Psalms 78:6

Authorized King James Version

That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

Word-by-Word Analysis

לְמַ֤עַן

H4616

properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that

יֵדְע֨וּ׀

H3045

might know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

דּ֣וֹר

H1755

That the generation

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

אַ֭חֲרוֹן

H314

to come

hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

לִבְנֵיהֶֽם׃

H1121

them even the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִוָּלֵ֑דוּ

H3205

which should be born

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

יָ֝קֻ֗מוּ

H6965

who should arise

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וִֽיסַפְּר֥וּ

H5608

and declare

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

לִבְנֵיהֶֽם׃

H1121

them even the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?