Psalms 78:39
Psalms 78:39 in Multiple Translations
He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.
For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
And he remembered that they were but flesh, A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
So he kept in mind that they were only flesh; a breath which is quickly gone, and will not come again.
He remembered their mortality—that they were like a puff of wind that would not return.
For he remembered that they were flesh: yea, a winde that passeth and commeth not againe.
And He remembereth that they [are] flesh, A wind going on — and it returneth not.
He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes away, and doesn’t come again.
For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.
He remembered/considered that they were only humans who die; they disappear quickly [SIM], like a wind that blows by and then is gone.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:39
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 78:39 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ֭/יִּזְכֹּר
כִּי
בָשָׂ֣ר
הֵ֑מָּה
ר֥וּחַ
ה֝וֹלֵ֗ךְ
וְ/לֹ֣א
יָשֽׁוּב
וַ֭/יִּזְכֹּר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בָשָׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms
הֵ֑מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
ה֝וֹלֵ֗ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יָשֽׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:39
וַ֭/יִּזְכֹּר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָשָׂ֣ר
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
הֵ֑מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
ר֥וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
ה֝וֹלֵ֗ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יָשֽׁוּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 78:39
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 78:39 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:39
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:39
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:39
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:39
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:39
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:39
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:39
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:39
- Sermons on Psalms 78:39
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.
40How often they disobeyed Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! 41Again and again they tested God and provoked the Holy One of Israel.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 6:3 | So the LORD said, “My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.” |
| 2 | James 4:14 | You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. |
| 3 | Job 7:7 | Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness. |
| 4 | Job 7:16 | I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. |
| 5 | Job 10:9 | Please remember that You molded me like clay. Would You now return me to dust? |
| 6 | Psalms 103:14–16 | For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass— he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more. |
| 7 | John 3:6 | Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit. |
Psalms 78:39 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God is a compassionate and merciful God, who takes into account our weaknesses and limitations as human beings. He knows that we are 'but flesh', and that our lives are fleeting and fragile, like 'a passing breeze that does not return' (as also mentioned in Job 7:7). Because of this, He is patient with us and forgives our sins, as seen in Psalm 78:38. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to seek God's mercy and forgiveness, and to trust in His loving care for us, just as we are encouraged to do in Psalm 103:13-14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God 'remembered that they were but flesh'?
This phrase means that God took into account the weaknesses and limitations of human nature, just as He did in Psalm 103:14, where it says 'For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.'
How does this verse relate to God's compassion and forgiveness?
This verse highlights God's mercy and patience, as seen in Psalm 78:38, where it says 'He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them.'
What is the significance of the phrase 'a passing breeze that does not return'?
This phrase emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life, similar to what is said in James 4:14, where life is compared to a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing our own limitations and vulnerabilities, and thus humbly seeking God's mercy and forgiveness, just as the Psalmist does in Psalm 51:1-2, where he asks for God's compassion and cleansing.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I tend to forget my own limitations and vulnerabilities, and how can I cultivate a greater awareness of my own 'flesh'?
- How has God shown me compassion and forgiveness in my own life, and how can I respond to His mercy with gratitude and obedience?
- What are some ways in which I can 'grieve' God, as the Israelites did in the wilderness, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own spiritual journey?
- How can I balance my own sense of responsibility and accountability before God with the recognition of my own weaknesses and limitations, and trust in His mercy and forgiveness?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:39
For he remembered that they [were but] flesh,.... Or "children of flesh", as the Targum; poor, frail, weak, mortal creatures, unable to bear the weight of his displeasure, the stroke of his hand, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:39
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 78:39
Flesh; which here notes either, 1. The corruption of their natures, which was perpetually inclining them to sin, and consequently exposing them to God’ s wrath, which must needs have consumed them utterly and speedily, if God had let loose his anger upon them. See the same argument used to a like purpose . Or rather, 2. The frailty or infirmity of their natures, as the next clause interprets this; which is such, that if I should not restrain my wrath, I should quickly cut off the body of this wicked people, and their children with them, whom I have promised to carry into Canaan, . A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again; that are quickly cut off; and when once they are dead, they never return to this life.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:39
Psalms 78:39 For he remembered that they [were but] flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.Ver. 39. For he remembered that they were but flesh] i.e. Frail and feeble, full of sin and misery., altogether unable to grapple with God’ s wrath. A wind that passeth away, &c.] Et in suis reciprocationibus evanescens. For winds neither return thither whence they blow, nor yet pass from one coast to another, but are wasted in the middle of the world, by the force of the sun and by their own motion, as Aristotle concludeth in his discourse concerning metaphors. Now, what is man (saith Nazianzen) but soul and soil, breath and body, a puff of wind the one, a pile of dust the other, no solidity in either?
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 78:39
(39) “And what’s a life? A blast sustained with clothing: Maintained with food, retained with vile self-loathing; Then, weary of itself, away to nothing.”— QUARLES: Emblcms.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 78:39
Verse 39. He remembered that they were but flesh] Weak mortals. He took their feeble perishing state always into consideration, and knew how much they needed the whole of their state of probation; and therefore he bore with them to the uttermost. How merciful is God! A wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.] I believe this to be a bad translation, and may be productive of error; as if when a man dies his being were ended, and death were an eternal sleep. The original is, רוח הולך ולא ישוב ruach holech velo yashub: and the translation should be, "The spirit goeth away, and it doth not return." The present life is the state of probation; when therefore the flesh-the body, fails, the spirit goeth away into the eternal world, and returneth not hither again. Now God, being full of compassion, spared them, that their salvation might be accomplished before they went into that state where there is no change; where the pure are pure still, and the defiled are defiled still. All the Versions are right; but the polyglot translator of the Syriac, [Syriac] rocho, has falsely put ventus, wind, instead of spiritus, soul or spirit. The Arabic takes away all ambiguity: [---Arabic---] "He remembered that they were flesh; and a spirit which, when it departs, does not again return." The human being is composed of flesh and spirit, or body and soul; these are easily separated, and, when separated, the body turns to dust, and the spirit returns no more to animate it in a state of probation. Homer has a saying very like that of the psalmist: - Ανδροςδεψυχηπαλινελθεινουτεληἱστη, Ουθ' ἑλετη, επειαρκεναμειψεταιἑρκοςοδοντων.
IL. ix., ver., 408. "But the soul of man returns no more; nor can it be acquired nor caught after it has passed over the barrier of the teeth." Pope has scarcely given the passage its genuine meaning: - "But from our lips the vital spirit fled Returns no more to wake the silent dead." And the Ossian-like version of Macpherson is but little better: "But the life of man returns no more; nor acquired nor regained is the soul which once takes its flight on the wind." What has the wind to do with the ερκοςοδοντων of the Greek poet? Several similar sayings may be found among the Greek poets; but they all suppose the materiality of the soul.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:39
39. For &c.] And he remembered &c. Flesh denotes the frailty of human nature, including moral as well as physical weakness: a wind &c. symbolises the transitoriness of human life. Cp. Psalms 56:4; Psalms 103:14 ff.; Genesis 6:3; Job 7:7 ff.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:39
For he remembered that they were but flesh - That they were human; that they were weak; that they were prone to err; that they were liable to fall into temptation.
Sermons on Psalms 78:39
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 29): False Teaching on Obscure Teaching by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of salvation and the role of baptism in it. He emphasizes that very few people were saved in the past, highlighting the importanc |
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Baptism of Repentance by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difference between walking in a normal regenerate state and walking in the power of the Holy Ghost. He highlights the radical transformat |
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Grieving the Holy Spirit by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a man who was on the verge of losing everything due to his addiction. Despite asking for prayer, he couldn't resist getting high b |
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The Ten Virgins (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | In this sermon, Reverend Robert Murray McChain focuses on the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25:1-13. He addresses the congregation, dividing them into two classes: the wi |
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(Genesis) Genesis 6:8-12 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of man's promise of a Redeemer and the need for humanity to look for a Savior. The story of Cain and Abel is used as an exampl |
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Standing Apart From the World by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Jesus' words in Matthew 24:37 about his return being like the days of Noah. He emphasizes the importance of being ready and alert for Jesus' |
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Blood on Your Hands by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's unfailing compassion and faithfulness towards the house of Israel. He highlights the influence our lives have on others, particularly |