Psalms 145:5

Authorized King James Version

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I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works.

Original Language Analysis

הֲ֭דַר honour H1926
הֲ֭דַר honour
Strong's: H1926
Word #: 1 of 6
magnificence, i.e., ornament or splendor
כְּב֣וֹד of the glorious H3519
כְּב֣וֹד of the glorious
Strong's: H3519
Word #: 2 of 6
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
הוֹדֶ֑ךָ of thy majesty H1935
הוֹדֶ֑ךָ of thy majesty
Strong's: H1935
Word #: 3 of 6
grandeur (i.e., an imposing form and appearance)
וְדִבְרֵ֖י works H1697
וְדִבְרֵ֖י works
Strong's: H1697
Word #: 4 of 6
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
נִפְלְאֹתֶ֣יךָ and of thy wondrous H6381
נִפְלְאֹתֶ֣יךָ and of thy wondrous
Strong's: H6381
Word #: 5 of 6
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
אָשִֽׂיחָה׃ I will speak H7878
אָשִֽׂיחָה׃ I will speak
Strong's: H7878
Word #: 6 of 6
to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter

Analysis & Commentary

I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. David personally commits—asicha (אָשִׂיחָה) "I will meditate/speak"—to rehearse God's splendor. The phrase hadar kĕvod hodeka (הֲדַר כְּבוֹד הוֹדֶךָ) literally "the beauty of the glory of Your majesty" piles synonyms to express God's transcendent magnificence beyond human language. Hadar (הָדָר) conveys ornamental beauty, kavod (כָּבוֹד) weighty glory, hod (הוֹד) majestic splendor.

Thy wondrous works (divrei nifleoteka, דִּבְרֵי נִפְלְאוֹתֶיךָ) "the matters of your wonders"—God's miraculous acts that inspire awe. The Qal participle construction suggests ongoing meditation: David will continually ponder and proclaim God's incomparable greatness, anticipating Revelation's twenty-four elders who cast crowns before the throne declaring God's worthiness (Revelation 4:10-11).

Historical Context

David's kingship gave him unique perspective on human majesty versus divine glory. Having experienced earthly honor, he recognized that God's majesty infinitely surpasses all created splendor. The temple liturgy David established (1 Chronicles 16) formalized corporate meditation on God's attributes.

Questions for Reflection