Psalms 145:12

Authorized King James Version

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To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

Original Language Analysis

לְהוֹדִ֤יעַ׀ To make known H3045
לְהוֹדִ֤יעַ׀ To make known
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 1 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
לִבְנֵ֣י to the sons H1121
לִבְנֵ֣י to the sons
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 2 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
הָ֭אָדָם of men H120
הָ֭אָדָם of men
Strong's: H120
Word #: 3 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
גְּבוּרֹתָ֑יו his mighty acts H1369
גְּבוּרֹתָ֑יו his mighty acts
Strong's: H1369
Word #: 4 of 7
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
וּ֝כְב֗וֹד and the glorious H3519
וּ֝כְב֗וֹד and the glorious
Strong's: H3519
Word #: 5 of 7
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
הֲדַ֣ר majesty H1926
הֲדַ֣ר majesty
Strong's: H1926
Word #: 6 of 7
magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor
מַלְכוּתֽוֹ׃ of his kingdom H4438
מַלְכוּתֽוֹ׃ of his kingdom
Strong's: H4438
Word #: 7 of 7
a rule; concretely, a dominion

Analysis & Commentary

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. The purpose clause (lĕhodi'a, לְהוֹדִיעַ "to make known") reveals why believers speak of God's kingdom: to inform bĕnei ha'adam (בְּנֵי הָאָדָם) "the sons of men/humanity" about divine realities they wouldn't otherwise know. God's gĕvurotav (גְּבוּרֹתָיו) "mighty acts" in history testify to His present power.

The glorious majesty of his kingdom (kavod hadar malkhuto, כְּבוֹד הֲדַר מַלְכוּתוֹ) again piles synonyms—kavod "glory," hadar "majesty/splendor"—to express God's kingdom's incomparable magnificence. This evangelistic thrust shows that proclamation serves divine purposes: making God's character and reign known to those who suppress or ignore it (Romans 1:18-20).

Historical Context

Israel's calling was to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6), making Yahweh known among peoples worshiping false gods. Their testimony about God's mighty acts in the Exodus, conquest, and temple construction was meant to provoke the nations to fear the true God (Joshua 2:9-11, 1 Kings 10:1-9).

Questions for Reflection