Psalms 78:21
Psalms 78:21 in Multiple Translations
Therefore the LORD heard and was filled with wrath; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel,
Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;
Therefore Jehovah heard, and was wroth; And a fire was kindled against Jacob, And anger also went up against Israel;
So these things came to the Lord's ears, and he was angry; and a fire was lighted against Jacob, and wrath came up against Israel;
When he heard this, the Lord became very angry, burning like fire against the descendants of Jacob, furious with the people of Israel,
Therefore the Lord heard and was angrie, and the fire was kindled in Iaakob, and also wrath came vpon Israel,
Therefore hath Jehovah heard, And He sheweth Himself wroth, And fire hath been kindled against Jacob, And anger also hath gone up against Israel,
Therefore the LORD heard, and was angry. A fire was kindled against Jacob, anger also went up against Israel,
Therefore the LORD heard this , and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;
So, when Yahweh heard that, he became very angry, and he sent a fire to burn up some of his Israeli people. [MTY, DOU]
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:21
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 78:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ/כֵ֤ן
שָׁמַ֥ע
יְהוָ֗ה
וַֽ/יִּתְעַבָּ֥ר
וְ֭/אֵשׁ
נִשְּׂקָ֣ה
בְ/יַעֲקֹ֑ב
וְ/גַם
אַ֝֗ף
עָלָ֥ה
בְ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
לָ/כֵ֤ן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
שָׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
וַֽ/יִּתְעַבָּ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
וְ֭/אֵשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Conj | N-cs
נִשְּׂקָ֣ה
nâsaq
H5400
to kindle
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
בְ/יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
Jacob
Prep | N-proper
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
also
Conj | DirObjM
אַ֝֗ף
ʼaph
H639
face
DirObjM
עָלָ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בְ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:21
לָ/כֵ֤ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
שָׁמַ֥ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
יְהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וַֽ/יִּתְעַבָּ֥ר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
וְ֭/אֵשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Conj | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
נִשְּׂקָ֣ה
nâsaq
H5400
"to kindle"
V-Niphal-Perf-3fs
To kindle or start a fire, either literally or figuratively, as seen in the burning of flames or the sparking of passion. This term is used in various KJV translations as 'burn' or 'kindle'.
Definition: 1) to kindle, burn 1a) (Niphal) to be kindled 1b) (Hiphil) to make a fire, burn
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: burn, kindle. See also: Psalms 78:21; Isaiah 44:15; Ezekiel 39:9.
בְ/יַעֲקֹ֑ב
Yaʻăqôb
H3290
"Jacob"
Prep | N-proper
This word is the name of a person, Jacob, a key figure in the Bible. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the father of many tribes of Israel. The KJV simply translates it as Jacob.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently Another name of yis.ra.el (יִשְׂרָאֵל "Israel" H3478) § Jacob = "heel holder" or "supplanter" son of Isaac, grandson of Abraham, and father of the 12 patriarchs of the tribes of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 319 OT verses. KJV: Jacob. See also: Genesis 25:26; Genesis 34:1; Psalms 14:7.
וְ/גַם
gam
H1571
"also"
Conj | DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
אַ֝֗ף
ʼaph
H639
"face"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
עָלָ֥ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
בְ/יִשְׂרָאֵֽל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:21
- Sermons on Psalms 78:21
Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
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?”
21Therefore the LORD heard and was filled with wrath; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel,
22because they did not believe God or rely on His salvation. 23Yet He commanded the clouds above and opened the doors of the heavens.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jude 1:5 | Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 10:11 | Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. |
| 3 | Numbers 11:1–3 | Soon the people began to complain about their hardship in the hearing of the LORD, and when He heard them, His anger was kindled, and fire from the LORD blazed among them and consumed the outskirts of the camp. And the people cried out to Moses, and he prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD had burned among them. |
| 4 | Hebrews 12:29 | “For our God is a consuming fire.” |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 32:22 | For a fire has been kindled by My anger, and it burns to the depths of Sheol; it consumes the earth and its produce, and scorches the foundations of the mountains. |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 10:5 | Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness. |
| 7 | Psalms 78:31 | God’s anger flared against them, and He put to death their strongest and subdued the young men of Israel. |
| 8 | Numbers 11:10 | Then Moses heard the people of family after family weeping at the entrances to their tents, and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly, and Moses was also displeased. |
Psalms 78:21 Summary
In Psalms 78:21, we see that God became very angry with the Israelites because they didn't trust Him to take care of them. This happened even after He had done many amazing things for them, like providing food and water in the desert (as seen in Exodus 16:4). God wants us to trust Him and have faith that He will always provide for us, just like He promised in Jeremiah 29:11. When we doubt God, it makes Him sad and can even lead to His anger, but when we trust Him, He is pleased and will take care of us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did God become angry with the Israelites in Psalms 78:21?
