King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:46 Mean?

Psalms 78:46 in the King James Version says “He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.”

Psalms 78:46 · KJV

Context

44

And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink.

45

He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.

46

He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust.

47

He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. destroyed: Heb. killed frost: or, great hailstones

48

He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. gave: Heb. shut up hot: or, lightnings

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust. Yĕḇûl (יְבוּל, "increase") means produce or harvest—the fruit of their agricultural labor. Ḥāsîl (חָסִיל, "caterpiller") is likely a locust larva, while ʾarbe (אַרְבֶּה, "locust") is the adult stage. Together they represent total agricultural devastation at every growth stage.

"Their labour" (yĕḡîʿām, יְגִיעָם) emphasizes human toil and sweat—an entire year's work consumed in hours. This plague (Exodus 10:1-20) fulfilled covenant curse language: "Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in" (Deuteronomy 28:38). Egypt experienced what Israel would later face for covenant breaking.

The plague exposed the futility of labor apart from God's blessing. What humans build, plant, or produce exists at God's pleasure. He gives, and He can give to others—even insects. This cultivates dependence on divine providence rather than human industry alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Locust plagues were (and remain) devastating in the ancient Near East. A single swarm could contain billions of insects, darkening the sky and stripping all vegetation in hours. Egypt's breadbasket economy depended on grain crops—this plague threatened starvation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might God be using "locusts" (setbacks, losses) to teach you dependence on Him rather than your own labor?
  2. What does it mean that all "increase" ultimately comes from God, not human effort?
  3. How should awareness that God can give your labor's fruit to others affect your stewardship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
וַיִּתֵּ֣ן1 of 5

“He gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לֶחָסִ֣יל2 of 5

“unto the caterpiller”

H2625

the ravager, i.e., a locust

יְבוּלָ֑ם3 of 5

“also their increase”

H2981

produce, i.e., a crop or (figuratively) wealth

וִֽ֝יגִיעָ֗ם4 of 5

“and their labour”

H3018

toil; hence, a work, produce, property (as the result of labor)

לָאַרְבֶּֽה׃5 of 5

“unto the locust”

H697

a locust (from its rapid increase)

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 78:46 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 78:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 10:12-15Psalms 105:34-35Joel 2:25Revelation 9:2-11Joel 1:4-7Amos 7:1-2

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