Psalms 78:72 — Word Study
WLCוַ֭יִּרְעֵם כְּתֹ֣ם לְבָב֑וֹ וּבִתְבוּנ֖וֹת כַּפָּ֣יו יַנְחֵֽם׃
BSASo [David] shepherded themrâʻâh▸ [cared for, tended to] with integritytôm [moral purity, completeness] of heartlêbâb [the innermost part, including mind, will, and emotions] and guided themnâchâh▸ [led, directed] with skillfultâbûwn [wise, discreet] handskaph [the palm]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַ֭יִּרְעֵם | and he shepherded them | Verb qal sequential imperfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
| כְּתֹ֣ם | according to [the] integrity of | Preposition, noun common masculine singular construct |
| לְבָב֑וֹ | heart his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וּבִתְבוּנ֖וֹת | and with [the] skill of | Conjunction, preposition, noun common feminine plural construct |
| כַּפָּ֣יו | hands his | Noun common feminine dual construct, suffix |
| יַנְחֵֽם׃ | he led them | Verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine singular, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands. |
| KJV | So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. |
| ASV | So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skilfulness of his hands. |
| YLT | And he ruleth them according to the integrity of his heart, And by the skilfulness of his hands leadeth them! |
| WEB | So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. |
| BBE | So he gave them food with an upright heart, guiding them by the wisdom of his hands. |
All translations agree on the key terms in this verse — see How Translations Differ.
One main verb with two phrases describing how David shepherded and guided the people.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 78:72
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — David as Shepherd of Israelgenerated
Psalm 78:72 reflects on David's role as a shepherd for the people of Israel, emphasizing his moral integrity and skillful guidance. This verse is part of a broader narrative that recounts God's choice of David and his transition from shepherding sheep to leading God's people. The psalmist highlights the qualities that made David an effective leader, drawing a parallel between his past and his present responsibilities.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 75:2 | “When I choose a time, I will judge fairly. |
| 2 | Psalm 101:1–8 | I will sing of Your loving devotion and justice; to You, O LORD, I will sing praises. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 8:15 | Thus David reigned over all Israel and administered justice and righteousness for all his people: |
| 4 | 1 Kings 9:4 | And as for you, if you walk before Me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and uprightness, doing all I have commanded you, and if you keep My statutes and ordinances, |
| 5 | 1 Kings 15:5 | For David had done what was right in the eyes of the LORD and had not turned aside from anything the LORD commanded all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 12 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — רָעָה, ra'ahgenerated
The verb רָעָה (*ra'ah*) means to shepherd or to care for, derived from a root that conveys tending to a flock. It encompasses a range of meanings, including ruling and associating closely with others, indicating a relationship built on care and guidance.
In this verse, it signifies David's role in nurturing and leading Israel, illustrating the deep connection between a shepherd and his flock, while also implying authority and responsibility.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is יִּרְעֵם, he shepherded, which governs the entire sentence. It is followed by a prepositional phrase that describes how he shepherded, and a second clause that details how he guided the people.
The structure highlights David's dual role as both a caretaker and a leader, with the phrases providing insight into the qualities that defined his leadership.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates רָעָה with the Greek word αὐτοὺς, indicating a focus on the people being shepherded. This choice reflects a direct connection to the act of leading and caring for the community.
This translation emphasizes the relational aspect of David's leadership, aligning with the Hebrew's focus on shepherding.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalm 78:72 describes how David cared for and led the people of Israel with integrity and skill. The verse highlights his qualities as a shepherd, showing the importance of moral character and practical wisdom in leadership.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that David led the people with moral purity and completeness, ensuring that his leadership was both ethical and effective.
David's skillful guidance reflects his wisdom and discretion in leading the people, indicating that he made thoughtful decisions that benefited the community.
Shepherding is a powerful metaphor for leadership, emphasizing care, protection, and guidance, which are essential qualities for a ruler.
David's leadership teaches us the importance of combining integrity with skill, showing that effective leaders must be both morally upright and capable.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I demonstrate integrity in my own leadership roles?
- How can I develop the skills necessary to guide others effectively?
- What does it mean to care for those I lead, like a shepherd?
- How can I apply the lessons from David's leadership in my community?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early church father Augustine of Hippo comments on this verse, reflecting on David's transition from shepherding sheep to leading God's people.
"And He took him from the flocks of sheep, from behind the teeming sheep He received him: to feed Jacob His servant, and Israel His inheritance" [Psalms 78:72].Early Church Fathers on Psalms 78 →
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 78:72 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleSo he fed them according to the integrity of his heart,.... Or, "reigned over them", as the Targum; that is, over the people of Israel, and which he did in such manner as showed uprightness of heart,
Read John Gill on Psalms 78 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 78 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleHe commends David for the two necessary ingredients of a good prince. 1. Integrity; whereby he sincerely sought the good and welfare of his people, avoiding and abhorring those counsels and courses which were contrary thereunto. 2. Skilfulness; whereby he managed all the public affairs with singular prudence; which is here ascribed to his hands, not because it was seated in them, but because it was acted and discovered by them, and appeared in all his actions or administrations.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 78 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.Ver. 72. So he fed them, &c.] See Psalms 78:70. He was not malus vir bonus princeps (as is said of our Richard III), but every way accomplished, and active for the good of his subjects.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 78 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 72. So he fed them] Here David is mentioned as having terminated his reign. He had fed the people, according to the integrity of his heart, for that was ever disposed to do the will of God in the administration of the kingdom: and his hand being skilful in war, he always led them out to victory against their enemies. ANALYSIS OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH PSALM The psalmist, considering that it is God's command that his works be not forgotten, but that the father should deliver his former doings to posterity, that they might be to them both comfort and instruction, deter them from sin, and persuade them to fear God, gives in this Psalm a long catalogue of God's dealings with his people, even…
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 78 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges72. the integrity of his heart] Cp. 1 Kings 9:4; Psalms 7:8; Psalms 101:2; and the use of the cognate adjective in Psalms 15:2; Psalms 18:23. the skilfulness] The regal faculty of discernment which Solomon desired (1 Kings 3:9), and with which he was so richly endowed (1 Kings 4:29).
Read Cambridge on Psalms 78 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleSo he fed them - He performed toward them the office of a shepherd.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 78 →The verse in English, compared — 16 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.
So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.
So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.
David cared for them with pure motives; he led them with skill.
Tyndale line
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
So he was their shepherd according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands.
So he fed them according to the simplicitie of his heart, and guided them by the discretion of his hands.
Strictly literal
And he fed them according to the integrity of his heart, and led them by the skilfulness of his hands.
And he ruleth them according to the integrity of his heart, And by the skilfulness of his hands leadeth them!
And he rules them according to the integrity of his heart, || And leads them by the skillfulness of his hands!
And he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and by the skilfulness of his hands did he lead them.
David shepherded them with the integrity of his heart, and he guided them with the skill of his hands.
Simplified
Like a shepherd, he took care of them with sincere devotion, leading them with skillful hands.
So he gave them food with an upright heart, guiding them by the wisdom of his hands.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree on the wording of this verse, with the Septuagint providing a word-for-word correspondence that aligns closely with the Hebrew. This indicates a consistent understanding of David's role across different textual traditions.
וַ֭יִּרְעֵם כְּתֹ֣ם לְבָב֑וֹ וּבִתְבוּנ֖וֹת כַּפָּ֣יו יַנְחֵֽם׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 78:72
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word רָעָה (*ra'ah*) is built from a primitive root meaning to tend or pasture a flock. It covers a range of meanings including to graze, rule, associate with, and befriend. The term appears in contexts related to shepherding and companionship, with a specific mention of the 'binding-house of shepherds' in 2 Kings 10:12.
בֵּית־עֵ֫קֶד הָרֹעִים perh. n.pr.loc. (binding-house of the shepherds) 2 K 10:12
base
רָעָה 167 vb. pasture, tend, graze
Qal
trans.
intrans.
Niph. poss.
Hiph. v.
base
[רָעָה] vb. prob. associate with
Qal cherish faithfulness
Hithp. do not make companionship with a bad-tempered man
base
[רָעָה] vb. denom. Pi. be a special friend;—Ju 14:20
ref
H7462a בֵּית־עֵ֫קֶד הָרֹעִים binding-house of shepherds H7462b רָעָה pasture, tend, graze H7462c רָעָה prob. associate with H7462d רָעָה vb. denom. Pi. be a special friend
7462 ra`ah raw-aw'
a primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. pasture it;
intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively);
generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a
friend):--X break, companion, keep company with, devour, eat
up, evil entreat, feed, use as a friend, make friendship with,
herdman, keep (sheep)(-er), pastor, + shearing house,
shepherd, wander, waste.
בֵּית־עֵ֫קֶד הָרֹעִים (bet-e.qed ha.ro.im) — House of Shepherds.
Ra'ah = "pasturing"
perh. "binding-house of the shepherds"
רָעָה (ra.ah) — to pasture.
1) to pasture, tend, graze, feed
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to tend, pasture
1a1a) to shepherd
1a1b) of ruler, teacher (fig)
1a1c) of people as flock (fig)
1a1d) shepherd, herdsman (subst)
1a2) to feed, graze
1a2a) of cows, sheep etc (literal)
1a2b) of idolater, Israel as flock (fig)
1b) (Hiphil) shepherd, shepherdess
Also means: ro.i (רֹעִי "to shepherd" H7473)
רָעָה (ra.ah) — to accompany.
1) to associate with, be a friend of (meaning probable)
1a) (Qal) to associate with
1b) (Hithpael) to be companions
רָעָה (ra.ah) — to befriend.
(Piel) to be a special friend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff — Verb qal sequential imperfect third person masculine singular · suffixHc/Vqw3ms/Sp3mp
תֹּם (tom) refers to completeness or integrity, encompassing notions of fullness, innocence, and simplicity. It is derived from a root meaning to be complete or perfect. The word appears in contexts related to moral uprightness and wholeness, though the specific verses are not detailed in the entries.
