King James Version
Psalms 78:20 in the King James Version says “Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provid...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?”
Psalms 78:20 · KJV
And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust.
Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? furnish: Heb. order
Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?
Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;
Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:
KJV Study — Public Domain
“the rock”
H6697properly, a cliff (or sharp rock, as compressed); generally, a rock or boulder; figuratively, a refuge; also an edge (as precipitous)
“gushed out”
H2100to flow freely (as water), i.e., (specifically) to have a (sexual) flux; figuratively, to waste away; also to overflow
“and the streams”
H5158a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
“overflowed”
H7857to gush; by implication, to inundate, cleanse; by analogy, to gallop, conquer
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
“he provide”
H3559properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
“flesh”
H7607flesh (as swelling out), as living or for food; generally food of any kind; figuratively, kindred by blood
“for his people”
H5971a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Psalms 78:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Psalms 78:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge