King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:47 Mean?

Psalms 78:47 in the King James Version says “He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. destroyed: Heb. killed frost: or, great hailsto...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 78:47 · KJV

Context

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

49

He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. Bārād (בָּרָד, "hail") appears with ʾēš (אֵשׁ, fire) in Exodus 9:24—hail mixed with fire, a supernatural phenomenon. Gepen (גֶּפֶן, "vines") provided wine, while šiqmâ (שִׁקְמָה, "sycomore") produced figs—staple crops representing abundance and peace.

"Frost" (ḥănāmal, חֲנָמַל) is a rare word, possibly meaning "hailstones" or "ice crystals." The destruction was comprehensive: fruit trees splintered, vines shredded, entire orchards leveled. This attacked Egyptians' economic security and cultural symbols of prosperity. A land flowing with wine and fruit became barren overnight.

The hail plague targeted false security. Egyptians trusted their agricultural wealth and religious rituals to guarantee fertility, but Yahweh demonstrated that creation obeys His voice alone. Only those who feared God's word found shelter (Exodus 9:20)—foreshadowing that faith, not nationality, determines safety.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Vines and sycomore-figs required years to mature. Destroying them meant multi-year economic loss, not just one season's crop. The plague struck at Egypt's long-term stability, demonstrating God's judgment wasn't temporary inconvenience but devastating intervention.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "vines and trees" (long-term investments, securities) might you be trusting instead of God?
  2. How does God sometimes destroy what we've built to redirect our trust to Him?
  3. What does the survival of those who "feared the LORD's word" teach about faith and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
יַהֲרֹ֣ג1 of 5

“He destroyed”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בַּבָּרָ֣ד2 of 5

“with hail”

H1259

hail

גַּפְנָ֑ם3 of 5

“their vines”

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

וְ֝שִׁקְמוֹתָ֗ם4 of 5

“and their sycomore trees”

H8256

a sycamore (usually the tree)

בַּֽחֲנָמַֽל׃5 of 5

“with frost”

H2602

perhaps the aphis or plantlouse

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 78:47 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 78:47 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 9:18-34Psalms 105:32-33

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