Psalms 78:6
That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:
Original Language Analysis
לְמַ֤עַן
H4616
לְמַ֤עַן
Strong's:
H4616
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
יֵדְע֨וּ׀
might know
H3045
יֵדְע֨וּ׀
might know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 9
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
דּ֣וֹר
That the generation
H1755
דּ֣וֹר
That the generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
אַ֭חֲרוֹן
to come
H314
אַ֭חֲרוֹן
to come
Strong's:
H314
Word #:
4 of 9
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western
לִבְנֵיהֶֽם׃
them even the children
H1121
לִבְנֵיהֶֽם׃
them even the children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 9
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
which should be born
H3205
יִוָּלֵ֑דוּ
which should be born
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
6 of 9
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
יָ֝קֻ֗מוּ
who should arise
H6965
יָ֝קֻ֗מוּ
who should arise
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
7 of 9
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
Cross References
Psalms 102:18This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD.Psalms 90:16Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.Psalms 145:4One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.Joel 1:3Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.
Historical Context
This three-generation vision appears throughout Scripture: Abraham-Isaac-Jacob, David-Solomon-Rehoboam, Timothy's grandmother-mother-Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul commanded Timothy: teach "faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2)—four generations. The Great Commission extends this globally and chronologically until Christ returns.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing yourself as a link in faith's multigenerational chain change your sense of responsibility?
- What are you teaching the next generation that they can transmit to their children?
- How does the church function as spiritual family when biological families fail to transmit faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The purpose continues: "That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children" (Hebrew l-ma-an yedu dor acharon banim yivvaldu yaqumu vi-sapru liv-neyhem). Three generations appear: current teaching future who will teach their children. The chain must not break. "Know" requires understanding, not mere hearing. "Declare" indicates active proclamation. Each generation serves as link in faith's transmission.