Psalms 145:13

Authorized King James Version

PDF

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

Original Language Analysis

מַלְכ֥וּת Thy kingdom H4438
מַלְכ֥וּת Thy kingdom
Strong's: H4438
Word #: 1 of 8
a rule; concretely, a dominion
מַלְכ֥וּת Thy kingdom H4438
מַלְכ֥וּת Thy kingdom
Strong's: H4438
Word #: 2 of 8
a rule; concretely, a dominion
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֹֽלָמִ֑ים is an everlasting H5769
עֹֽלָמִ֑ים is an everlasting
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
וּ֝מֶֽמְשֶׁלְתְּךָ֗ and thy dominion H4475
וּ֝מֶֽמְשֶׁלְתְּךָ֗ and thy dominion
Strong's: H4475
Word #: 5 of 8
rule; also (concretely in plural) a realm or a ruler
בְּכָל H3605
בְּכָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
וָדֹֽר׃ endureth throughout all H1755
וָדֹֽר׃ endureth throughout all
Strong's: H1755
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
וָדֹֽר׃ endureth throughout all H1755
וָדֹֽר׃ endureth throughout all
Strong's: H1755
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

Analysis & Commentary

This verse extends the scope of God's benevolence across time and creation: 'Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.' The phrase 'everlasting kingdom' (memlachah le'olamim) asserts both the reality of God's present kingship and its eternal continuation. 'Thy dominion endureth throughout all generations' emphasizes stability across successive human ages. This verse moves from God's intrinsic character (verses 8) to His universal rule. The theological claim is that God's sovereignty is not provisional or temporary but fundamental to creation's structure. Throughout history's successive generations, God's rule continues unchanged. This provides hope for any oppressed generation: current political circumstances do not diminish God's ultimate authority. The verse implicitly critiques reliance on earthly kingdoms, which inevitably pass (Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman empires all fell, but God's kingdom remained). This is not escapist otherworldliness but theological grounding in reality - God's kingdom, not human empires, ultimately determines history's trajectory.

Historical Context

During Israel's monarchical period (1000-586 BC), king-worship included celebration of the king's dynasty as 'everlasting' (Psalm 89:3-4, 28-29). However, the Babylonian exile devastated this theology - the Davidic dynasty ceased to rule. This psalm, likely composed or compiled after exile, redirects the language of 'everlasting kingdom' to God alone. This is theologically sophisticated: it maintains hope in God's enduring rule while acknowledging the failure of human kingship. During the Hellenistic period (332-165 BC), when Jews lived under the rule of Alexander and his successors, the affirmation of God's everlasting kingdom provided spiritual resistance to cultural assimilation. The concept of God's kingdom 'throughout all generations' appears in apocalyptic literature (Daniel 7, later developed into concepts of messianic kingdom and resurrection). For early Christians reading this psalm, it pointed toward Jesus's teaching about the 'kingdom of God' (Mark 1:14-15) and the expectation of a future restoration of all things.

Questions for Reflection