Psalms 78:1
Psalms 78:1 in Multiple Translations
Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth.
Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
Give ear, O my people, to my law: Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
Give ear, O my people, to my law; let your ears be bent down to the words of my mouth.
Listen to what I have to teach you, my people; hear what I have to say.
A Psalme to give instruction committed to Asaph. Heare my doctrine, O my people: incline your eares vnto the wordes of my mouth.
An Instruction of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law, Incline your ear to sayings of my mouth.
Hear my teaching, my people. Turn your ears to the words of my mouth.
Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ear to the words of my mouth.
A psalm for Asaph. O God, the heathens are come into thy inheritance, they have defiled thy holy temple: they have made Jerusalem as a place to keep fruit.
My friends, listen to what I am going to teach you; pay careful attention [IDM] to what I say.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 78:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַשְׂכִּ֗יל
לְ/אָ֫סָ֥ף
הַאֲזִ֣ינָ/ה
עַ֭מִּ/י
תּוֹרָתִ֑/י
הַטּ֥וּ
אָ֝זְנְ/כֶ֗ם
לְ/אִמְרֵי
פִֽ/י
מַשְׂכִּ֗יל
maskîyl
H4905
Maskil
N-ms
לְ/אָ֫סָ֥ף
ʼÂçâph
H623
Asaph
Prep | N-proper
הַאֲזִ֣ינָ/ה
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
עַ֭מִּ/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
תּוֹרָתִ֑/י
tôwrâh
H8451
instruction
N-fs | Suff
הַטּ֥וּ
nâṭâh
H5186
to stretch
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
אָ֝זְנְ/כֶ֗ם
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs | Suff
לְ/אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
word
Prep | N-mp
פִֽ/י
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:1
מַשְׂכִּ֗יל
maskîyl
H4905
"Maskil"
N-ms
Maskil refers to a type of poem or song that teaches a lesson. It's used in the Psalms to describe instructive songs, like Psalm 32. These poems aim to educate and inspire.
Definition: (Hiphil) poem, song or poem of contemplation
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: Maschil. See also: Psalms 32:1; Psalms 54:1; Psalms 42:1.
לְ/אָ֫סָ֥ף
ʼÂçâph
H623
"Asaph"
Prep | N-proper
Asaph means gatherer, the name of several Israelites, including a Levite and the father of Hezekiah's secretary. He is mentioned in Exodus 6:24 and 1 Chronicles 26:1. Asaph was a common name in biblical times.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.24; son of: Korah (H7141I); brother of: Assir (H0617) and Elkanah (H0511); father of: Assir (H0617H) and Kore (H6981); also called Abiasaph at Exo.6.24; Asaph at 1Ch.26.1; Another name of ev.ya.saph (אֶבְיָסָף, אֲבִיאָסָף "Ebiasaph" H0043) § Asaph = "gatherer" 1) the father of Hezekiah's secretary 2) a son of Berechiah, chief Levite musician under David 3) a Persian officer over the royal forest
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Asaph. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Ezra 3:10; Psalms 50:1.
הַאֲזִ֣ינָ/ה
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
עַ֭מִּ/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
תּוֹרָתִ֑/י
tôwrâh
H8451
"instruction"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
הַטּ֥וּ
nâṭâh
H5186
"to stretch"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
To stretch or spread out, often used to describe physical movement, but also moral deflection, as seen in the story of Israel's decline in the book of Judges.
Definition: 1) to stretch out, extend, spread out, pitch, turn, pervert, incline, bend, bow 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stretch out, extend, stretch, offer 1a2) to spread out, pitch (tent) 1a3) to bend, turn, incline 1a3a) to turn aside, incline, decline, bend down 1a3b) to bend, bow 1a3c) to hold out, extend (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) to be stretched out 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stretch out 1c2) to spread out 1c3) to turn, incline, influence, bend down, hold out, extend, thrust aside, thrust away
Usage: Occurs in 207 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afternoon, apply, bow (down, -ing), carry aside, decline, deliver, extend, go down, be gone, incline, intend, lay, let down, offer, outstretched, overthrown, pervert, pitch, prolong, put away, shew, spread (out), stretch (forth, out), take (aside), turn (aside, away), wrest, cause to yield. See also: Genesis 12:8; Psalms 31:3; Psalms 17:6.
אָ֝זְנְ/כֶ֗ם
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
לְ/אִמְרֵי
ʼêmer
H561
"word"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a word or speech, like a promise or command from God. It is used in books like Genesis and Exodus to describe God's conversations with people.
Definition: utterance, speech, word, saying, promise, command
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: answer, [idiom] appointed unto him, saying, speech, word. See also: Genesis 49:21; Psalms 141:6; Psalms 5:2.
פִֽ/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:1
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:1
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:1
- Sermons on Psalms 78:1
Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
1Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth.
