THEOSISAugustine of Hippo
We, as Your people, are to be regarded as the entirety of the faithful and genuine followers of Christ. Therefore, though they presumed to possess the authority to annihilate us, Your people and the sheep of Your fold, let the one who boasts do so in the Lord. In this everlasting proclamation, we shall always acknowledge You. The variation in interpretation comes from the ambiguity in the Greek language. The phrase εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα can be translated as either “for ever” or “for an age”; yet, based on the surrounding context, we must discern which translation is more fitting. It seems to me that we should understand it as enduring until the end of time.
Read more (182 words)
The subsequent verse mirrors the initial one, typical of Scripture, especially the Psalms, but rearranges the order, placing elements that were initially stated at different points. In the first verse, it was declared, “We confess Thee,” while here we find “We praise Thee.” Thus, what was formerly referred to as “for ever” now appears as “from generation to generation.” This repetition of “generation” conveys a sense of eternity or, as some interpret, reflects both the old and new generations. Numerous passages in Scripture illustrate that confession can also signify praise; for instance, in this context, the words indicate in confession that “The works of the Lord are very good.” Sirach 39:33 Additionally, we recall the words of our Savior, who had no sin to confess: “I confess unto Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.” (Matthew 11:25) I present this to clarify that in the phrase “we declare Thy praise,” we witness a repetition of the notion found earlier in “we confess to Thee.”