Psalms 79:5
Psalms 79:5 in Multiple Translations
How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
How long, O Jehovah? wilt thou be angry for ever? Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
How long, O Lord? will you be angry for ever? will your wrath go on burning like fire?
How long, Lord? Will you be angry with us forever? Will your jealousy always burn like fire?
Lord, howe long wilt thou be angrie, for euer? shall thy gelousie burne like fire?
Till when, O Jehovah? art Thou angry for ever? Thy jealousy doth burn as fire.
How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?
How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?
O Lord God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy servant?
Yahweh, how long will this continue? Will you be angry with us forever? Will your being angry destroy us like a burning fire destroys things?
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 79:5
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 79:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַד
מָ֣ה
יְ֭הוָה
תֶּאֱנַ֣ף
לָ/נֶ֑צַח
תִּבְעַ֥ר
כְּמוֹ
אֵ֝֗שׁ
קִנְאָתֶֽ/ךָ
עַד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
תֶּאֱנַ֣ף
ʼânaph
H599
be angry
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לָ/נֶ֑צַח
netsach
H5331
perpetuity
Prep | N-ms
תִּבְעַ֥ר
bâʻar
H1197
to burn
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep
אֵ֝֗שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
N-cs
קִנְאָתֶֽ/ךָ
qinʼâh
H7068
jealousy
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 79:5
עַד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
מָ֣ה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יְ֭הוָה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
תֶּאֱנַ֣ף
ʼânaph
H599
"be angry"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
The Hebrew word for 'be angry' describes God's displeasure, like in Psalm 103:8. It means to breathe hard or be enraged, used in the Bible to convey strong emotions.
Definition: 1) to be angry, to be displeased, to breathe hard 1a) (Qal) to be angry (of God) 1b) (Hithpael) to be angry (always of God)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: be angry (displeased). See also: Deuteronomy 1:37; 2 Chronicles 6:36; Psalms 2:12.
לָ/נֶ֑צַח
netsach
H5331
"perpetuity"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for perpetuity or everlastingness, often used to describe God's nature. It appears in Psalm 9:7, where the psalmist praises God's enduring presence. This word conveys the idea of something lasting forever.
Definition: 1) eminence, perpetuity, strength, victory, enduring, everlastingness 1a) eminence 1b) enduring of life 1c) endurance in time, perpetual, continual, unto the end 1d) everlastingness, ever
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), constantly, end, ([phrase] n-) ever(more), perpetual, strength, victory. See also: 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalms 74:10; Psalms 9:7.
תִּבְעַ֥ר
bâʻar
H1197
"to burn"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To be brutish means to be stupid or barbarous, and can also refer to consuming something by fire or eating. It is used to describe someone who is dull-hearted or unreceptive.
Definition: : burn/ignite 1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning 1a2) to burn, be burning 1a3) to burn, consume 1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to kindle, burn 1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.) 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to kindle 1c2) to burn up 1c3) to consume (destroy) 1d) (Pual) to burn
Usage: Occurs in 90 OT verses. KJV: be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to) eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set (on fire), waste. See also: Exodus 3:2; Psalms 39:4; Psalms 2:12.
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
אֵ֝֗שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
קִנְאָתֶֽ/ךָ
qinʼâh
H7068
"jealousy"
N-fs | Suff
This word refers to strong feelings of jealousy or envy, often related to romantic or spiritual passion. It can describe human emotions or God's zeal for His people, as seen in the Bible.
Definition: 1) ardour, zeal, jealousy 1a) ardour, jealousy, jealous disposition (of husband) 1a1) sexual passion 1b) ardour of zeal (of religious zeal) 1b1) of men for God 1b2) of men for the house of God 1b3) of God for his people 1c) ardour of anger 1c1) of men against adversaries 1c2) of God against men 1d) envy (of man) 1e) jealousy (resulting in the wrath of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: envy(-ied), jealousy, [idiom] sake, zeal. See also: Numbers 5:14; Isaiah 9:6; Psalms 69:10.
Study Notes — Psalms 79:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 79:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 79:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 79:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 79:5
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 79:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 79:5
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 79:5
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 79:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 79:5
- Sermons on Psalms 79:5
Context — A Prayer for Deliverance
3They have poured out their blood like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to bury the dead.
4We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those around us.
5How long, O LORD? Will You be angry forever? Will Your jealousy burn like fire?
