Menu

Psalms 78:53

Psalms 78:53 in Multiple Translations

He led them safely, so they did not fear, but the sea engulfed their enemies.

And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

And he led them safely, so that they feared not; But the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

He took them on safely so that they had no fear; but their haters were covered by the sea.

He led them to safety, and they were not afraid. He drowned their enemies in the sea.

Yea, he caried them out safely, and they feared not, and the Sea couered their enemies.

And He leadeth them confidently, And they have not been afraid, And their enemies hath the sea covered.

He led them safely, so that they weren’t afraid, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

He led them safely, and they were not afraid, but their enemies were drowned in the sea.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 78:53

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 78:53 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יַּנְחֵ֣/ם לָ֭/בֶטַח וְ/לֹ֣א פָחָ֑דוּ וְ/אֶת א֝וֹיְבֵי/הֶ֗ם כִּסָּ֥ה הַ/יָּֽם
וַ/יַּנְחֵ֣/ם nâchâh H5148 to lead Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לָ֭/בֶטַח beṭach H983 security Prep | N-ms
וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
פָחָ֑דוּ pâchad H6342 to dread V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
א֝וֹיְבֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff
כִּסָּ֥ה kâçâh H3680 to cover V-Piel-Perf-3ms
הַ/יָּֽם yâm H3220 West Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 78:53

וַ/יַּנְחֵ֣/ם nâchâh H5148 "to lead" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
To lead or guide is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also imply transporting people into exile or as colonists. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Exodus and 1 Kings, to describe leadership and migration.
Definition: 1) to lead, guide 1a) (Qal) to lead, bring 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: bestow, bring, govern, guide, lead (forth), put, straiten. See also: Genesis 24:27; Psalms 31:4; Psalms 5:9.
לָ֭/בֶטַח beṭach H983 "security" Prep | N-ms
Security refers to a feeling of safety or refuge, like a place where one can feel protected, as the Bible describes God as a rock or fortress, providing assurance and hope to those who trust in Him.
Definition: 1) security, safety adv 2) securely
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: assurance, boldly, (without) care(-less), confidence, hope, safe(-ly, -ty), secure, surely. See also: Genesis 34:25; Isaiah 14:30; Psalms 4:9.
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.
פָחָ֑דוּ pâchad H6342 "to dread" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to feel fear or dread, like being startled by a sudden alarm. It appears in the Bible when people are in awe or fear of God. The book of Proverbs uses it to describe the fear of the Lord.
Definition: 1) to fear, tremble, revere, dread, be in awe or dread 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be in dread 1a2) to be in awe 1b) (Piel) to be in great dread 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to dread
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, (be in) fear, make to shake. See also: Deuteronomy 28:66; Isaiah 12:2; Psalms 14:5.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
א֝וֹיְבֵי/הֶ֗ם ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
כִּסָּ֥ה kâçâh H3680 "to cover" V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
הַ/יָּֽם yâm H3220 "West" Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.

Study Notes — Psalms 78:53

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 14:19–20 And the angel of God, who had gone before the camp of Israel, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from before them and stood behind them, so that it came between the camps of Egypt and Israel. The cloud was there in the darkness, but it lit up the night. So all night long neither camp went near the other.
2 Exodus 15:10 But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
3 Exodus 14:27–28 So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak the sea returned to its normal state. As the Egyptians were retreating, the LORD swept them into the sea. The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived.
4 Exodus 14:15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the Israelites to go forward.
5 Psalms 136:15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea. His loving devotion endures forever.
6 Hebrews 11:29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.

Psalms 78:53 Summary

This verse tells us that God led His people safely, so they didn't have to be afraid, and He even destroyed their enemies in the sea. This shows us that God is a powerful and loving God who takes care of His people, just like a shepherd takes care of his sheep (Psalm 23:1-4). We can trust in God's protection and care, just like the Israelites did, and know that He will always be with us, guiding and delivering us (Psalm 91:2). By trusting in God's goodness and care, we can live without fear, knowing that He is our refuge and our fortress (Psalm 91:2).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God led them safely, so they did not fear?

This means that God protected His people from harm, giving them confidence and peace, much like He promises in Psalm 23:4, where it says, 'Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me.'

Why did the sea engulf their enemies?

The sea engulfed their enemies as a judgment from God, much like in Exodus 14:27-28, where the Red Sea closed over the Egyptian army, destroying them, to demonstrate His power and deliverance of His people.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

This verse reminds us that God is our protector and deliverer, just as He was for the Israelites, and we can trust in His care and provision, as promised in Psalm 91:2, which says, 'I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”'

What can we learn from God's leadership in this verse?

We can learn that God's leadership is characterized by care, protection, and guidance, as seen in Psalm 78:53, and we can trust in His goodness and wisdom, just as the Israelites did, as they followed Him through the wilderness, as described in Deuteronomy 8:2-5.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have I experienced God's protection and care in my own life, and how can I trust in His goodness today?
  2. What are some ways that I can apply the promise of God's deliverance, as seen in this verse, to my own life and circumstances?
  3. In what ways can I follow God's leadership, as described in this verse, and trust in His guidance and care?
  4. How can I remember and celebrate God's deliverance and protection in my life, just as the Israelites did in Psalm 78?
  5. What are some areas of my life where I need to trust in God's protection and care, and how can I surrender them to Him?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 78:53

And he led them on safely,.... Through the sea, where the waters were on each side; and through the wilderness, in which were serpents and scorpions, and where they were attacked by many powerful

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 78:53

How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert!

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 78:53

They feared not. But it is said that they were sore afraid, . Answ. 1. They were afraid at first, but after Moses had encouraged them they grew bold and secure; one evidence whereof was, that they confidently went into the middle of the sea, and passed between the vast heaps of water which were on both sides of them. 2. The meaning may be that they had no just cause to fear; for men are oft said to do not only what they actually do, but also what they ought to do, as 2:7, &c.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 78:53

Psalms 78:53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.Ver. 53. And he led them on safely, so that they feared not] Or, if they did, it was without cause, Cur enim metuat hominem homo in sinu Dei positus.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 78:53

53. feared not] In contrast to their enemies, who were seized with panic (Exodus 14:25), Israel had no cause for fear (Exodus 14:13). Not of course that they never gave way to fear (Exodus 14:10). overwhelmed] The same word as that rendered covered in Exodus 15:10.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 78:53

And he led them on safely, so that they feared not - In hope; in confidence; so that they had no occasion for alarm. He showed himself able and willing to defend them.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 78:53

53. Safely… they feared not—They had no cause of fear, for God was with them. Their exodus was not a flight in terror, but an orderly march.

Sermons on Psalms 78:53

SermonDescription
Manley Beasley Conformed to His Image by Manley Beasley In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the message of Romans 7 in the life of a believer who wants to trust God. He uses the examples of Moses and A
Chuck Smith Crossing the Red Sea by Chuck Smith In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study through the book of Exodus. He focuses on the events surrounding the crossing of the Red Sea by the children o
Henry Law The Red Sea by Henry Law Henry Law preaches on the miraculous salvation of Israel from the Egyptians at the Red Sea, illustrating how God's hand of protection and deliverance is openly displayed in the liv
George Kulp The Saints' Attendants by George Kulp George Kulp delivers a powerful sermon on the enduring presence of God's goodness and mercy in the lives of His children, drawing from the beautiful imagery of Psalms 23:6. Through
Charles E. Cowman Deliverance in the Stormy Winds by Charles E. Cowman Charles E. Cowman reflects on the story of the Lord bringing an east wind to bring locusts upon Egypt, and how the stormy winds were used by God to deliver Israel from the cruel Ph
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 14:13-16 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea. He emphasizes that it is God who works on their behalf and they simply need to a
J. Vernon McGee (Exodus) Exodus 14:26-31 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the miraculous nature of the Israelites' crossing of the Red Sea. He highlights that this event was a demonstration of God's power and a fulf

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate