King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:31 Mean?

Psalms 78:31 in the King James Version says “The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. smote: Heb. made...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. smote: Heb. made to bow Chosen: or, young men”

Psalms 78:31 · KJV

Context

29

So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire;

30

They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths,

31

The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. smote: Heb. made to bow Chosen: or, young men

32

For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works.

33

Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble.

Read Psalms 78 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel—divine wrath (ḥĕmat 'Ĕlōhîm) targeted specifically the mišmannîm (fattest, most robust) and baḥûrîm (chosen/choice young men). The healthiest died first—those whose strength made them confident in self-sufficiency. Their vigor became vulnerability when misplaced in fleshly appetite rather than spiritual devotion.

This selective judgment parallels Ananias and Sapphira's sudden deaths (Acts 5:1-11)—not the weakest but the presumptuous died as warnings to others. Paul explains: 'For this reason many of you are weak and ill, and some have died' (1 Corinthians 11:30)—divine discipline targets covenant people who treat grace as license. God judges the household first (1 Peter 4:17).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The 'chosen men' likely included tribal leaders and warriors—Israel's elite who should have modeled faith but instead led rebellion. Their deaths at Kibroth-hattaavah ('graves of craving') memorialized that privilege increases accountability.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might your strength (health, wealth, talent) become the arena where you're most vulnerable to judgment?
  2. Does God's discipline of 'chosen' Israel warn you that Christian privilege increases, not decreases, accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וְאַ֤ף1 of 9

“The wrath”

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אֱלֹהִ֨ים׀2 of 9

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עָ֘לָ֤ה3 of 9

“came”

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

בָהֶ֗ם4 of 9
H0
וַֽ֭יַּהֲרֹג5 of 9

“upon them and slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בְּמִשְׁמַנֵּיהֶ֑ם6 of 9

“the fattest”

H4924

fat, i.e., (literally and abstractly) fatness; but usually (figuratively and concretely) a rich dish, a fertile field, a robust man

וּבַחוּרֵ֖י7 of 9

“the chosen”

H970

properly, selected, i.e., a youth (often collective)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל8 of 9

“men of Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הִכְרִֽיעַ׃9 of 9

“of them and smote down”

H3766

to bend the knee; by implication, to sink, to prostrate

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 78:31 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 78:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 10:16

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