King James Version

What Does Psalms 78:50 Mean?

Psalms 78:50 in the King James Version says “He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; He made: He...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 78 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; He made: Heb. He weighed a path life: or, beasts to the murrain”

Psalms 78:50 · KJV

Context

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.

50

He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; He made: Heb. He weighed a path life: or, beasts to the murrain

51

And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham:

52

But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

Read Psalms 78 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence. Pālas (פָּלַס, "made a way") means to level a path or prepare a road—God cleared the way for His anger to reach its target without obstruction. His wrath wasn't impulsive but directed, purposeful, like a highway constructed to its destination.

"Spared not their soul from death" uses nep̄eš (נֶפֶשׁ, "soul")—the whole living being. Dāḇer (דֶּבֶר, "pestilence") refers to plague or epidemic, possibly anthrax or similar livestock disease that spread to humans. God didn't prevent death but deliberately handed them over to it—judicial language of abandonment to consequences.

This verse explains divine mechanics: God's anger doesn't randomly destroy but precisely targets. He "makes a way" for judgment like an engineer designing demolition. It's terrifying yet reveals God's sovereignty—nothing happens accidentally, and His wrath accomplishes its full purpose without collateral mercy for the unrepentant.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This likely refers to the livestock plague (Exodus 9:1-7) and possibly disease affecting Egyptians during the boils plague (Exodus 9:8-12). The cumulative effect was mounting death toll, preparing Egypt for the final plague—death of the firstborn.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does God "making a way for His anger" teach about His sovereignty over judgment?
  2. How should the reality of God not sparing souls from death affect evangelistic urgency?
  3. In what sense does God "give people over" to their chosen path, and what does this reveal about His judgment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
יְפַלֵּ֥ס1 of 10

“He made”

H6424

properly, to roll flat, i.e., prepare (a road); also to revolve, i.e., weigh (mentally)

נָתִ֗יב2 of 10

“a way”

H5410

a (beaten) track

לְאַ֫פּ֥וֹ3 of 10

“to his anger”

H639

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

לֹא4 of 10
H3808

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

חָשַׂ֣ךְ5 of 10

“he spared”

H2820

to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe

מִמָּ֣וֶת6 of 10

“from death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

נַפְשָׁ֑ם7 of 10

“not their soul”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְ֝חַיָּתָ֗ם8 of 10

“their life”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לַדֶּ֥בֶר9 of 10

“to the pestilence”

H1698

a pestilence

הִסְגִּֽיר׃10 of 10

“but gave”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

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 78:50 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 78:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 7:42 Peter 2:4-5Romans 8:32Ezekiel 8:18Ezekiel 9:10Exodus 9:3-6

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 78 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 78 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes