King James Version
Psalms 78:40 in the King James Version says “How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! provoke: or, rebel against” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! provoke: or, rebel against”
Psalms 78:40 · KJV
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.
They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. from: or, from affliction
KJV Study — Public Domain
“How”
H4100properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
“oft did they provoke”
H4784to be (causatively, make) bitter (or unpleasant); (figuratively) to rebel (or resist; causatively, to provoke)
“him in the wilderness”
H4057a pasture (i.e., open field, whither cattle are driven); by implication, a desert
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 78:40 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 78:40 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge