New International Version Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. New Living Translation Yet he was merciful and forgave their sins and did not destroy them all. Many times he held back his anger and did not unleash his fury! English Standard Version Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. Berean Standard Bible And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath. Berean Literal Bible And He, the compassionate One, forgave the iniquity and did not destroy them; and He often restrained His anger, and He did not stir up all His wrath. King James Bible 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. New King James Version But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, And did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath; New American Standard Bible But He, being compassionate, forgave their wrongdoing and did not destroy them; And often He restrained His anger And did not stir up all His wrath. NASB 1995 But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; And often He restrained His anger And did not arouse all His wrath. NASB 1977 But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them; And often He restrained His anger, And did not arouse all His wrath. Legacy Standard Bible But He, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; And He abounded in turning back His anger And did not arouse all His wrath. Amplified Bible But He, the source of compassion and lovingkindness, forgave their wickedness and did not destroy them; Many times He restrained His anger And did not stir up all His wrath. Berean Annotated Bible And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath. Christian Standard Bible Yet he was compassionate; he atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often turned his anger aside and did not unleash all his wrath. Holman Christian Standard Bible Yet He was compassionate; He atoned for their guilt and did not destroy them. He often turned His anger aside and did not unleash all His wrath. American Standard Version But he, being merciful, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, And did not stir up all his wrath. Contemporary English Version Yet God was kind. He kept forgiving their sins and didn't destroy them. He often became angry, but never lost his temper. English Revised Version 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation But he is compassionate. He forgave their sin. He did not destroy them. He restrained his anger many times. He did not display all of his fury. Good News Translation But God was merciful to his people. He forgave their sin and did not destroy them. Many times he held back his anger and restrained his fury. International Standard Version But he, being merciful, forgave their iniquity and didn't destroy them; He restrained his anger and didn't vent all his wrath. NET Bible Yet he is compassionate. He forgives sin and does not destroy. He often holds back his anger, and does not stir up his fury. New Heart English Bible But he, being merciful, forgave iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many times he turned his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. Webster's Bible Translation But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yes, many a time he turned his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath. World English Bible But he, being merciful, forgave iniquity, and didn’t destroy them. Yes, many times he turned his anger away, and didn’t stir up all his wrath. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd He, the Merciful One, pardons iniquity, and does not destroy, "" And has often turned back His anger, "" And does not awaken all His fury. Berean Literal Bible And He, the compassionate One, forgave the iniquity and did not destroy them; and He often restrained His anger, and He did not stir up all His wrath. Young's Literal Translation And He -- the Merciful One, Pardoneth iniquity, and destroyeth not, And hath often turned back His anger, And waketh not up all His fury. Smith's Literal Translation And he being compassionate will cover iniquity, and he will not destroy: and he multiplied to turn back his anger, and he will not rouse up all his wrath. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut he is merciful, and will forgive their sins: and will not destroy them. And many a time did he turn away his anger: and did not kindle all his wrath. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible But God being compassionate forgave their sin; he did not utterly destroy them. Time and again he turned back his anger, unwilling to unleash all his rage. New Revised Standard Version Yet he, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them; often he restrained his anger, and did not stir up all his wrath. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe is merciful, the forgiver of sins, and destroys not; yea, many a time turned he his anger away and did not stir up all his wrath. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And he is merciful and he forgives sin and does not destroy; he proceeded to turn away his wrath and did not arouse all his anger. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But He, being full of compassion, forgiveth iniquity, and destroyeth not; Yea, many a time doth He turn His anger away, And doth not stir up all His wrath. Brenton Septuagint Translation But he is compassionate, and will forgive their sins, and will not destroy them: yea, he will frequently turn away his wrath, and will not kindle all his anger. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context I Will Open My Mouth in Parables…37Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant. 38And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath. 39He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.… Cross References And yet He was compassionate; Psalm 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness. Psalm 103:8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. Joel 2:13 So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. He forgave their iniquity Exodus 34:7 maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” Daniel 9:9 To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him Psalm 130:4 But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be feared. and did not destroy them. Numbers 14:20 “I have pardoned them as you requested,” the LORD replied. Nehemiah 9:31 But in Your great compassion, You did not put an end to them; nor did You forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God. Lamentations 3:22 Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. He often restrained His anger Psalm 145:8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion. Micah 7:18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? Isaiah 57:16 For I will not accuse you forever, nor will I always be angry; for then the spirit of man would grow weak before Me—the breath of life I have made. and did not unleash His full wrath. Psalm 103:10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. Jeremiah 30:11 For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.” 2 Chronicles 12:12 Because Rehoboam humbled himself, the anger of the LORD turned away from him, and He did not destroy him completely. Indeed, conditions were good in Judah. Exodus 34:6-7 Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, / maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.” Treasury of Scripture But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yes, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. but he Psalm 106:43-45 Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked him with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity… Exodus 34:6-9 And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, … Numbers 14:18-20 The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation… many Isaiah 48:9 For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. Ezekiel 20:8,9,13,14,17,21,22 But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt… did not 2 Kings 21:20 And he did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did. Jump to Previous Anger Angry Compassion Compassionate Destroy Destroyed Destroyeth End Forgave Forgiveness Forgiveth Frequently Full Fury Iniquities Iniquity Merciful Often Pity Restrained Sin Stir Time Times Turn Turned Turning Violently Waketh WrathJump to Next Anger Angry Compassion Compassionate Destroy Destroyed Destroyeth End Forgave Forgiveness Forgiveth Frequently Full Fury Iniquities Iniquity Merciful Often Pity Restrained Sin Stir Time Times Turn Turned Turning Violently Waketh WrathPsalm 78 1. An exhortation both to learn and to preach, the law of God9. The story of God's wrath against the incredulous and disobedient 67. The Israelites being rejected, God chose Judah, Zion, and David. And yet He was compassionate; Israel’s history was marked by unbelief, grumbling, and rebellion, yet God continued to show mercy to the nation He had brought out of Egypt. His compassion did not deny their sin but tempered the judgment they deserved. Psa 86:15 But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,… He forgave their iniquity God repeatedly removed guilt and restored His people when they turned from rebellion, preserving His covenant purposes despite their failures. Exo 34:7 maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations,… and did not destroy them. In the wilderness and throughout the period of Israel’s disobedience, the Lord spared the nation from complete destruction, even when judgment fell on particular generations or offenders. Num 14:20 “I have pardoned them as you requested,” the LORD replied. He often restrained His anger God’s righteous anger (aph, “nostrils”) against sin was real, but He patiently withheld immediate and total judgment, giving Israel opportunity to repent. Psa 145:8 The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger… and did not unleash His full wrath. The judgments Israel experienced were warnings of the consequences of rebellion, yet they were not the full measure of judgment their sins deserved. Psa 103:10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins… Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe central figure in this verse, demonstrating His attributes of compassion, forgiveness, and restraint. 2. Israelites The people to whom God showed compassion and forgiveness despite their repeated disobedience. 3. Wilderness The setting of many of the events described in Psalm 78, where the Israelites wandered and often rebelled against God. 4. Moses Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is a key figure in the account of Israel's journey and intercession for the people. 5. Egypt The place from which God delivered the Israelites, setting the stage for their journey and subsequent rebellion. Teaching Points God's CompassionGod's compassion is a central theme in His relationship with humanity. Despite our failures, He remains compassionate, offering forgiveness and mercy. Forgiveness and Restraint God’s forgiveness is not a one-time event but a continual offer. His restraint in not unleashing His full wrath is a testament to His patience and desire for repentance. Human Rebellion and Divine Patience The Israelites' repeated rebellion serves as a reminder of human nature's tendency to stray. Yet, God's patience is a model for us to emulate in our relationships. The Importance of Intercession Just as Moses interceded for the Israelites, we are called to intercede for others, trusting in God’s mercy and compassion. Reflecting God's Character As believers, we are called to reflect God's character in our lives, showing compassion, forgiveness, and patience to those around us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 78:38?2. How does Psalm 78:38 demonstrate God's mercy despite human rebellion? 3. What can we learn about forgiveness from God's actions in Psalm 78:38? 4. How does Psalm 78:38 connect with Jesus' teachings on forgiveness? 5. How can we apply God's patience in Psalm 78:38 to our daily lives? 6. In what ways can Psalm 78:38 inspire us to show compassion to others? 7. How does Psalm 78:38 reflect God's nature of forgiveness despite human rebellion? 8. Why does God choose to restrain His anger according to Psalm 78:38? 9. What historical context influenced the message of Psalm 78:38? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 78? (38) The verbs in the first clause should be in the present, But he, the compassionate, forgives iniquity, and doth not destroy, and many a time he turned away, &c.Verse 38. - But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity. (On God's compassion, see Exodus 34:6, 7; Numbers 14:18; Psalm 103:8; Psalm 145:8.) And destroyed them not. The allusion is to such occasions as are noted in Exodus 32:10-14; Numbers 14:12-20; Numbers 16:21, 45-50, when God was on the point of destroying the whole people, but relented at the intercession of Moses. Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath (comp. Judges 2:11-16; Judges 3:8, 9; Judges 4:2, 15; Judges 6:1-8, etc.). Psalm 78:38 paints a five-fold portrait of divine mercy: compassionate heart, forgiving grace, protective restraint, patient anger, and limited judgment. Each phrase testifies that God’s covenant love outlasts human rebellion. The same God who spared Israel extends that mercy through Christ today, offering forgiveness and shielding us from the wrath we deserve. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Yet Heוְה֤וּא (wə·hū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was compassionate; רַח֨וּם ׀ (ra·ḥūm) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 7349: Compassionate He forgave יְכַפֵּ֥ר (yə·ḵap·pêr) Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3722: To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel [their] iniquity עָוֺן֮ (‘ā·wōn) Noun - common singular Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity and did not וְֽלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no destroy them. יַ֫שְׁחִ֥ית (yaš·ḥîṯ) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7843: Perhaps to go to ruin He often וְ֭הִרְבָּה (wə·hir·bāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great restrained His anger אַפּ֑וֹ (’ap·pōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire and did not וְלֹֽא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no unleash יָ֝עִיר (yā·‘îr) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5782: To rouse oneself, awake His full wrath. חֲמָתֽוֹ׃ (ḥă·mā·ṯōw) Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 2534: Heat, anger, poison Additonal Resources Psalm 78:38 Blue Letter BiblePsalm 78:38 Bible Gateway Psalm 78:38 Bible.com Psalm 78:38 NIV |
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