God became angry because the Israelites doubted His ability to provide for them, despite seeing His power and provision in the past, as seen in Exodus 16:4 and Numbers 11:31-34.
What does it mean for God's anger to 'flare' against someone?
When the Bible says God's anger flares against someone, it means He is strongly displeased and will likely take action in judgment, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:27 and Psalms 7:11.
Is God's wrath the same as human anger?
No, God's wrath is a righteous response to sin and disobedience, unlike human anger which can be driven by selfishness and a lack of control, as explained in Romans 1:18 and Ephesians 4:26-27.
How can we avoid facing God's wrath like the Israelites did?
We can avoid facing God's wrath by trusting in His goodness and provision, and obeying His commands, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have doubted God's provision in my own life, and how can I learn to trust Him more?
- How does remembering God's past faithfulness help me to trust Him in difficult times, as seen in Psalms 78:21?
- In what ways can I show reverence for God's holiness and wrath, while also embracing His love and mercy?
- What are some practical ways I can 'rely on His salvation' as mentioned in the surrounding verse, Psalms 78:22?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:21
Therefore the Lord heard this,.... What they said in their hearts, and what they expressed with their mouths, all their murmurings against him, their distrust of his power and providence, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:21
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 78:21
A fire was kindled; either properly, as it was ; or figuratively, the fire of God’ s anger, as it follows.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:21
Psalms 78:21 Therefore the LORD heard [this], and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;Ver. 21. Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth] Efferbuit, excanduit. Anger is a kind of fire, a boiling of the blood about the heart, through desire of revenge. "But fury is not in me," saith God, Isaiah 27:4. If anger be ascribed unto him, as here, it is an expression fitted to our apprehension, because he doeth that which angry men use to do, viz. chide and smite for sin; but all in a way of justice, and without the least perturbation. So a fire was kindled] It began to smoke and burn. And anger also came up] Ascended, i.e. Flamed, for anger beginneth at the heart, and then cometh up into the brain, face, nostrils.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:21
(21) See references in margin.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:21
21. Therefore when Jehovah heard, he was wroth: And a fire was kindled against Jacob, And anger also went up against Israel. Cp. Psalms 78:59; Psalms 78:62. A fire alludes to the punishment of the murmuring Israelites by the burning at Taberah (Numbers 11:1 ff.), before the second giving of quails. Went up is a metaphor from smoke. Cp. Psalms 18:8; Psalms 74:1.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:21
Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth - See Numbers 11:1, Numbers 11:10.
Sermons on Psalms 78:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Complete Salvation and How to Recieve It - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince Ministries focuses on the concept of complete salvation and how many Christians may only experience an incomplete version of what God has provided. The |
|
Limiting God by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon, in his sermon 'Limiting God,' emphasizes the tendency of humanity to restrict God's power and grace through dictation, distrust, and despair. He highlights how peopl |
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The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 5 by W.F. Kumuyi | This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing in God's great promises and the consequences of unbelief, focusing on the covenant, holiness, fearlessness, and courage of those |
|
(The Church in the Last Days) 08 - the Harlot by Milton Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying focused and alert in one's faith. He warns against drifting off and becoming complacent, urging listeners to be so |
|
Can God Spread a Table in the Wilderness? by John Piper | John Piper preaches about God's purpose in leading His people through the wilderness, emphasizing the lessons of humility, dependence, and trust that are learned in the midst of tr |
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Jude #2 - Israel in the Wilderness by Chuck Missler | In this sermon, the pastor discusses the topic of apostasy and warns the congregation about the dangers of falling away from the faith. He uses examples from the Bible to illustrat |
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Through the Bible - 2 John, 3 John, Jude by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discernment in understanding the truth. He compares the process of finding the right answer in multiple-choice questions t |