Psalms 78:2
Psalms 78:2 in Multiple Translations
I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,
Opening my mouth I will give out a story, even the dark sayings of old times;
I will tell you wise sayings; I will explain mysteries from the past
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will declare high sentences of olde.
I open with a simile my mouth, I bring forth hidden things of old,
I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old,
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
They have given the dead bodies of thy servants to be meat for the fowls of the air: the flesh of thy saints for the beasts of the earth.
I am going to give you some sayings that wise people have said. They will be sayings about things that happened long ago, things that were difficult to understand [MET],
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:2
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 78:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֶפְתְּחָ֣ה
בְ/מָשָׁ֣ל
פִּ֑/י
אַבִּ֥יעָה
חִ֝יד֗וֹת
מִנִּי
קֶֽדֶם
אֶפְתְּחָ֣ה
pâthach
H6605
to open
V-Qal-1cs
בְ/מָשָׁ֣ל
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
Prep | N-ms
פִּ֑/י
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
אַבִּ֥יעָה
nâbaʻ
H5042
to bubble
V-Hiphil-1cs
חִ֝יד֗וֹת
chîydâh
H2420
riddle
N-fp
מִנִּי
min
H4480
from
Prep
קֶֽדֶם
qedem
H6924
front
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:2
אֶפְתְּחָ֣ה
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
V-Qal-1cs
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
בְ/מָשָׁ֣ל
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
Prep | N-ms
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
פִּ֑/י
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
אַבִּ֥יעָה
nâbaʻ
H5042
"to bubble"
V-Hiphil-1cs
To bubble means to gush forth, like water or words, and can also mean to utter good or bad things, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to flow, pour out, pour, gush forth, spring, bubble up, ferment 1a) (Qal) to flow 1b)(Hiphil) to pour out, emit, cause to bubble, belch forth 1b1) to pour out 1b2) to cause to bubble, ferment 1b3) to pour forth, emit, belch forth
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: belch out, flowing, pour out, send forth, utter (abundantly). See also: Psalms 19:3; Psalms 145:7; Psalms 59:8.
חִ֝יד֗וֹת
chîydâh
H2420
"riddle"
N-fp
A riddle or puzzle is what this Hebrew word represents, often used to describe difficult questions or perplexing sayings. It appears in the Bible as a way to convey complex ideas or challenge people's thinking, such as in the story of Samson and Delilah.
Definition: 1) riddle, difficult question, parable, enigmatic saying or question, perplexing saying or question 1a) riddle (dark obscure utterance) 1b) riddle, enigma (to be guessed) 1c) perplexing questions (difficult) 1d) double dealing (with 'havin') Aramaic equivalent: a.chi.dah (אֲחִידָה "riddle" H0280)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle. See also: Numbers 12:8; Judges 14:19; Psalms 49:5.
מִנִּי
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
קֶֽדֶם
qedem
H6924
"front"
N-ms
The front or east direction, often used to describe a location or time, such as in the book of Ezekiel where it describes the direction of the temple. It can also mean something is ancient or from the past, like the stories in Genesis.
Definition: : east 1) east, antiquity, front, that which is before, aforetime 1a) front, from the front or east, in front, mount of the East 1b) ancient time, aforetime, ancient, from of old, earliest time 1c) anciently, of old (adverb) 1d) beginning 1e) east
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: aforetime, ancient (time), before, east (end, part, side, -ward), eternal, [idiom] ever(-lasting), forward, old, past. Compare H6926 (קִדְמָה). See also: Genesis 2:8; Nehemiah 12:46; Psalms 44:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:2
- Sermons on Psalms 78:2
Context — I Will Open My Mouth in Parables
1Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth.
2I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,
3that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us. 4We will not hide them from their children but will declare to the next generation the praises of the LORD and His might and the wonders He has performed.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 13:34–35 | Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.” |
| 2 | Mark 4:34 | He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples. |
| 3 | Matthew 13:11–13 | He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. This is why I speak to them in parables: ‘Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand.’ |
| 4 | Psalms 49:4 | I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp: |
| 5 | Proverbs 1:6 | by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. |
Psalms 78:2 Summary
[This verse means that the psalmist is going to share important truths about God and His plan through stories and teachings that will help people understand His ways. He wants to make sure that everyone knows about the great things God has done, and that they can learn from the past (Psalms 78:4, Deuteronomy 32:7). The psalmist is using a special way of teaching called parables, which are like stories that have a deeper meaning, as seen in Matthew 13:34-35. By sharing these stories and teachings, the psalmist hopes to help people come closer to God and understand His love for them.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to speak in parables?
Speaking in parables, as mentioned in Psalms 78:2, is a way of teaching spiritual truths through stories and metaphors, as seen in the ministry of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:34-35, Mark 4:33-34).
What are the things hidden from the beginning that the psalmist will utter?
The things hidden from the beginning refer to the mysteries of God's plan and purposes, which have been revealed through His Word and the history of His people, as seen in Romans 16:25-26 and Ephesians 3:9.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse introduces the theme of the psalm, which is to teach and remind God's people of His mighty deeds and the importance of passing on their faith to the next generation (Psalms 78:4, Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
What is the significance of the psalmist's decision to open his mouth in parables?
The psalmist's decision to speak in parables signifies his willingness to share the wisdom and knowledge he has received from God, and to make it accessible to his people, as seen in Proverbs 1:6 and Matthew 13:10-17.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can share the stories and teachings of the Bible with others in a way that is engaging and easy to understand?
- How can I balance the need to share the deep truths of God's Word with the need to make them accessible to those who are new to the faith?
- What are some 'things hidden from the beginning' that I have come to understand through my study of the Bible, and how can I share them with others?
- In what ways can I use my own life experiences and stories to illustrate the teachings of the Bible and make them more relatable to others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:2
I will open my mouth,.... Speak freely, boldly, and without reserve, Ephesians 6:19, so Christ opened his mouth, Matthew 5:2, in a parable; not that what follows in this psalm was such, but what were
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:2
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: I will open my mouth in a parable ( maashaal (H4912)) - a similitude (see note, Psalms 49:4). I will utter - literally, sputter out (cf.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:2
Open my mouth, speak to you with all freedom and plainness, in a parable; uttering divers and weighty sentences (for such are oft called parables in Scripture) or passages of great moment for your instruction and advantage. Dark sayings; so he calls the following passages, not because the words and sentences are in themselves hard to be understood, for they are generally historical and easy, but because the things contained in them, concerning God’ s transcendent goodness to an unworthy people, and their unparalleled ingratitude for and abuse of such eminent favours, and their stupid ignorance and insensibleness under such excellent and constant teachings of God’ s word and works, are indeed prodigious and hard to be believed. Of old; of things done in ancient times, and in a great measure worn out of men’ s minds.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:2
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:Ver. 2. I will open my mouth in a parable] I will speak freely and plainly (I will open my mouth, Matthew 5:2 Acts 10:34), and yet acutely and accurately. See Psalms 49:4, I will utter dark sayings of old] Heb. I will well out (as from a spring or fountain) dark or sharp sayings, transacted and recorded of old, but of good use for ever. Difficulty doth not discourage, but rather whet on heroic spirits to a more diligent inquiry. Aben Ezra noteth here, that Psalms 78:9, "The children of Ephraim," &c., is a parable, and Psalms 78:25, "Man did eat angels’ food," is a riddle, or dark saying.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:2
(2, 3) I will open.—A difficulty is started by the fact that the psalm deals with history, and is neither a proverb (mâshal) nor riddle (chîdah). But the Divine rejection of the northern tribes may be the covert meaning which the poet sees to have been wrapped up in all the ancient history. The word mâshal is also sometimes used in a wide, vague sense, embracing prophetic as well as proverbial poetry. (See Numbers 21:27.) For “dark sayings,” literally, knotty points, see Numbers 12:8. In Habakkuk 2:6 the word seems to mean a sarcasm.For the use of this passage in Matthew 13:35, see Note, New Testament Commentary.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:2
Verse 2. In a parable] Or, I will give you instruction by numerous examples; see Psalms 49:1-4, which bears a great similarity to this; and see the notes there. The term parable, in its various acceptations, has already been sufficiently explained; but משל mashal may here mean example, as opposed to תורה torah, law or precept, Psalms 78:1.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:2
2. On the words parable and dark sayings or enigmas see note on Psalms 49:4. The Psalmist has no mere narrative of facts to recount, but a history full of significance for those who can penetrate its hidden meaning. It is a ‘parable’ not for Israel only, but for every individual in the Christian Church. dark sayings of old] Lessons drawn from the history of ancient times, from the Exodus, when Israel was ‘born’ as a nation, onward. Cp. Psalms 77:5. This verse is freely quoted by St Matthew (Matthew 13:34-35), in a form which does not agree exactly either with the Heb. or with the LXX, with reference to our Lord’s teaching in parables. “All these things spake Jesus in parables unto the multitudes; and without a parable spake he nothing unto them: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.” The words of the Psalmist are not a direct prophecy of the Messiah’s method of teaching; but just as Christ as perfect Man summed up in Himself and fulfilled the manifold experiences of the people of God, so as the perfect Teacher He adopted the methods of the teachers of the old dispensation, and ‘fulfilled’ them by carrying them to their highest perfection. As the Psalmist used the facts of Israel’s history to convey the lesson which he desired to teach, so Christ used the phenomena of Nature and the experiences of Life. Cp. Introd. pp. lxxix ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:2
I will open my mouth in a parable - See the notes at Psalms 49:4.
Sermons on Psalms 78:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Youth Ministry by Voddie Baucham | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the purpose and plan of the College and Careers ministry. Their purpose is to see unbelieving students become committed followers of Jesus Chr |
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In Defense of Evan Roberts and the Welsh Revival by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing his intention to share a story and reveal hidden truths. He emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge of God's glorio |
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New Beginnings - Gideon's Army I by George Warnock | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Judges and how God allowed areas of resistance to remain in the land so that the younger generation could learn war. The preacher |
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Everybody's Sermon by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that even those who are not able to spend much time in nature can still learn from God's creation. He gives examples such as a baker who see |
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Freedom Cd - Track 5 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, Jesus performs miracles by healing the mute, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, which leads the people to praise the God of Israel. Jesus shows compassion for t |
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Start Digging Today! by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of seeking the hidden truths in Jesus' parables, particularly the parable of the treasure in the field. He explains that the field represe |
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Homily 47 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the parables spoken by Jesus, emphasizing the importance of understanding the hidden truths revealed through these stories. He highlights the disciples' |