Psalms 79:8
Psalms 79:8 in Multiple Translations
Do not hold past sins against us; let Your compassion come quickly, for we are brought low.
O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
Remember not against us the iniquities of our forefathers: Let thy tender mercies speedily meet us; For we are brought very low.
Do not keep in mind against us the sins of our fathers; let your mercy come to us quickly, for we have been made very low.
Don't hold the sins of our forefathers against us! Come to us quickly for we desperately need your compassion.
Remember not against vs the former iniquities, but make haste and let thy tender mercies preuent vs: for we are in great miserie.
Remember not for us the iniquities of forefathers, Haste, let Thy mercies go before us, For we have been very weak.
Don’t hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us. Let your tender mercies speedily meet us, for we are in desperate need.
O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily succor us: for we are brought very low.
O God of hosts, convert us: and shew thy face, and we shall be saved.
Do not punish us because of the sins that our ancestors committed! Be merciful to us now/quickly, because we are very discouraged.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 79:8
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 79:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַֽל
תִּזְכָּר
לָ/נוּ֮
עֲוֺנֹ֪ת
רִאשֹׁ֫נִ֥ים
מַ֭הֵר
יְקַדְּמ֣וּ/נוּ
רַחֲמֶ֑י/ךָ
כִּ֖י
דַלּ֣וֹנוּ
מְאֹֽד
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּזְכָּר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
לָ/נוּ֮
Prep | Suff
עֲוֺנֹ֪ת
ʻâvôn
H5771
iniquity
N-cp
רִאשֹׁ֫נִ֥ים
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Adj
מַ֭הֵר
mahêr
H4118
quick
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
יְקַדְּמ֣וּ/נוּ
qâdam
H6923
to meet
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
רַחֲמֶ֑י/ךָ
racham
H7356
womb
N-mp | Suff
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
דַלּ֣וֹנוּ
dâlal
H1809
to languish
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 79:8
אַֽל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּזְכָּר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
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.
לָ/נוּ֮
""
Prep | Suff
עֲוֺנֹ֪ת
ʻâvôn
H5771
"iniquity"
N-cp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means moral evil or sin, like the kind God sees in people's hearts. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Psalms. This concept is key to understanding human nature.
Definition: : crime 1) perversity, depravity, iniquity, guilt or punishment of iniquity 1a) iniquity 1b) guilt of iniquity, guilt (as great), guilt (of condition) 1c) consequence of or punishment for iniquity
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: fault, iniquity, mischeif, punishment (of iniquity), sin. See also: Genesis 4:13; Psalms 107:17; Psalms 18:24.
רִאשֹׁ֫נִ֥ים
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
מַ֭הֵר
mahêr
H4118
"quick"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
This word means to do something quickly or hastily, like when someone is in a hurry. The Bible uses it to describe urgent actions in the book of Esther.
Definition: adj hurrying, speedy, swift, hastening
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: hasteth, hastily, at once, quickly, soon, speedily, suddenly. See also: Exodus 32:8; Joshua 2:5; Psalms 69:18.
יְקַדְּמ֣וּ/נוּ
qâdam
H6923
"to meet"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To meet or go before someone, often for help, as seen in the Bible when God meets his people in Exodus. This word can also mean to anticipate or hasten something. In the book of Psalms, it is used to describe God coming to the aid of his people.
Definition: 1) to meet, come or be in front, confront, go before 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to meet, confront, come to meet, receive 1a2) to go before, go in front, be in front 1a3) to lead, be beforehand, anticipate, forestall 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to come in front 1b2) to confront, anticipate
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: come (go, (flee)) before, [phrase] disappoint, meet, prevent. See also: Deuteronomy 23:5; Psalms 59:11; Psalms 17:13.
רַחֲמֶ֑י/ךָ
racham
H7356
"womb"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to compassion or tender love, often describing God's feelings towards people. It can also mean the womb, symbolizing care and nurturing. The KJV translates it as compassion, mercy, or pity.
