Psalms 78:18
Psalms 78:18 in Multiple Translations
They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved.
And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.
And they tempted God in their heart By asking food according to their desire.
Testing God in their hearts, requesting meat for their desire.
They deliberately provoked God by demanding the foods they longed for.
And tempted God in their heartes in requiring meate for their lust.
And they try God in their heart, To ask food for their lust.
They tempted God in their heart by asking food according to their desire.
And they tempted God in their heart by asking food for their desire.
By demanding that God give them the food that they desired, they tried to find out if he would always do what they requested him to do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:18
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 78:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְנַסּוּ
אֵ֥ל
בִּ/לְבָבָ֑/ם
לִֽ/שְׁאָל
אֹ֥כֶל
לְ/נַפְשָֽׁ/ם
וַ/יְנַסּוּ
nâçâh
H5254
to test
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
בִּ/לְבָבָ֑/ם
lêbâb
H3824
heart
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לִֽ/שְׁאָל
shâʼal
H7592
to ask
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֹ֥כֶל
ʼôkel
H400
food
N-ms
לְ/נַפְשָֽׁ/ם
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:18
וַ/יְנַסּוּ
nâçâh
H5254
"to test"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to test or try something, often to prove its worth or character. It is used in stories like Job, where God allows Satan to test Job's faith. The idea of testing is also seen in the wilderness, where the Israelites were tested by God.
Definition: : test 1) to test, try, prove, tempt, assay, put to the proof or test 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to test, try 1a2) to attempt, assay, try 1a3) to test, try, prove, tempt
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try. See also: Genesis 22:1; Judges 6:39; Psalms 26:2.
אֵ֥ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
בִּ/לְבָבָ֑/ם
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
לִֽ/שְׁאָל
shâʼal
H7592
"to ask"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.
Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.
אֹ֥כֶל
ʼôkel
H400
"food"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to food or a meal, including cereal, meat, and other supplies. It is used in stories about everyday life, like eating and sharing meals.
Definition: 1) food 1a) cereal 1b) meat 2) food supply 3) meal, dinner
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: eating, food, meal(-time), meat, prey, victuals. See also: Genesis 14:11; Deuteronomy 2:28; Psalms 78:18.
לְ/נַפְשָֽׁ/ם
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:18
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:18
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:18
- Sermons on Psalms 78:18
Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
16He brought streams from the stone and made water flow down like rivers.
17But they continued to sin against Him, rebelling in the desert against the Most High.
18They willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved.
19They spoke against God, saying, “Can God really prepare a table in the wilderness? 20When He struck the rock, water gushed out and torrents raged. But can He also give bread or supply His people with meat?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 6:16 | Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah. |
| 2 | Numbers 11:4 | Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat? |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:9 | We should not test Christ, as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. |
| 4 | Psalms 106:14–15 | They craved intensely in the wilderness and tested God in the desert. So He granted their request, but sent a wasting disease upon them. |
| 5 | James 4:2–3 | You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask. And when you do ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may squander it on your pleasures. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 10:6 | These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did. |
| 7 | Exodus 16:2–3 | And there in the desert they all grumbled against Moses and Aaron. “If only we had died by the LORD’s hand in the land of Egypt!” they said. “There we sat by pots of meat and ate our fill of bread, but you have brought us into this desert to starve this whole assembly to death!” |
| 8 | Psalms 95:9 | where your fathers tested and tried Me, though they had seen My work. |
Psalms 78:18 Summary
This verse, Psalms 78:18, tells us that the Israelites willfully tested God by demanding the food they craved, showing a lack of trust and contentment with what God had provided. We can learn from their example by recognizing that God always provides what is best for us, even if it's not what we want (as seen in Romans 8:28). By trusting in God's goodness and sovereignty, we can avoid willfully testing Him and instead cultivate a heart of gratitude and humility. We can also look to other examples in the Bible, such as the Israelites' experience with manna in Exodus 16:3, to see how God provides for His people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to willfully test God?
To willfully test God means to deliberately challenge His power, wisdom, or goodness, often by demanding something that is not in line with His will, as seen in Psalms 78:18, and also warned against in Deuteronomy 6:16 and Matthew 4:7.
Why did the Israelites demand the food they craved?
The Israelites demanded the food they craved because they were not content with the manna God had provided for them, and they longed for the fleshpots and other foods they had in Egypt, as mentioned in Exodus 16:3 and Numbers 11:4-6.
Is it okay to ask God for things we want?
While it's okay to ask God for things we want, we must do so with a humble and submissive heart, recognizing that God's ways and thoughts are higher than ours, as stated in Isaiah 55:9, and trusting in His goodness and sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28.
What are the consequences of willfully testing God?
The consequences of willfully testing God can be severe, including judgment, discipline, and even the hardening of one's heart, as seen in Psalms 78:18 and the surrounding context, as well as in other passages like Hebrews 3:7-11 and 1 Corinthians 10:1-12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I willfully test God in my own life, and how can I repent of these actions?
- How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, even when I don't have everything I want?
- What does it mean to trust God's sovereignty and goodness, even when His ways are not my ways?
- How can I balance my desires and requests with a humble and submissive heart, recognizing God's wisdom and power?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:18
And they tempted God in their heart,.... Which is desperately wicked, and from whence all impiety flows; they entertained hard thoughts of God; they inwardly fretted at their present circumstances,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:18
Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:18
Tempted; desired a trial and proof of God’ s power, as the next verse plainly showeth. See . For their lust; not for their necessary subsistence, for which they had manna, but out of an inordinate and luxurious appetite.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:18
Psalms 78:18 And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.Ver. 18. And they tempted God in their heart] In their hearts first, but afterwards also with their lips. The psalmist here striketh at the root of their wickedness. By asking meat for their lust] Not for their necessity (that had been more excusable, Proverbs 6:30), but to satisfy their inordinate appetite, to gratify their licorish palate.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:18
Verse 18. By asking meat for their lust.] לנפשם lenaphsham, "for their souls," i.e., for their lives; for they said in their hearts that the light bread, the manna, was not sufficient to sustain their natural force, and preserve their lives. It seems, however, from the expression, that they were wholly carnal; that they had no spirituality of mind; they were earthly, animal, and devilish.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:18
18. by asking &c.] By asking food for their appetite: a different word from that rendered lust in Psalms 78:30. The allusion is not to the demand for flesh, but to the doubt whether God could provide food for the people at all (Exodus 16:2 ff.). In the verses which follow, the murmurings which preceded the first sending of manna and quails (Exodus 16) are fused with those which preceded the second sending of quails (Numbers 11).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:18
And they tempted God in their heart - Exodus 16:2. The heart was the source of the evil. They were not satisfied with what he gave them.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:18
18. Tempted God— “They wished to put God to the proof, with a view to renounce him altogether, in case he should not give them what they wanted.”—Hengstenberg.
Sermons on Psalms 78:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Don't Slander Your Heavenly Father by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God since the age of 8. He emphasizes that God's promises have never failed him and encourages the congr |
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Jesus Was Tempted as We Are by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying away from temptation and sin. He warns against taking unnecessary risks, especially when it comes to exposing onese |
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Isaiah (Part 4) - Behold, My Servant by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Job and how he was stripped of everything he had, including his cattle, camels, goats, servants, and even his sons. The speaker e |
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(Luke) 12 - Intro to the Temptation by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Gospel of Luke and presents Jesus as the Son of all mankind and the Savior of everybody. The key verse is Luke 19:10, which states that |
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Numbers and Deuteronomy by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the experience of being served in a hotel and draws a parallel to the role of a priest serving the Lord. The speaker emphasizes that those w |
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Temptations by John McGregor | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking a stand for Christ and not succumbing to worldly temptations. He highlights how Satan tries to blind people from th |
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Triologies in Life of Christ - Part 2 by David Adams | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jesus and the devil in the wilderness. The devil tempts Jesus by offering him all the kingdoms of the world if he worsh |