King James Version
Psalms 78:39 in the King James Version says “For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.”
Psalms 78:39 · KJV
For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant.
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.
For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! provoke: or, rebel against
Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“For he remembered”
H2142properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“that they were but flesh”
H1320flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
“a wind”
H7307wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
“that passeth away”
H1980to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
“and cometh not again”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
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 78:39 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 78:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge