Psalms 78:12
Psalms 78:12 in Multiple Translations
He worked wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.
Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, In the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
He did great works before the eyes of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.
the miracles he had performed for their forefathers near Zoan in Egypt.
Hee did marueilous thinges in the sight of their fathers in the lande of Egypt: euen in the fielde of Zoan.
Before their fathers He hath done wonders, In the land of Egypt — the field of Zoan.
He did marvelous things in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
Marvelous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
And render to our neighbours sevenfold in their bosom: the reproach wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.
While our ancestors were watching, God performed miracles in the area around Zoan city in Egypt.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 78:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
נֶ֣גֶד
אֲ֭בוֹתָ/ם
עָ֣שָׂה
פֶ֑לֶא
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
מִצְרַ֣יִם
שְׂדֵה
צֹֽעַן
נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep
אֲ֭בוֹתָ/ם
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
עָ֣שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
פֶ֑לֶא
peleʼ
H6382
wonder
N-ms
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִצְרַ֣יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
Egypt
N-proper
שְׂדֵה
sâdeh
H7704
field
N-ms
צֹֽעַן
Tsôʻan
H6814
Zoan
N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:12
נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
אֲ֭בוֹתָ/ם
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
עָ֣שָׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
פֶ֑לֶא
peleʼ
H6382
"wonder"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a wonder or miracle, often describing God's acts. It appears in the Bible to describe amazing events, like in the book of Exodus. The KJV translates it as 'marvelous thing' or 'wonder'.
Definition: 1) wonder, marvel 1a) wonder (extraordinary, hard to understand thing) 1b) wonder (of God's acts of judgment and redemption)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: marvellous thing, wonder(-ful, -fully). See also: Exodus 15:11; Psalms 89:6; Psalms 77:12.
בְּ/אֶ֖רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִצְרַ֣יִם
Mitsrayim
H4714
"Egypt"
N-proper
This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.
Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt
Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.
שְׂדֵה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
צֹֽעַן
Tsôʻan
H6814
"Zoan"
N-proper
Zoan is an ancient city in Egypt, also known as Tanis. It was the capital of the Shepherd dynasty and existed before Abraham. The Bible mentions it as the dwelling place of the Pharaoh during the exodus.
Definition: § Zoan = "place of departure" an ancient city of lower Egypt called Tanis by the Greeks; located on the eastern bank of the Tanitic branch of the Nile; the capital of the Shepherd dynasty, built 7 years after Hebron and existing before Abraham and the dwelling place of the Pharaoh at the time of the exodus modern 'San'
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Zoan. See also: Numbers 13:22; Isaiah 19:11; Psalms 78:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
- Sermons on Psalms 78:12
Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
10They failed to keep God’s covenant and refused to live by His law.
11They forgot what He had done, the wonders He had shown them.
12He worked wonders before their fathers in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.
13He split the sea and brought them through; He set the waters upright like a wall. 14He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Numbers 13:22 | They went up through the Negev and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the descendants of Anak, dwelled. It had been built seven years before Zoan in Egypt. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 30:14 | I will lay waste Pathros, set fire to Zoan, and execute judgment on Thebes. |
| 3 | Isaiah 19:11 | The princes of Zoan are mere fools; Pharaoh’s wise counselors give senseless advice. How can you say to Pharaoh, “I am one of the wise, a son of eastern kings”? |
| 4 | Exodus 7:1–51 | The LORD answered Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. You are to speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land. But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I will multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay My hand on Egypt, and by mighty acts of judgment I will bring the divisions of My people the Israelites out of the land of Egypt. And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.” So Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded them. Moses was eighty years old and Aaron was eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh. The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “When Pharaoh tells you, ‘Perform a miracle,’ you are to say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and throw it down before Pharaoh,’ and it will become a serpent. ” So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD had commanded. Aaron threw his staff down before Pharaoh and his officials, and it became a serpent. But Pharaoh called the wise men and sorcerers and magicians of Egypt, and they also did the same things by their magic arts. Each one threw down his staff, and it became a serpent. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up the other staffs. Still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, just as the LORD had said. Then the LORD said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is unyielding; he refuses to let the people go. Go to Pharaoh in the morning as you see him walking out to the water. Wait on the bank of the Nile to meet him, and take in your hand the staff that was changed into a snake. Then say to him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to tell you: Let My people go, so that they may worship Me in the wilderness. But you have not listened until now. This is what the LORD says: By this you will know that I am the LORD. Behold, with the staff in my hand I will strike the water of the Nile, and it will turn to blood. The fish in the Nile will die, the river will stink, and the Egyptians will be unable to drink its water.’” And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals and ponds and reservoirs—that they may become blood.’ There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone.” Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood. The fish in the Nile died, and the river smelled so bad that the Egyptians could not drink its water. And there was blood throughout the land of Egypt. But the magicians of Egypt did the same things by their magic arts. So Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. Instead, Pharaoh turned around, went into his palace, and did not take any of this to heart. So all the Egyptians dug around the Nile for water to drink, because they could not drink the water from the river. And seven full days passed after the LORD had struck the Nile. |
| 5 | Isaiah 19:13 | The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. |
| 6 | Psalms 135:9 | He sent signs and wonders into your midst, O Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 9:10 | You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day. |
| 8 | Genesis 32:3 | Jacob sent messengers ahead of him to his brother Esau in the land of Seir, the country of Edom. |
| 9 | Deuteronomy 4:34 | Or has any god tried to take as his own a nation out of another nation—by trials, signs, wonders, and war, by a strong hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors—as the LORD your God did for you in Egypt, before your eyes? |
| 10 | Psalms 106:22 | wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome deeds by the Red Sea. |
Psalms 78:12 Summary
Psalms 78:12 reminds us that God worked amazing miracles in Egypt, in a place called Zoan, for the fathers of the Israelites, showing His power and care for them. This verse helps us see that God has always been involved in the lives of His people, as we also see in Exodus 7-12, and that He wants us to remember and trust in His wonders, as encouraged in Deuteronomy 1:30-31. By looking back at what God has done, we can have faith for what He will do in our lives today. Just like the Israelites, we can experience God's wonders and presence in our lives when we trust and obey Him, as seen in Psalms 22:4-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wonders is the Psalmist referring to in Psalms 78:12?
