Psalms 78:51
Psalms 78:51 in Multiple Translations
He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham.
And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:
And smote all the first-born in Egypt, The chief of their strength in the tents of Ham.
He gave to destruction all the first sons of Egypt; the first-fruits of their strength in the tents of Ham;
He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the first to be conceived in the tents of Ham.
And smote al the firstborne in Egypt, euen the beginning of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham.
And He smiteth every first-born in Egypt, The first-fruit of the strong in tents of Ham.
and struck all the firstborn in Egypt, the chief of their strength in the tents of Ham.
And smote all the first-born in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:
He also caused all the firstborn sons of the people of Egypt to die.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:51
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 78:51 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֣ךְ
כָּל
בְּכ֣וֹר
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
רֵאשִׁ֥ית
א֝וֹנִ֗ים
בְּ/אָהֳלֵי
חָֽם
וַ/יַּ֣ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
to smite
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
בְּכ֣וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
Prep | N-proper
רֵאשִׁ֥ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
first
N-fs
א֝וֹנִ֗ים
ʼôwn
H202
strength
N-mp
בְּ/אָהֳלֵי
ʼôhel
H168
tent
Prep | N-mp
חָֽם
Châm
H2526
Ham
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:51
וַ/יַּ֣ךְ
nâkâh
H5221
"to smite"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בְּכ֣וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
בְּ/מִצְרָ֑יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
Prep | N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
רֵאשִׁ֥ית
rêʼshîyth
H7225
"first"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to the beginning or first part of something, like the firstfruits of a harvest. It is used in Exodus 23:19 to describe the best of the harvest. The idea is to give God the best.
Definition: : beginning 1) first, beginning, best, chief 1a) beginning 1b) first 1c) chief 1d) choice part Also means: re.shit (רֵאשִׁית ": best" H7225H)
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: beginning, chief(-est), first(-fruits, part, time), principal thing. See also: Genesis 1:1; Job 42:12; Psalms 78:51.
א֝וֹנִ֗ים
ʼôwn
H202
"strength"
N-mp
In the book of Job, this word refers to physical strength, wealth, or ability, highlighting God's power and might.
Definition: 1) vigour, generative power 2) wealth 3) physical strength (of men and behemoth)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: force, goods, might, strength, substance. See also: Genesis 49:3; Psalms 78:51; Psalms 105:36.
בְּ/אָהֳלֵי
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
חָֽם
Châm
H2526
"Ham"
N-proper
Ham was a son of Noah and the name also refers to his descendants or their country, often associated with hot southern lands. This term appears in Genesis 5:32 and 9:18. Ham's story is significant in biblical history.
Definition: § Ham = "hot" southern lands continaing the descendants of Ham
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Ham. See also: Genesis 5:32; Genesis 10:20; Psalms 78:51.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:51
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:51 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:51
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:51
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:51
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:51
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:51
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:51
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:51
- Sermons on Psalms 78:51
Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
49He unleashed His fury against them, wrath, indignation, and calamity— a band of destroying angels.
50He cleared a path for His anger; He did not spare them from death but delivered their lives to the plague.
51He struck all the firstborn of Egypt, the virility in the tents of Ham.
52He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness. 53He led them safely, so they did not fear, but the sea engulfed their enemies.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 105:23 | Then Israel entered Egypt; Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. |
| 2 | Psalms 135:8 | He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, of both man and beast. |
| 3 | Psalms 106:22 | wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. |
| 4 | Psalms 136:10 | He struck down the firstborn of Egypt His loving devotion endures forever. |
| 5 | Psalms 105:36 | Then He struck all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their vigor. |
| 6 | Exodus 13:15 | And when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both of man and beast. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the firstborn male of every womb, but I redeem all the firstborn of my sons.’ |
| 7 | Exodus 12:12 | On that night I will pass through the land of Egypt and strike down every firstborn male, both man and beast, and I will execute judgment against all the gods of Egypt. I am the LORD. |
| 8 | Exodus 12:29–30 | Now at midnight the LORD struck down every firstborn male in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn of the prisoner in the dungeon, as well as all the firstborn among the livestock. During the night Pharaoh got up—he and all his officials and all the Egyptians—and there was loud wailing in Egypt; for there was no house without someone dead. |
| 9 | Genesis 49:3 | Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. |
| 10 | Hebrews 11:28 | By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn. |
Psalms 78:51 Summary
This verse talks about a very significant event in the Bible where God brought judgment on the Egyptians by striking down their firstborn sons. This was a powerful display of God's authority and a crucial step in freeing the Israelites from slavery (Exodus 12:29, Psalm 136:10). It reminds us of God's sovereignty and power over all nations, and how He works to fulfill His promises to His people. By remembering this event, we can see God's holiness and His commitment to justice, and it encourages us to trust in His goodness and love (Psalm 119:137, Deuteronomy 32:4).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God struck all the firstborn of Egypt?
This refers to the tenth plague in Exodus 11:5 and Exodus 12:29, where God brought judgment on the Egyptians for their refusal to let the Israelites go, demonstrating His power and authority over all nations (Psalm 135:8, Isaiah 19:1).
Who is Ham and why are his tents mentioned?
Ham is one of the sons of Noah (Genesis 5:32), and his descendants include the Egyptians, according to Genesis 10:6, so the 'tents of Ham' refer to the Egyptian people, emphasizing the scope of God's judgment.
What is the significance of 'the virility' in this verse?
The term 'virility' in Psalms 78:51 refers to the strength and vigor of the firstborn, highlighting the severity of God's judgment in striking down the strongest and most vital part of Egyptian society (Numbers 3:13, Psalm 136:10).
How does this event relate to God's plan for the Israelites?
The striking of the firstborn of Egypt was a crucial step in God's plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery, as seen in Exodus 4:22-23, demonstrating His commitment to fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-14, Exodus 2:24).
Reflection Questions
- What does this verse reveal about God's character and His relationship with nations?
- How does the concept of God's judgment on the firstborn of Egypt relate to our understanding of sin and redemption?
- In what ways can we see God's sovereignty and power at work in this event, and how does that impact our faith today?
- What does this verse teach us about the importance of remembering and passing down the stories of God's work in history?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:51
And smote all the firstborn in Egypt,.... From the prince to the peasant; and not only the firstborn of men, but of beasts also, Exodus 12:29, the chief of their strength; or first of it, as the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:51
How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:51
The chief of their strength; another expression noting the first-born, who are so called, . Of Ham; of the Egyptians, the posterity of Ham, ; which title he there gives them, to intimate that they were the cursed children of a cursed parent, Ham, , and therefore were proper objects for Divine wrath and vengeance.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:51
Psalms 78:51 And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of [their] strength in the tabernacles of Ham:Ver. 51. And smote all the firstborn in Egypt] Certo pestis genere perniciocissimo et acutissimo. The Rabbis say that in each house was a dead corpse, viz. the chieftain of the family, whether there were a firstborn in it or not, Exodus 12:30. In the tabernacle of Ham] Who was the father of Mizraim, the founder of the Egyptians, Genesis 10:6, who vainly boasted that they were αυτοχθονες, as ancient as their land. Herodotus, the author of that story, tells us also of a certain great town in Egypt called Chemmim, from Cham likely.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:51
51. the chief of their strength] The beginning, or, firstlings of strength, a term applied to firstborn sons in Genesis 49:3; Deuteronomy 21:17. So Psalms 105:36. in the tabernacles of Ham] R.V. tents. Ham was the ancestor of Mizraim, i.e. Egypt, Genesis 10:6. Cp. Psalms 105:23; Psalms 105:27; Psalms 106:22.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:51
And smote all the firstborn in Egypt - See Exodus 11:4-5; Exodus 12:29-30. The chief of their strength - Those on whom they relied; their firstborn; their pride; their glory; their heirs. Compare Genesis 49:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:51
51. Smote all the firstborn—The last and effectual plague. The greatness of the judgment, and its singular feature in falling only upon the “firstborn,” marked it as a direct visitation of God.
Sermons on Psalms 78:51
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Exodus) Exodus 13:1-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving God first place in our lives. He draws a parallel between the children of Israel being delivered from slavery in Eg |
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(Exodus) Exodus 11:10 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the gods of Egypt claiming the firstborn of both man and beast. However, God intervenes and takes what belongs to Him. The spea |
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Dagon Was Fallen Upon His Face to the Earth by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the confrontation between the Ark of the Lord and the idol Dagon, illustrating the supremacy of Jehovah over false gods. The fall of Dagon symbolizes the inev |
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The Blood of the Lamb Exodus 12 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the significance of the Passover in Exodus 12, illustrating how the blood of the lamb served as a protective sign for the Israelites during God's judgm |
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Bible Survey - Exodus by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Exodus, highlighting God's almighty power, sovereignty, holiness, faithfulness, and His acts of redemption, judgment, and provision for His pe |
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(Exodus) Exodus 12:29-38 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the last judgment and the final plague that was coming upon the land of Egypt. The land of Goshen had previously escaped the last three plagu |
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Fast for Prayer in the Square – Day 3 by Carter Conlon | The video shown in the sermon is a two-minute preview of what God is expected to do in the future. The pastors will distribute this video to their congregations to give them an ide |