Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 95:10
The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.
Definition: forty
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
To feel a strong dislike or hatred for something, it can also mean to be grieved or loathe oneself. It is used in Ezekiel 6:9 to describe the Israelites' feelings towards their idols.
Definition: 1) to loathe, be grieved, feel a loathing 1a) (Qal) to feel a loathing 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to feel loathing against self 1b2) to detest 1c) (Hithpolel) to loathe oneself Also means: na.qat (נָקַט "to tire" H5354)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: begrieved, loathe self. See also: Psalms 95:10; Ezekiel 6:9; Psalms 119:158.
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
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.
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
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.
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
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.
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Derek refers to a road or path, and can also mean a way of life or manner of action. It is often used to describe a journey or direction, and can be used figuratively to describe a person's character or moral path.
Definition: : road/route 1) way, road, distance, journey, manner 1a) road, way, path 1b) journey 1c) direction 1d) manner, habit, way 1e) of course of life (fig.) 1f) of moral character (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 626 OT verses. KJV: along, away, because of, [phrase] by, conversation, custom, (east-) ward, journey, manner, passenger, through, toward, (high-) (path-) way(-side), whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 3:24; Deuteronomy 28:29; 1 Kings 15:34.
Context — Do Not Harden Your Hearts
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Hebrews 3:17 |
And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? |
| 2 |
Proverbs 1:22–29 |
“How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? If you had repented at my rebuke, then surely I would have poured out my spirit on you; I would have made my words known to you. Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, when your dread comes like a storm, and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish overwhelm you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will earnestly seek me, but will not find me. For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. |
| 3 |
Hebrews 3:9–10 |
where your fathers tested and tried Me, and for forty years saw My works. Therefore I was angry with that generation, and I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known My ways.’ |
| 4 |
Isaiah 63:17 |
Why, O LORD, do You make us stray from Your ways and harden our hearts from fearing You? Return, for the sake of Your servants, the tribes of Your heritage. |
| 5 |
Acts 13:18 |
He endured their conduct for about forty years in the wilderness. |
| 6 |
Deuteronomy 2:14–16 |
The time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed over the Brook of Zered was thirty-eight years, until that entire generation of fighting men had perished from the camp, as the LORD had sworn to them. Indeed, the LORD’s hand was against them, to eliminate them from the camp, until they had all perished. Now when all the fighting men among the people had died, |
| 7 |
Jeremiah 9:6 |
You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD. |
| 8 |
Numbers 32:13 |
The anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until the whole generation who had done evil in His sight was gone. |
| 9 |
Acts 7:36 |
He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. |
| 10 |
Proverbs 1:7 |
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. |
Psalms 95:10 Summary
This verse tells us that God was very angry with the Israelites who wandered in the wilderness for forty years because they didn't trust or obey Him, even after seeing all the amazing things He did for them (as mentioned in Psalms 95:9). It says that their hearts were astray, meaning they were disobedient and followed their own desires instead of God's ways. This is a warning to us to not be like them, but to trust and obey God, so we can experience His rest and peace in our lives (Hebrews 4:11). By following God's ways and trusting in His goodness, we can avoid the mistakes of the past and live a life that pleases Him.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was God angry with the generation of Israelites in the wilderness?
God was angry with them because they continually tested and tried Him, despite seeing His work, as mentioned in Psalms 95:9 and Exodus 17:7, and they refused to trust and obey Him, as seen in Numbers 14:22-23 and Deuteronomy 1:35.
What does it mean to have a heart that goes astray?
Having a heart that goes astray means to be disobedient and rebellious against God, as stated in Psalms 95:10, and to follow one's own desires and ways instead of God's ways, as mentioned in Proverbs 14:12 and Jeremiah 17:9.
How long did God's anger last towards this generation of Israelites?
According to Psalms 95:10, God's anger lasted for forty years, which was the entire time the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, as mentioned in Numbers 32:13 and Deuteronomy 2:7.
What was the result of God's anger towards this generation?
As a result of God's anger, He swore an oath that this generation would never enter His rest, as stated in Psalms 95:11, which refers to the Promised Land, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 12:9-10 and Hebrews 4:8-11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be testing and trying God, and how can I change my ways to please Him?
- In what ways do I struggle with having a heart that goes astray, and how can I seek God's guidance and correction?
- How does God's patience and long-suffering towards the Israelites in the wilderness encourage me to trust in His goodness and mercy towards me?
