King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:37 Mean?

For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.”

Psalms 78:37 · King James Version

Context

35

And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer.

36

Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.

37

For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.

38

But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

39

For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

Read Psalms 78 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. This verse explains the "nevertheless" of verse 36. Lēḇ (לֵב, "heart") represents the control center of will, emotion, and thought—the inner person. Nāḵôn (נָכוֹן, "right") means established, firm, or prepared; their hearts were unstable, unprepared for covenant faithfulness.

ʾĀman (אָמַן, "stedfast") is the root of "amen," meaning faithful, reliable, trustworthy. They were loʾ neʾĕmānîm (לֹא נֶאֱמָנִים)—not faithful in His bĕrît (בְּרִית, covenant). Covenant required heart-loyalty, not just external compliance. Their unfaithfulness broke the foundational relationship established at Sinai.

This diagnosis exposes why behavioral reformation fails without heart transformation. God demands what we cannot produce naturally—a "right heart"—which only He can create (Psalm 51:10). The New Covenant solves this crisis by writing the law on hearts (Hebrews 8:10) and giving the Spirit to produce genuine faithfulness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Mosaic covenant demanded wholehearted loyalty (Deuteronomy 6:5). Israel's heart-unfaithfulness led to repeated covenant violations and eventually exile. Asaph, writing likely before the fall of the Northern Kingdom, warns that external religion without internal transformation courts disaster.

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you assess whether your heart is "right" with God versus merely maintaining external religious practices?
  2. What areas of unsteadfastness in your covenant relationship with God need the Spirit's transforming work?
  3. Why is heart-level faithfulness impossible through human effort alone?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
וְ֭לִבָּם
1 of 7

“For their heart”

H3820
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
לֹא
2 of 7
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נָכ֣וֹן
3 of 7

“was not right”

H3559
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
עִמּ֑וֹ
4 of 7
H5973
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְלֹ֥א
5 of 7
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נֶ֝אֶמְנ֗וּ
6 of 7

“with him neither were they stedfast”

H539
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
בִּבְרִיתֽוֹ׃
7 of 7

“in his covenant”

H1285
a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

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 78:37 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 78:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 78:8Acts 8:21Psalms 51:10Hosea 7:14Hosea 7:16-8:1Psalms 119:80

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 78 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 78 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes