Psalms 135:13

Authorized King James Version

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Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.

Original Language Analysis

יְ֝הוָ֗ה O LORD H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה O LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
שִׁמְךָ֣ Thy name H8034
שִׁמְךָ֣ Thy name
Strong's: H8034
Word #: 2 of 7
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
לְעוֹלָ֑ם endureth for ever H5769
לְעוֹלָ֑ם endureth for ever
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
יְ֝הוָ֗ה O LORD H3068
יְ֝הוָ֗ה O LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 4 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
זִכְרְךָ֥ and thy memorial H2143
זִכְרְךָ֥ and thy memorial
Strong's: H2143
Word #: 5 of 7
a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration
וָדֹֽר׃ generations H1755
וָדֹֽר׃ generations
Strong's: H1755
Word #: 6 of 7
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
וָדֹֽר׃ generations H1755
וָדֹֽר׃ generations
Strong's: H1755
Word #: 7 of 7
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

Analysis & Commentary

A theological declaration anchors the historical recital: 'Thy name, O LORD, endureth for ever; and thy memorial, O LORD, throughout all generations.' The Hebrew 'shem' (name) signifies God's revealed character, reputation, and identity. 'Zikr' (memorial, remembrance) parallels this, emphasizing how God is known and commemorated. Both 'endure forever' (le'olam) and span 'all generations' (le'dor va'dor), asserting divine permanence against the mortality of human kingdoms. While Sihon and Og are forgotten except in Israel's worship, Yahweh's name endures eternally. This echoes Exodus 3:15 where God declares His name 'for ever' and His memorial 'unto all generations.' The verse transitions from what God has done (verses 8-12) to who God eternally is, grounding historical acts in unchanging divine character. Jesus claimed the same permanence: 'Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away' (Matthew 24:35).

Historical Context

The language closely parallels Exodus 3:15, where God revealed His name to Moses at the burning bush. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a name preserved one's memory after death - to have no name was to be forgotten entirely. God's eternal name contrasts with the mortality of human rulers and their dynasties.

Questions for Reflection