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Psalms 78:63

Psalms 78:63 in Multiple Translations

Fire consumed His young men, and their maidens were left without wedding songs.

The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage.

Fire devoured their young men; And their virgins had no marriage-song.

Their young men were burned in the fire; and their virgins were not praised in the bride-song.

Their young men were destroyed by fire; their young women had no wedding songs.

The fire deuoured their chosen men, and their maides were not praised.

His young men hath fire consumed, And His virgins have not been praised.

Fire devoured their young men. Their virgins had no wedding song.

The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage.

Young men were killed in battles, with the result that the young women had no one to marry.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:63

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 78:63 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בַּחוּרָ֥י/ו אָֽכְלָה אֵ֑שׁ וּ֝/בְתוּלֹתָ֗י/ו לֹ֣א הוּלָּֽלוּ
בַּחוּרָ֥י/ו bâchûwr H970 youth N-mp | Suff
אָֽכְלָה ʼâkal H398 to eat V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֵ֑שׁ ʼêsh H784 fire N-cs
וּ֝/בְתוּלֹתָ֗י/ו bᵉthûwlâh H1330 virgin Conj | N-fp | Suff
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
הוּלָּֽלוּ hâlal H1984 to shine V-Pual-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:63

בַּחוּרָ֥י/ו bâchûwr H970 "youth" N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a young person, often a chosen or select individual, like a young man in his prime. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of young soldiers. The term emphasizes the idea of being selected or set apart.
Definition: youth, young man
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (choice) young (man), chosen, [idiom] hole. See also: Deuteronomy 32:25; Jeremiah 18:21; Psalms 78:31.
אָֽכְלָה ʼâkal H398 "to eat" V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
אֵ֑שׁ ʼêsh H784 "fire" 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.
וּ֝/בְתוּלֹתָ֗י/ו bᵉthûwlâh H1330 "virgin" Conj | N-fp | Suff
A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.
Definition: virgin
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הוּלָּֽלוּ hâlal H1984 "to shine" V-Pual-Perf-3cp
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.

Study Notes — Psalms 78:63

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 7:34 I will remove from the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sounds of joy and gladness and the voices of the bride and bridegroom, for the land will become a wasteland.”
2 Jeremiah 16:9 For this is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: I am going to remove from this place, before your very eyes and in your days, the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom.
3 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.
4 Numbers 11:1 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.
5 Jeremiah 25:10 Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp.
6 Isaiah 4:1 In that day seven women will take hold of one man and say, “We will eat our own bread and provide our own clothes. Just let us be called by your name. Take away our disgrace!”
7 Psalms 78:21 Therefore the LORD heard and was filled with wrath; so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and His anger flared against Israel,
8 Deuteronomy 29:20 The LORD will never be willing to forgive him. Instead, His anger and jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse written in this book will fall upon him. The LORD will blot out his name from under heaven

Psalms 78:63 Summary

This verse is saying that when God's people disobeyed Him, He allowed bad things to happen to them, like their young men being killed, and this caused great sadness and loss for the women who were supposed to marry them. It's like when we disobey our parents and they have to discipline us, but God's discipline is always meant to bring us back to Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:11-12. This verse reminds us that God is a holy and just God who loves us, but will not tolerate sin, and that we should always try to obey Him and trust in His goodness, as described in Psalm 119:68.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the fire consuming the young men in Psalms 78:63 represent?

The fire consuming the young men in this verse represents God's judgment and discipline upon His people for their disobedience, as seen in similar passages such as Deuteronomy 32:22 and Jeremiah 15:14.

Why were the maidens left without wedding songs?

The maidens were left without wedding songs because their potential husbands, the young men, were consumed by the fire, leaving them without a chance to experience the joy of marriage, as described in Psalm 45:14-15, highlighting the sorrow and loss that resulted from God's judgment.

Is this verse talking about a specific historical event?