תֹּם n.[m.] completeness, integrity
completeness, fulness
innocence, simplicity
integrity
תֻּמִּים
base
H8537 תֹּם completeness, integrity
8537 tom tome
from 8552; completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually
(morally) innocence:--full, integrity, perfect(-ion),
simplicity, upright(-ly, -ness), at a venture. See 8550.
see HEBREW for 08552
see HEBREW for 08550
תֹּם (tom) — integrity.
1) integrity, completeness
1a) completeness, fulness
1b) innocence, simplicity
1c) integrity
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular constructHR/Ncmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
לֵבָב (lebab) refers to the inner man, encompassing the mind, will, and heart. It highlights aspects like emotions, moral character, and conscience, often contrasting the inner self with the outer. The term is used primarily for humans and can also denote courage and appetites.
לֵבָב 251 n.m. inner man, mind, will, heart
seldom of things in the midst of the seas
usu. of men
the inner man in contrast with the outer
the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
specific ref. to mind
spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will
spec. ref. to conscience
spec. ref. to moral character
= the man himself
spec. as seat of appetites
spec. of seat of the emotions and passions
seat of courage
base
H3824 לֵבָב inner man, mind, will, heart . seldom of things in the midst of the seas
. usu. of men . the inner man in contrast with the outer
. the inner man, indef. the soul, comprehending mind, affections and will
. specific ref. to mind
. spec. ref. to inclinations, resolutions, determinations of the will
. spec. ref. to conscience
. spec. ref. to moral character
. = the man himself
. spec. as seat of appetites
. spec. of seat of the emotions and passions
. seat of courage
3824 lebab lay-bawb'
from 3823; the heart (as the most interior organ); used also
like 3820:--+ bethink themselves, breast, comfortably,
courage, ((faint), (tender-)heart((-ed)), midst, mind, X
unawares, understanding.
see HEBREW for 03823
see HEBREW for 03820
לֵבָב (le.vav) — heart.
1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
1a) inner part, midst
1a1) midst (of things)
1a2) heart (of man)
1a3) soul, heart (of man)
1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory
1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will)
1a6) conscience
1a7) heart (of moral character)
1a8) as seat of appetites
1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
תְּבוּנָה (tebunah) means understanding and encompasses intelligence, skill, and insight. It can refer to both the act of understanding and the faculty itself, as well as the object of knowledge. The term is personified as a teacher in some contexts.
תְּבוּנָה n.f. understanding
the act
the faculty
the object of knowledge
personified as teacher.
base
H8394 תְּבוּנָה understanding
8394 tabuwn taw-boon'
and (feminine) tbuwnah {teb-oo-naw'}; or towbunah
{to-boo-naw'}; from 995; intelligence; by implication, an
argument; by extension, caprice:--discretion, reason,
skilfulness, understanding, wisdom.
see HEBREW for 0995
תְּבוּנָה (ta.vu.nah) — understanding.
1) understanding, intelligence
1a) the act of understanding
1a1) skill
1b) the faculty of understanding
1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight
1c) the object of knowledge
1d) teacher (personification)
Conj | Prep | N-fp — Conjunction · preposition · noun common feminine plural constructHC/R/Ncfpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
כַּף (kaph) refers to the hollow or flat part of the hand, including the palm and the sole of the foot. It can also denote power and is used to describe various hollow objects, such as bowls or handles. The word encompasses a range of meanings related to the shape and function of hands and feet, as well as items that are hand-shaped.
כַּף 192 n.f. hollow, or flat of the hand, palm, sole of foot, hand
base
H3709 כַּף hollow, or flat of the hand, palm, sole of foot, hand
3709 kaph kaf
from 3721; the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an
animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling,
the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-tree);
figuratively, power:--branch, + foot, hand((-ful), -dle,
(-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon.
see HEBREW for 03721
כַּף (kaph) — palm.
: palm/hand
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
1c) sole (of the foot)
1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects
1d1) of thigh-joint
1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow)
1d3) hollow (of sling)
1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees)
1d5) handles (as bent)
כַּף (kaph) — palm: sole.
: sole/paw
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
1c) sole (of the foot)
1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects
1d1) of thigh-joint
1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow)
1d3) hollow (of sling)
1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees)
1d5) handles (as bent)
כַּף (kaph) — palm: dish.
: dish/socket
1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand
1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand
1b) power
N-fd | Suff — Noun common feminine dual construct · suffixHNcfdc/Sp3ms
נָחָה (nachah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to lead or guide. It can imply bringing someone or something to a destination, governing, or even transporting into exile. The entries indicate its use in both the Qal and Hiphil forms, suggesting a range of meanings related to leadership and guidance.
[נָחָה] vb. lead, guide
Qal lead, bring
Hiph. lead, guide
base
H5148 נָחָה lead, guide
5148 nachah naw-khaw'
a primitive root; to guide; by implication, to transport
(into exile, or as colonists):--bestow, bring, govern, guide,
lead (forth), put, straiten.
נָחָה (na.chah) — to lead.
1) to lead, guide
1a) (Qal) to lead, bring
1b) (Hiphil) to lead, guide
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Verb hiphil imperfect third person masculine singular · suffixHVhi3ms/Sp3mp