King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:38 Mean?

Psalms 78:38 in the King James Version says “But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger a...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Psalms 78:38 · KJV

Context

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.

40

How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! provoke: or, rebel against

Read Psalms 78 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not. The stunning reversal begins with wĕhûʾ (וְהוּא, "but he")—despite their lying flattery and heart-unfaithfulness, God remains compassionate. Raḥûm (רַחוּם, "full of compassion") derives from reḥem (רֶחֶם, womb), depicting mother-love tender mercy. Kāpar (כָּפַר, "forgave") means to cover or atone—the sacrificial language pointing to substitutionary atonement.

Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. The phrase hirbâ lĕhāšîḇ ʾappô (הִרְבָּה לְהָשִׁיב אַפּוֹ, "multiplied to turn away his anger") emphasizes God's repeated restraint. ḥēmâ (חֵמָה, "wrath") is burning fury—which God deliberately does not fully unleash. His patience multiplies beyond human comprehension.

This is the psalm's theological heart: God's covenant mercy transcends Israel's covenant breaking. Their faithlessness does not nullify His faithfulness (Romans 3:3-4). This foreshadows Calvary, where God's wrath was fully satisfied in Christ, allowing compassion to triumph over judgment for all who believe.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Throughout the wilderness period, God repeatedly refrained from total destruction despite capital offenses—the golden calf, Kadesh-barnea rebellion, Korah's revolt. Moses' intercessions appealed to God's reputation and promises (Exodus 32:11-14), but ultimately God's own character of compassion stayed His hand.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's repeated mercy toward unfaithful Israel shape your understanding of His patience with your own failures?
  2. What does it reveal about God's character that He "did not stir up all his wrath" despite deserving it?
  3. How should awareness of God's multiplied mercy affect your worship and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְה֤וּא1 of 13
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

רַח֨וּם׀2 of 13

“But he being full of compassion”

H7349

compassionate

יְכַפֵּ֥ר3 of 13

“forgave”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עָוֹן֮4 of 13

“their iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

וְֽלֹא5 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יַ֫שְׁחִ֥ית6 of 13

“and destroyed”

H7843

to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)

וְ֭הִרְבָּה7 of 13

“them not yea many a time”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

לְהָשִׁ֣יב8 of 13

“away”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַפּ֑וֹ9 of 13

“he his anger”

H639

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

וְלֹֽא10 of 13
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָ֝עִיר11 of 13

“and did not stir up”

H5782

to wake (literally or figuratively)

כָּל12 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

חֲמָתֽוֹ׃13 of 13

“all his wrath”

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

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 78:38 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 78:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 48:9Ezekiel 20:17Numbers 14:18-20Ezekiel 20:21-22Isaiah 44:21-22Exodus 34:6-9

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