The Psalmist is referring to the miracles God performed in Egypt, such as the ten plagues, as described in the book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 7-12, before the Israelites' fathers, demonstrating God's power and presence in their lives.
Where is the region of Zoan?
The region of Zoan is another name for the city of Tanis, which was an important city in the Nile delta region of Egypt, as mentioned in Numbers 13:22 and Isaiah 19:11, where the Israelites spent time during their slavery in Egypt.
Why is it significant that God worked wonders before the fathers of the Israelites?
It is significant because it highlights God's long history of involvement with the Israelites, showing His faithfulness and care for them, even before they were born, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:30-31 and Psalms 22:4-5.
How does this verse fit into the larger context of Psalms 78?
This verse fits into the larger context of Psalms 78, which is a reminder of God's faithfulness and the Israelites' rebellion, as seen in Psalms 78:10-11, where the Psalmist notes the Israelites' failure to keep God's covenant and their forgetfulness of His wonders.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways God has worked wonders in my own life, and how can I remember and give thanks for them?
- How does the fact that God worked wonders for the Israelites' fathers encourage me to trust in God's presence and power in my own life?
- What are some ways I can pass on the stories of God's wonders to the next generation, as the Psalmist is doing in this verse?
- In what ways can I, like the Israelites, be tempted to forget God's wonders and how can I guard against this forgetfulness?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:12
Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers,.... The Targum is, "before Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the tribes of their fathers, he did marvellous things;'' but these were dead before
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:12
Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
In the field, i.e. in the territory or jurisdiction, not excluding the city itself. In the like sense we read of the field of Edom, and of Moab, 36:35 . Zoan; an ancient, and eminent, and the royal city of Egypt. See 30:4.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
Psalms 78:12 Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, [in] the field of Zoan.Ver. 12. Marvellous things did he, &c.] Whereof they were eye-witnesses, and therefore could not plead ignorance or excuse. The Hebrew hath it, a marvel, or a miracle, collective. In the field of Zoan] Corruptly called afterward Tan and Tanis; a populous and principal city of Egypt even in Isaiah’ s time, Isaiah 19:11-13; about 23 miles from Memphis, saith Josephus: there Moses wrought his miracles (Ptolemy. Strabo).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
(12) Field of Zoan.—See Numbers 13:22. It is the classical “Tanis,” merely a corruption of Tsoan, i.e., low country (LXX. and Vulgate). Tanis is situated on the east bank of what was formerly called the Tanitic branch of the Nile. Between it and Pelusium, about thirty miles to the east, stretched a rich plain known as “the marshes,” or “the pastures,” or “the field” of Zoan. The psalm now turns to the adventures in the wilderness, postponing the marvels in Egypt till Psalms 78:43.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
Verse 12. The field of Zoan.] "In campo Taneos," Vulgate. Tanis was the capital of Pharaoh, where Moses wrought so many miracles. It was situated in the Delta, on one of the most easterly branches of the Nile. It was afterwards called Thanis; and from it the district was called the Thanitic Canton. See Calmet. Dr. Shaw thinks Zoan was intended to signify Egypt in general.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:12
12. In the sight of their fathers he did wonders. Cp. Psalms 77:14. in the field of Zoan] Zoan, known to the Greeks as Tanis, was situated on the E. bank of the Tanitic branch of the Nile. It was famous as the capital of the Hyksos dynasty, and was refounded by Ramses II, the Pharaoh of the oppression. It is described by Mr Petrie, who excavated it in 1883–4, as “a city which was only inferior to the other capitals—Thebes and Memphis—in the splendour of its sculptures.” The phrase “field of Zoan” for the district in which it was situated has been found in an Egyptian inscription. After this brief allusion to the plagues, of which he intends to speak in detail afterwards (43ff.), the Psalmist passes on at once to the Exodus and the journey through the wilderness.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:12
Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers - Things suited to excite wonder and astonishment. Such were all the miracles that he performed, in effecting the deliverance of his people.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:12
12. As in Psalms 78:10-11, the psalmist had charged the defection of Ephraim to their forgetting God’s works and wonders of old, so now (Psalms 78:12) he takes up the nation’s history to show that,
Sermons on Psalms 78:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 19:11 - Part 2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of standing up for righteousness in a fallen world. He uses the example of Daniel, a young man who took a stand for God |
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(Exodus) Exodus 7:1 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting aside the human element and relying solely on God. He quotes Paul's statement that within the flesh dwells no good |
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The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 4 by Dan Biser | This sermon delves into the seven levels of judgment as seen in the Bible, emphasizing the consequences of sin and God's response to it. It highlights the importance of recognizing |
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Thou Shalt Be to Him Instead of God by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the profound responsibility and honor of representing God to others, as exemplified by Moses and Aaron. He encourages believers to embody the unchanging and |
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(Genesis) Genesis 46:4-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three spiritual periods in the life of Jacob, which can be applicable to many believers today. The first period is when Jacob lived somewh |