Psalms 78:4
We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נְכַחֵ֨ד׀
We will not hide
H3582
נְכַחֵ֨ד׀
We will not hide
Strong's:
H3582
Word #:
2 of 12
to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy
מִבְּנֵיהֶ֗ם
them from their children
H1121
מִבְּנֵיהֶ֗ם
them from their children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְד֥וֹר
to the generation
H1755
לְד֥וֹר
to the generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
אַחֲר֗וֹן
to come
H314
אַחֲר֗וֹן
to come
Strong's:
H314
Word #:
5 of 12
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
מְֽ֭סַפְּרִים
shewing
H5608
מְֽ֭סַפְּרִים
shewing
Strong's:
H5608
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וְ֝נִפְלְאֹתָ֗יו
and his wonderful works
H6381
וְ֝נִפְלְאֹתָ֗יו
and his wonderful works
Strong's:
H6381
Word #:
10 of 12
properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful
Cross References
Deuteronomy 11:19And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.Joel 1:3Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.Deuteronomy 4:9Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;Deuteronomy 6:7And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.Psalms 9:14That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
Historical Context
The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) commanded parents to teach children constantly—"when you sit, walk, lie down, rise up." Israel's survival as covenant people depended on faithful transmission. When a generation failed this (Judges 2:10-13), apostasy followed. The New Testament continues this: parents nurture children "in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).
Questions for Reflection
- What might cause a generation to "hide" God's truth from their children, and how can you resist this?
- How are you intentionally "showing" (not assuming) the next generation God's praises, strength, and works?
- What "wonderful works" from your experience with God should you be declaring to younger believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The mandate continues: "We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done" (Hebrew lo n-kached mi-b-neyhem l-dor acharon m-sapprim t-hilot YHWH v-azuzo v-nifle-otav asher asah). "Not hide" indicates intentional disclosure—faith transmission requires active effort. Three things must be shown: God's "praises" (His worshipful character), His "strength" (His power), and His "wonderful works" (His mighty acts). The verse establishes that each generation inherits responsibility to transmit faith.