Psalms 145:7
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
זֵ֣כֶר
the memory
H2143
זֵ֣כֶר
the memory
Strong's:
H2143
Word #:
1 of 6
a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration
רַב
of thy great
H7227
רַב
of thy great
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
2 of 6
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
טוּבְךָ֣
goodness
H2898
טוּבְךָ֣
goodness
Strong's:
H2898
Word #:
3 of 6
good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare
יַבִּ֑יעוּ
They shall abundantly utter
H5042
יַבִּ֑יעוּ
They shall abundantly utter
Strong's:
H5042
Word #:
4 of 6
to gush forth; figuratively, to utter (good or bad words); specifically, to emit (a foul odor)
Cross References
Isaiah 63:7I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses.Psalms 51:14Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation: and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness.Psalms 36:10O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.Psalms 71:19Thy righteousness also, O God, is very high, who hast done great things: O God, who is like unto thee!Psalms 89:16In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
Historical Context
The remembrance (zeker) of God's goodness was central to Israelite worship, formalized in festivals like Passover (remembering the Exodus) and Tabernacles (remembering wilderness provision). These celebrations ensured that each generation experienced God's past faithfulness as present reality.
Questions for Reflection
- When was the last time you experienced spontaneous, overflowing speech about God's goodness to you?
- How can remembering God's past goodness sustain faith during present trials?
- Why is it significant that the psalm pairs God's goodness with His righteousness rather than treating them as opposing attributes?
Analysis & Commentary
They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. The verb yabbiyu (יַבִּיעוּ) "shall abundantly utter" literally means to gush forth, bubble up, pour out—spontaneous overflow, not restrained speech. God's rav tuvkha (רַב־טוּבְךָ) "abundant goodness" provokes abundant testimony. The word zeker (זֵכֶר) "memory/memorial" suggests both remembrance and public proclamation of God's goodness.
Shall sing of thy righteousness (tsidqateka yĕrannenu, צִדְקָתְךָ יְרַנֵּנוּ)—ranan (רָנַן) means to shout for joy, cry out in triumph. God's tsedeq (צֶדֶק) "righteousness" includes both His just character and His saving acts. The parallelism shows that God's goodness and righteousness are inseparable: His justice flows from His goodness, and His mercy never compromises His righteousness.