While the verse does not specify a particular historical event, it is likely referring to the conquest of Israel by a foreign power, such as the Babylonians, as described in 2 Kings 25:8-21, where the young men were killed or taken captive, leading to a loss of hope and joy for the maidens.

What can we learn from this verse about God's character?

This verse teaches us that God is a God of justice and holiness, who will not tolerate disobedience and sin, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, and that His judgment can be severe, but it is always motivated by His love and desire for His people to turn back to Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse make me think about the consequences of sin and disobedience in my own life?
  2. In what ways can I apply the lesson of God's judgment and discipline to my own walk with God, as seen in Hebrews 12:5-11?
  3. What does this verse teach me about the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, even in times of uncertainty and hardship, as described in Romans 8:28?
  4. How can I use this verse to comfort and encourage others who may be experiencing loss or hardship, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:63

The fire consumed their young men,.... Not Nadab and Abihu, as some of the Jewish Rabbins interpret it, of which Jarchi makes mention; but the young men, the choice, the flower, of the Israelitish

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:63

Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies: -Israel's unfaithfulness in the time of the Judges caused God to forsake the tabernacle of Shiloh, and brought down other sore judgments. Verse 56.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:63

Because the young men who should have married them were slain. Heb. were not praised, to wit, with marriage songs, which was usual at marriage solemnities among the Jews, as appears from 16:9 25:10.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:63

Psalms 78:63 The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage.Ver. 63. The fire consumed] The fire of warlike force, which quickly licketh up all, and layeth waste. And their maidens were not given in marriage] Heb. praised, as they were wont to be at their weddings with nuptial songs, and epithalamia , which the Hebrews call Hillulim, and the bridechamber, Beth-halulah, the house of praise.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:63

(63) Were not given.—See margin. The desolation and misery were marked by the absence of the glad nuptial song.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:63

Verse 63. Their maidens were not given to marriage.] הוללו hullalu, were not celebrated with marriage songs. It is considered a calamity in the east if a maiden arrives at the age of twelve years without being sought or given in marriage.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:63

63. Fire devoured their young men; And their maidens had no marriage song. (R.V.) The fire of war (Numbers 21:28) consumed the young men, so that the maidens remained unmarried.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:63

The fire consumed their young men - Fire here may be regarded as an image of destructive war, as in Numbers 21:28 : “For there is a fire gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon: it hath consumed Ar of Moab,” etc.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:63

63. The fire consumed their young men—Literally, The fire ate their young men. Such was the severity of the battle. So the same word, Psalms 27:2. No enemies of Israel were more cruel than the Philistines.

Sermons on Psalms 78:63

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Carter Conlon Is Not This the Carpenter? by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to bend their knees before God and surrender to His will. He encourages the congregation to trust in God's faithfuln
Dennis Kinlaw What Is the Spirit Doing by Dennis Kinlaw In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their life experiences and the perspective they have gained over the years. They emphasize the importance of memory as a valuable treasure a
B.H. Clendennen Hell Is Real by B.H. Clendennen This sermon emphasizes the reality of hell as an everlasting punishment for those who reject God, highlighting the consequences of a life of continual sin and the importance of rep
Art Katz K-487 Covenant Keeping (3 of 3) by Art Katz In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God, especially during times of judgment and hardship. The speaker highlights the significance of rec
Samuel Davies Lessons From the Recent Earthquake by Samuel Davies Samuel Davies preaches about the recent earthquake, drawing lessons from the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. He emphasizes the majesty and power of God, the sinfulness of the worl
Keith Green Grumbling and Complaining - Part 1 by Keith Green Keith Green addresses the dangers of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing how such attitudes anger God and burden spiritual leaders. He highlights the contrast between the Old an
Jackie Pullinger Lord, Give Me Your Heart - 2 by Jackie Pullinger In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring for the least fortunate in society. He uses the analogy of the long-haired and short-haired groups to represent thos

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