King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:25 Mean?

Psalms 78:25 in the King James Version says “Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full. Man: or, Every one did eat the bread of the mighty — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full. Man: or, Every one did eat the bread of the mighty

Psalms 78:25 · KJV


Context

23

Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven,

24

And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven.

25

Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full. Man: or, Every one did eat the bread of the mighty

26

He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind. to blow: Heb. to go

27

He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea: feathered: Heb. fowl of wing


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Man did eat angels' food: he sent them meat to the full—the phrase leḥem 'abbîrîm (bread of the mighty ones) likely means 'bread of angels' (so LXX, Vulgate), emphasizing manna's heavenly origin. Alternate reading 'bread of the mighty' stresses its supernatural potency—one omer daily sustained adults for forty years without malnutrition.

This verse inspired Jesus's Bread of Life discourse: 'This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate' (John 6:58). Angels don't need food; calling manna 'angels' food' means it came from heaven's realm. Christ, who 'came down from heaven' (John 6:38), is the true 'angels' food'—divine substance made edible to humanity through incarnation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Manna's nutritional completeness sustained millions through harsh desert conditions. Modern analysis suggests it contained complete proteins, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients. Yet Israel 'loathed this worthless food' (Numbers 21:5), proving sin's irrationality.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the incarnation—God becoming 'edible' in Christ—surpass even manna's miracle?
  2. What 'angels' food' (Scripture, prayer, worship) do you neglect while craving 'Egyptian' substitutes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
לֶ֣חֶם1 of 8

food

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

אַ֭בִּירִים2 of 8

angels

H47

a valiant one

אָ֣כַל3 of 8

did eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אִ֑ישׁ4 of 8

Man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

צֵידָ֬ה5 of 8

them meat

H6720

food

שָׁלַ֖ח6 of 8

he sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

לָהֶ֣ם7 of 8
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לָשֹֽׂבַע׃8 of 8

to the full

H7648

satisfaction (of food or [figuratively] joy)


Study Guide

Historical Context

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.

Theological Significance

Psalms 78:25 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 78:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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