6Pour out Your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge You, on the kingdoms that refuse to call on Your name, 7for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 89:46 | How long, O LORD? Will You hide Yourself forever? Will Your wrath keep burning like fire? |
| 2 | Psalms 74:1 | Why have You rejected us forever, O God? Why does Your anger smolder against the sheep of Your pasture? |
| 3 | Psalms 85:5 | Will You be angry with us forever? Will You draw out Your anger to all generations? |
| 4 | Zephaniah 3:8 | Therefore wait for Me,” declares the LORD, “until the day I rise to testify. For My decision is to gather nations, to assemble kingdoms, to pour out upon them My indignation— all My burning anger. For all the earth will be consumed by the fire of My jealousy. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 29:20 | The LORD will never be willing to forgive him. Instead, His anger and jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse written in this book will fall upon him. The LORD will blot out his name from under heaven |
| 6 | Psalms 74:9–10 | There are no signs for us to see. There is no longer any prophet. And none of us knows how long this will last. How long, O God, will the enemy taunt You? Will the foe revile Your name forever? |
| 7 | Psalms 80:4 | O LORD God of Hosts, how long will Your anger smolder against the prayers of Your people? |
| 8 | Psalms 13:1–2 | How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me? |
| 9 | Ezekiel 36:5 | Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: Surely in My burning zeal I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, who took My land as their own possession with wholehearted joy and utter contempt, so that its pastureland became plunder. |
| 10 | Zephaniah 1:18 | Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them on the Day of the LORD’s wrath. The whole earth will be consumed by the fire of His jealousy.” For indeed, He will make a sudden end of all who dwell on the earth. |
Psalms 79:5 Summary
This verse is a cry to God from the psalmist, asking how long God's anger will last and if His jealousy will burn forever. The psalmist is seeking to understand God's timing and justice, and is looking for reassurance that God's anger is not forever, as stated in Psalms 30:5. We can learn from this verse that God is a God of justice and mercy, and that He is passionate about His people, as seen in Exodus 20:5 and Deuteronomy 4:24. By trusting in God's sovereignty and love, we can find comfort and peace, even in difficult circumstances, as promised in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the psalmist ask how long God's anger will last?
The psalmist is expressing a sense of desperation and urgency, seeking to understand the duration of God's judgment, as seen in Psalms 79:5, and is reminiscent of similar pleas in Psalms 13:1-2 and Lamentations 5:20.
What does it mean for God's jealousy to burn like fire?
God's jealousy refers to His intense passion for His people and His desire for their exclusive devotion, as seen in Exodus 20:5, and the fire represents the fervor and intensity of this passion, similar to Deuteronomy 4:24.
Is God's anger forever, as the psalmist asks?
No, God's anger is not forever, as stated in Psalms 30:5, which says that His anger lasts only for a moment, but His favor lasts a lifetime, and this is reinforced in Lamentations 3:22-23, which speaks of God's mercies being new every morning.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by recognizing that God is a God of justice and mercy, and when we face difficult circumstances, we can cry out to Him, as the psalmist does, and trust in His sovereignty and love, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced God's anger or discipline in my life, and how have I responded to it?
- How can I balance the concept of God's jealousy with His love and mercy, as seen in John 3:16 and Psalms 103:8-10?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my devotion to God, and avoid provoking His jealousy, as warned against in Deuteronomy 6:14-15?
- What are some things that I can do to trust in God's sovereignty and timing, even when I don't understand what He is doing, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 79:5
How long, Lord, wilt thou be angry? for ever?.... That is, how long wilt thou be angry? shall it be for ever?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 79:5
How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire? How long Lord?
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 79:5
Psalms 79:5 How long, LORD? wilt thou be angry for ever? shall thy jealousy burn like fire?Ver. 5. How long wilt thou be angry? &c.] Or, how long? wilt thou be angry for ever? The psalmist knew that the enemies were but God’ s executioners; and that if he were but once pacified, they should soon be put out of office. Shall thy jealousy] viz. For our idolatry, Exodus 20:3-5
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 79:5
(5) How long, Lord?—The dominant cry of the Maccabæan age. (See Psalms 74:9.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 79:5
Verse 5. How long, Lord?] Wilt thou continue thine anger against us, and suffer us to be insulted, and thyself blasphemed?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 79:5
5–8. Prayer that God will cease to be angry with His own people and will punish their destroyers.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 79:5
How long, Lord? - See Psalms 74:1, note; Psalms 74:10, note; and Psalms 77:7-9, notes. This is the language, not of impatience, but of anxiety; not of complaining, but of wonder.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 79:5
5. How long, Lord—The “how long” and for ever would here seem to imply that the affliction had now been of long duration. Time dragged heavily under this trying dispensation of wrath.
Sermons on Psalms 79:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Rev. 6:10. How Long? by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar explores the profound question 'How long?' as expressed in Revelation 6:10, emphasizing its significance in human experience and divine communication. He categorizes |
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A Time to Cry by David Legge | In this sermon, the speaker laments the current state of society, where the preaching of the word of God is disregarded and mocked. The speaker questions the absence of divine inte |
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God's Hatchet by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of idolatry and the deception that has taken hold of the church. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God and warns against the |
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The Spirit of Prophecy by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of prophecy in the church, explaining that in the new covenant, prophecy is for exhortation, consolation, and edification. Without the propheti |
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True and False Prophets by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the danger of false prophets who use flattery to draw people to themselves, contrasting them with true prophets who rebuke with love. He highlights the import |
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Psalm 74: Crucified Faith by Art Katz | Art Katz explores the theme of 'Crucified Faith' in Psalm 74, emphasizing the psalmist's cry of despair amidst the devastation of God's sanctuary. He highlights the importance of r |
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America's Greatest Baptist Revival by Bob Doom | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revival and its importance in the church. He references several scriptures, including Psalm 138:7 and Psalm 85:5, to highlight |