 verses

  • Psalms 145:6 And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness.
  • Isaiah 42:25 Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his anger, and the strength of battle: and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew not; and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.

“hide” Hebrew H3582 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 47:18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.
  • Psalms 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

“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 78:6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

“praises” Hebrew H8416 · used in 57 verses

  • Exodus 15:11 Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
  • Psalms 66:8 O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard:
  • Isaiah 42:10 Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.