Psalms 78:22
Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation:
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הֶ֭אֱמִינוּ
Because they believed
H539
הֶ֭אֱמִינוּ
Because they believed
Strong's:
H539
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanen
בֵּאלֹהִ֑ים
not in God
H430
בֵּאלֹהִ֑ים
not in God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
4 of 7
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Hebrews 3:12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.Deuteronomy 1:32Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,Isaiah 7:9And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.Psalms 106:24Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:1 John 5:10He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.Jude 1:5I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Historical Context
This verse diagnoses the root pathology behind all wilderness rebellions: functional atheism disguised as monotheism. They worshiped YHWH while trusting their own assessment more than His promises—the essence of unbelief.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you 'believe' in God theoretically while refusing to 'trust' Him practically?
- How does unbelief masquerade as prudence, wisdom, or reasonable caution in your decision-making?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation—the parallelism defines faith: believing ('āman, to be firm, established) must translate into trusting (bāṭaḥ, confident reliance). Israel gave intellectual assent without volitional commitment. The word yešû'â (salvation) shares the root with 'Jesus' (Yeshua)—they refused to trust the very deliverance God provided.
Hebrews 3:19 concludes: 'So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.' Faith isn't mental agreement but active trust that obeys. James 2:19 exposes demonic belief: 'You believe God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!' True faith works (James 2:17), walks (2 Corinthians 5:7), and overcomes (1 John 5:4).