- What does it mean for me to 'enter God's rest', and how can I be sure that I am on the path towards experiencing this rest in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 95:10
Forty years long was I grieved with this generation,.... The generation of the wilderness, as the Jews commonly call them; and which was a stubborn and a rebellious one, whose heart and spirit were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 95:10
For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 95:10
With this generation; or rather, with that generation which then lived, who were your ancestors. Do err in their heart; they do not only sin through infirmity, and the violence and surprisal of temptations, but their hearts are insincere and inconstant, and given to backsliding, and therefore there is no hopes of their amendment. Compare . They have not known; or, they do not know, to wit, with a practical and useful knowledge, as that word commonly notes in Scripture. They did not rightly understand, nor duly consider, nor seriously lay to heart; they remain ignorant after all my teachings and discoveries of myself to them. My ways; either, 1. My laws or statutes, which are frequently called God’ s ways. Or rather, 2. My works, as it is expressed, , which also are commonly so called. They did not know nor consider and remember those great things which I had wrought for them and among them.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 95:10
Psalms 95:10 Forty years long was I grieved with [this] generation, and said, It [is] a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways:Ver. 10. Was I grieved] Litigavi, vel cum taedio pertuli. That do err in their hearts] Wandering, though not so wide as to miss of hell. They have not known] viz. Practically and savingly.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 95:10
(10) See Notes, Hebrews 3:17, New Testament Commentary.I grieved.—Better, I loathed.A people that do err.—Literally, a people of wanderers in heart. They are morally astray through ignorance of God’s paths.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 95:10
Verse 10. Forty years long] They did nothing but murmur, disbelieve, and rebel, from the time they began their journey at the Red Sea till they passed over Jordan, a period of forty years. During all this time God was grieved by that generation; yet he seldom showed forth that judgment which they most righteously had deserved. It is a people that do err in their heart] Or, according to the Chaldee, These are a people whose idols are in their hearts. At any rate they had not GOD there. They have not known my ways] The verb ידע yada, to know, is used here, as in many other parts of Scripture, to express approbation. They knew God's ways well enough; but they did not like them; and would not walk in them. "These wretched men," says the old Psalter, "were gifnen to the lufe of this lyfe: knewe noght my ways of mekenes, and charite: for thi in my wreth I sware to thaim; that es, I sett stabely that if that sall entre in till my rest;" that is, they shall not enter into my rest. This ungrateful people did not approve of God's ways - they did not enter into his designs - they did not conform to his commands - they paid no attention to his miracles - and did not acknowledge the benefits which they received from his hands; therefore God determined that they should not enter into the rest which he had promised to them on condition that, if they were obedient, they should inherit the promised land. So none of those who came out of Egypt, except Joshua and Caleb, entered into Canaan; all the rest died in the wilderness, wherein, because of their disobedience, God caused them to wander forty years.
It is well known that the land of Canaan was a type of heaven, where, after all his toils, the good and faithful servant is to enter into the joy of his Lord. And as those Israelites in the wilderness were not permitted to enter into the land of Canaan because of their unbelief, their distrust of God's providence, and consequent disobedience, St. Paul hence takes occasion to exhort the Jews, Hebrews 4:2-11, to accept readily the terms offered to them by the Gospel. He shows that the words of the present Psalm are applicable to the state of Christianity; and intimates to them that, if they persisted in obstinate refusal of those gracious offers, they likewise would fall according to the same example of unbelief. - Dodd. ANALYSIS OF THE NINETY-FIFTH PSALM This Psalm contains two parts: - I. An exhortation to praise God, to adore, worship, kneel, Psalms 95:1-2; Psalms 95:6. II. Reasons to persuade to it. 1. God's mercies, Psalms 95:3-5; Psalms 95:7. 2. His judgments in punishing his own people Israel for neglect of this duty.
I. The psalmist begins this Psalm with an earnest invitation, including himself; saying, - 1. "O come, let us;" come along with me. Though a king, he thought not himself exempted.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 95:10
10. was I grieved] The Heb. is stronger; did I loathe (Ezekiel 6:9). this generation] “This” is not in the Heb., which seems to mean, with a (whole) generation. But it is better to read with LXX and Jer., with that generation. And I said, They are a people whose heart goeth astray, And they know not my ways. Wandering from the right way (Psalms 58:3; Isaiah 29:24; Isaiah 53:6); incapable of understanding the leadings of God’s Providence (Psalms 81:13).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 95:10
Forty years long - All the time that they were in the wilderness. During this long period their conduct was such as to try my patience and forbearance.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 95:10
10. Forty years long was I grieved—That is, disgusted, made to loathe, as the word imports. This not only illustrates the long suffering of God, but the incurable malignity of their sin.
Sermons on Psalms 95:10
| Sermon | Description |
|
(Through the Bible) Hebrews 3-4
by Chuck Smith
|
In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our actions and motivations, as we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Our works will be ju |
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Cranbrook Fellowship 2000 Tape 3 (Middle Portion)
by George Warnock
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In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a recent visitation from God and emphasizes the importance of not hardening our hearts to His voice. The speaker also highlights the need fo |
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A Trust Without Limits
by David Wilkerson
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David Wilkerson emphasizes that God desires a deep relationship with His people, urging them to recognize His voice and trust Him without limits. He reflects on the Israelites' fai |
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The Soul's Answer to the Divine Summons
by F.B. Meyer
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F.B. Meyer explores the story of Rebecca's response to God's call through Abraham's servant, emphasizing her willingness to leave her familiar life for a divine purpose. He highlig |
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Knowing God
by David Wilkerson
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound truth that many believers, including himself, do not truly know God as He desires to be known. He reflects on how God sought to teach His pe |
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Will You Follow His Leading?
by David Wilkerson
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David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of following God's guidance, as illustrated in Psalms 32:8-9, where God promises to instruct and lead those who are faithful and sincere. |
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Believe in the Light Lest Darkness Come Upon You
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and acknowledging the supernatural power of God. He highlights the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and the 4, |