Definition: womb Another spelling of re.chem (רֶ֫חֶם "womb" H7358)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. See also: Genesis 43:14; Psalms 106:46; Psalms 25:6.
כִּ֖י
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.
דַלּ֣וֹנוּ
dâlal
H1809
"to languish"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To languish means to feel weak or oppressed. It can describe something that is hanging low or being brought low. The word is used to convey a sense of distress or weakness.
Definition: 1) to hang, languish, hang down, be low 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hang low 1a2) to be low 1a3) of distress (fig.) 1a4) to languish, look weakly (of eyes) 1b) (Niphal) to be brought low, be laid low
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bring low, dry up, be emptied, be not equal, fail, be impoverished, be made thin. See also: Judges 6:6; Psalms 142:7; Psalms 79:8.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 79:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 79:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 79:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 79:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 79:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 79:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 79:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 79:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 79:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 79:8
- Sermons on Psalms 79:8
Context — A Prayer for Deliverance
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.
8Do not hold past sins against us; let Your compassion come quickly, for we are brought low.
9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name. 10Why should the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations Your vengeance for the bloodshed of Your servants.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 64:9 | Do not be angry, O LORD, beyond measure; do not remember our iniquity forever. Oh, look upon us, we pray; we are all Your people! |
| 2 | Psalms 142:6 | Listen to my cry, for I am brought quite low. Rescue me from my pursuers, for they are too strong for me. |
| 3 | Psalms 116:6 | The LORD preserves the simplehearted; I was helpless, and He saved me. |
| 4 | Psalms 21:3 | For You welcomed him with rich blessings; You placed on his head a crown of pure gold. |
| 5 | Matthew 23:32–36 | Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your fathers. You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape the sentence of hell? Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute in town after town. And so upon you will come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. Truly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation. |
| 6 | Hosea 9:9 | They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah; He will remember their guilt; He will punish their sins. |
| 7 | Revelation 18:5 | For her sins are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. |
| 8 | Daniel 9:16 | O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us. |
| 9 | Psalms 25:7 | Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my rebellious acts; remember me according to Your loving devotion, because of Your goodness, O LORD. |
| 10 | Psalms 69:16–17 | Answer me, O LORD, for Your loving devotion is good; turn to me in keeping with Your great compassion. Hide not Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me quickly! |
Psalms 79:8 Summary
[This verse is a prayer asking God to forgive the past sins of His people and to show them compassion and mercy, as He promises to do in Jeremiah 31:34, where it is written that God will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more. The authors are humble and recognize their weakness, acknowledging that they are 'brought low' and in need of God's help. They are crying out for God's rescue and restoration, trusting in His character as a God of mercy and forgiveness, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7. By praying this way, we can express our own dependence on God and our need for His forgiveness and compassion.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'hold past sins against us' in Psalms 79:8?
This phrase refers to God remembering and punishing us for the sins we have committed in the past, as seen in Psalms 130:3, which says if God were to mark our sins, no one could stand, but thankfully, He is a God of forgiveness and mercy, as stated in Exodus 34:6-7.
Why do the authors of Psalms 79:8 ask for God's compassion to come quickly?
The authors are crying out for immediate relief and comfort in the midst of their distress, similar to the plea in Psalms 38:21-22, where David asks God not to be far from him and to hasten to his aid.
What does it mean to be 'brought low' in this context?
Being 'brought low' means to be humbled or reduced to a state of weakness and helplessness, as seen in Psalms 138:6, where God is said to save the humble and bring low the haughty, emphasizing the importance of humility before God.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's mercy and justice?
This verse highlights the tension between God's justice, which demands punishment for sin, and His mercy, which offers forgiveness and compassion, as seen in Romans 3:25-26, where God's justice and mercy are both satisfied through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I have experienced God's compassion in my life, and how can I express gratitude for these experiences?
- In what areas of my life do I feel 'brought low' and in need of God's rescue and restoration?