2I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning, 3that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 51:4 | Pay attention to Me, My people, and listen to Me, My nation; for a law will go out from Me, and My justice will become a light to the nations; I will bring it about quickly. |
| 2 | Isaiah 55:3 | Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant— My loving devotion promised to David. |
| 3 | Psalms 74:1 | Why have You rejected us forever, O God? Why does Your anger smolder against the sheep of Your pasture? |
| 4 | Proverbs 8:4–6 | “To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men. O simple ones, learn to be shrewd; O fools, gain understanding. Listen, for I speak of noble things, and the opening of my lips will reveal right. |
| 5 | Judges 5:3 | Listen, O kings! Give ear, O princes! I will sing to the LORD; I will sing praise to the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 6 | Psalms 50:7 | “Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God. |
| 7 | Psalms 49:1–3 | Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor alike. My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 15:1–16 | Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. So he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The LORD is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you. For many years Israel has been without the true God, without a priest to instruct them, and without the law. But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them. In those days there was no safety for travelers, because the residents of the lands had many conflicts. Nation was crushed by nation, and city by city, for God afflicted them with all kinds of adversity. But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged, for your work will be rewarded.” When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of Oded the prophet, he took courage and removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the cities he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He then restored the altar of the LORD that was in front of the portico of the LORD’s temple. And he assembled all Judah and Benjamin, along with those from the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon who had settled among them, for great numbers had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the LORD his God was with him. So they gathered together in Jerusalem in the third month of the fifteenth year of Asa’s reign. At that time they sacrificed to the LORD seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from all the plunder they had brought back. Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn it with all their heart. They had sought Him earnestly, and He was found by them. So the LORD gave them rest on every side. King Asa also removed his grandmother Maacah from her position as queen mother because she had made a detestable Asherah pole. Asa chopped down the pole, crushed it, and burned it in the Kidron Valley. |
| 9 | Matthew 13:9 | He who has ears, let him hear.” |
| 10 | Psalms 51:4 | Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge. |
Psalms 78:1 Summary
This verse, Psalms 78:1, is an invitation to listen carefully to God's instruction, just like we would listen to a wise teacher or parent. The speaker is asking their people to pay attention to what they are saying because it is important for their spiritual growth and well-being, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Deuteronomy 4:1. By listening to God's word, we can learn valuable lessons and gain wisdom, just like the psalmist is doing in this verse (Psalms 119:11). As we listen, we can also apply what we learn to our lives, just like Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24-27, where He says that those who listen to His words and put them into practice are like wise builders who build their houses on rock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'give ear' to someone's instruction?
In Psalms 78:1, 'give ear' is an idiomatic expression that means to listen carefully and attentively to what someone is saying, as seen in Proverbs 4:1 where it says 'listen' and in Isaiah 55:3 where it says 'give ear'. This implies a posture of humility and a willingness to learn.
Why is the speaker asking their people to listen to their words?
The speaker in Psalms 78:1 is asking their people to listen because they have important instruction to impart, as seen in the following verse, Psalms 78:2, where they mention sharing parables and hidden things, similar to Jesus' teaching style in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 13:34-35.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
This verse emphasizes the importance of listening to God's instruction, as seen in other parts of Scripture like Deuteronomy 4:1 and Psalms 119:11, where listening to God's word is crucial for our spiritual growth and relationship with Him.
What role does obedience play in this verse?
While obedience is not explicitly mentioned in Psalms 78:1, it is implied that listening to the speaker's instruction will lead to obedience, as seen in other verses like Romans 2:13 and James 1:22, where it is clear that hearing and doing God's word are closely linked.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'give ear' to God's instruction in my daily life, and how can I prioritize listening to His voice?
- How can I cultivate a posture of humility and willingness to learn from God's word, as seen in this verse?
- What are some 'parables' or 'hidden things' that God has revealed to me through His word, and how can I apply them to my life?
- In what ways can I share the instruction and teachings I have received from God with others, as the speaker in this verse is doing?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:1
Give ear, O my people,.... The Jews were Christ's people, he descending from their fathers according to the flesh; they were his own, to whom he came, though rejected by them; they were his nation
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:1
Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. Psalms 78:1-72.-God's address, through Asaph, to Israel to hear His law and His parabolic instruction.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:1
Psalms 78 THE The scope of this Psalm is plainly expressed , and is this, that the Israelites might learn to hope and trust in God, and steadfastly to keep his laws and covenant; which great lesson he presseth upon them, from the sad effects of the contrary practices in their forefathers, of which he gives a brief yet full account in a recapitulation of he most remarkable passages in the history of their church and nation. An exhortation to attend to and instruct others in the word and works of the Lord, . A rehearsal of God’ s love and long-suffering to the unbelieving and obstinate Israelites, , in their journey out of Egypt to the land of Canaan, . Rejecting the rest of the tribes, he chooseth Zion for a place of worship, and David to the kingdom, . My people: if Asaph was the composer of this Psalm, he might well call the Israelites his people, not only as he was their prophet and teacher, but also because they were of the same country and parentage with him; upon which account this very phrase of my people is used of them, not only by queen Esther, ,4, but also by the Shunammitish woman, . My law, i.e. the doctrine which I am about to deliver to you, concerning your duty, and the danger of neglecting it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:1
Psalms 78:1 « Maschil of Asaph. » Give ear, O my people, [to] my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.Maschil of Asaph] Ode didasealiea Asaphi. The six first verses are proemial, wooing attention from the dignity, difficulty, antiquity, certainty, &c., of the matter in this psalm discoursed on, containing an abstract of the whole Pentateuch, and acquainting us with the ancient way of preaching, which was a historical narration of the miraculous mercies that God had from time to time conferred upon his people, their hateful abuse of his benefits, and their punishments thereupon. This is to be seen in various psalms, in St Stephen’ s sermon, Acts 7:1-60, and St Paul’ s, Acts 13:1-52, et est sane valde venerandum istud sanctae antiquitatis monumentum, This is a very venerable monument of holy antiquity, and teacheth us the right use of history, quae dicta est παρατοισταναιτονρουν, saith Plato. Ver. 1. Give ear, O my people, to my law] i.e. To my doctrine, which hath its name in Hebrew from darting it into the soul; and these are the psalmist’ s words in God’ s name, calling for utmost attention. Incline your ears, &c.] Lay them close to my lips, that no parcel of this sacred language fall to the ground by your default. Eνωτιζεσθε, Aurizate, auribus haurite, Receive it into your ears; yea, draw up the ears of your mind to the ears of your bodies, that one sound may pierce both, Acts 2:14 Isaiah 55:3. "Hear, and give ear; be not proud; for the Lord hath spoken it," Jeremiah 13:15.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:1
(1) For the formal opening see Psalms 49:1, Note. My people.—An expression pointing to a position of weight and authority. My law.—Here, rather instruction, or doctrine.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:1
PSALM LXXVIII An enumeration of the principal effects of the goodness of God to his people, 1-16; of their rebellions and punishment, 17-33; their feigned repentance, 34-37; God's compassion towards them, 38, 39; their backsliding, and forgetfulness of his mercy, 40-42; the plagues which he brought upon the Egyptians, 43-51; the deliverance of his own people, and their repeated ingratitude and disobedience, 52-58; their punishment, 59-64; God's wrath against their adversaries, 65, 66; his rejection of the tribes of Israel and his choice of the tribe of Judah, and of David to be king over his people, 67-72. NOTES ON PSALM LXXVIII The title, Maschil of Asaph; or, according to the margin, A Psalm for Asaph to give instruction; contains nothing particular. The Arabic has, "A sermon from Asaph to the people." The Psalm was probably not written by David, but after the separation of the ten tribes of Israel, and after the days of Rehoboam, and before the Babylonish captivity, for the temple was still standing, Psalms 78:69. Calmet supposes that it was written in the days of Asa, who had gained, by the aid of the Syrians, a great victory over the Israelites; and brought back to the pure worship of God many out of the tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Simeon. See 2 Chronicles 15:16-16:14. Verse 1. Give ear, O my people] This is the exordium of this very pathetic and instructive discourse.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:1
1–8. The Psalmist’s solemn invitation to his countrymen to listen to his teaching. He proposes to set forth the lessons to be drawn from Israel’s past history, in obedience to God’s command to hand on the tradition of His mighty works for the encouragement and warning of each successive generation.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:1
Give ear, O my people - This is not an address of God, but an address of the king or ruler of the people, calling their attention to an important subject; to wit, his right to rule over them, or
Sermons on Psalms 78:1
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Dreams & Visions of a Godly Home) the Beautiful Influence of a Godly Home by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of raising children as disciples of Jesus Christ. The goal is to make children love, serve, and walk with Him. The speaker dra |
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05. a Vision That Motivates by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a spiritual vision that motivates action, drawing from the example of Samuel's time when there was no open vision and the people wer |
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The Great Welsh Revival by Bob Doom | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Psalm 78 and the importance of passing down God's laws and teachings to future generations. He laments the fact that society has n |
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Psalm 78 - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and witnessing the wonders and mighty deeds that God has done for Israel. He emphasizes the need to recognize |
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10 - Education and Its Purpose by Ben Torrey | In this sermon, Ben Torrey discusses the topic of education and its significance in Korean society. He highlights the strong emphasis on education in Korea, which stems from the Co |
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A Godly Heritage (Alternative) by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of attending all eight evenings of the sermon series to receive the full meal of teachings. He encourages the audience not to |
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The Israel of God by Wong Chin Meng | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of parents taking responsibility for teaching their children about God and His ways. He highlights the failure of previous gen |