- How can I balance the desire for God's justice to be upheld with the need for His mercy and forgiveness in my own life?
- What are some practical ways I can humble myself before God and acknowledge my dependence on Him, as the authors of this psalm do?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 79:8
O remember not against us former iniquities,.... Or, "our ancient iniquities", as the Septuagint; the most ancient sin of all is that of our first parents, in which we are involved, and by which we
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 79:8
O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 79:8
Former iniquities; the sins committed by our forefathers, and by us, who have filled up the measure of their sins, for which we confess thou hast most righteously brought this desolating judgment upon us. Thy tender mercies; upon which all our confidence is fixed; for merit and righteousness we have none. See ,9. Prevent us; prevent our utter extirpation, which we have deserved, and have great reason to expect. Brought very low; past the hopes of all human help, and therefore the glory of our deliverance will be wholly thine.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 79:8
Psalms 79:8 O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low.Ver. 8. O remember not against us former iniquities] Or, the iniquities of them that were before us, wherewith we also are justly chargeable; the sin of the golden calf, saith the Arabic here, an ounce whereof is in all our sufferings to this day, say the Jews. Alexander slew the Branchidae, and utterly destroyed their city, because their forefathers had long before endeavoured to betray Greece into the hands of Xerxes, ωςπροδοταςανειλεν (Diodor. Curt. lib. 7). Speedily prevent us] Lest they come too late; for we are at last gasp.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 79:8
Verse 8. Remember not against us former iniquities] Visit us not for the sins of our forefathers. Speedily prevent us] Let them go before us, and turn us out of the path of destruction; for there is no help for us but in thee. We are brought very low.] Literally, "We are greatly thinned." Few of us remain.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 79:8
8. Remember not against us the iniquities of our forefathers (R.V.). For these sins Israel in the Exile knew that it was suffering (Lamentations 5:7), in accordance with the warnings of the law (Exodus 20:5). For the phrase cp. Jeremiah 11:10. But the next verse shews that the Psalmist does not claim that his own generation is innocent. Cp. Leviticus 26:39-40. prevent us] Come to meet us. See on Psalms 59:10. It is an appeal to the fundamental revelation of God as a merciful God (Exodus 34:6).
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 79:8
O remember not against us forrmer iniquities - Margin, The iniquities of them that were before us. The Hebrew may mean either former times, or former generations. The allusion, however, is substantially the same.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 79:8
8. Remember not against us former iniquities—Make us not answerable for the sins of our forefathers, or of “former” generations; a deprecation of the judgment threatened Exodus 20:5, “visiting the
Sermons on Psalms 79:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Plea for Relief Part 3 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith continues his verse-by-verse study through the Bible, focusing on Psalm 142 and 143. He begins by acknowledging his low state and pleading for de |
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A Child Is in the Well! by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the miraculous rescue of a child from a well, emphasizing the divine providence and the chain of events orchestrated by God to save a life. He reflects o |
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The Preventing Love of the Lord by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson explores the profound meaning of God's 'preventing love' as expressed in Psalms 21:3, emphasizing that God anticipates our needs and blesses us even before we ask. |
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"Preventing" Love by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson explores the profound meaning of the word 'prevent' in Psalms 21:3, revealing that it signifies God's anticipation and fulfillment of our needs before we even ask. |
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If Any Man Hear My Voice, and Open the Door by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the necessity of sharing the blessings we receive from the Holy Spirit, suggesting that many are spiritually starving because they hoard their blessings ins |
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Doctrine of Hell - Part 1 by John H. Gerstner | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the theme of judgment and warns the listeners about the consequences of their actions. He emphasizes that even the smallest sins, like idola |
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When the Wicked Shall Have Filled Up the Measure of Their Sin, Wrath Will Come Upon Them to the Uttermost by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the consequences of continuing in sin and filling up the measure of one's sins, leading to the ultimate wrath of God coming upon them to the uttermo |