Psalms 78:38

Authorized King James Version

But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְה֤וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#2
רַח֨וּם׀
H7349
But he being full of compassion
compassionate
#3
יְכַפֵּ֥ר
H3722
forgave
to cover (specifically with bitumen)
#4
עָוֹן֮
H5771
their iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#5
וְֽלֹא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#6
יַ֫שְׁחִ֥ית
H7843
and destroyed
to decay, i.e., (causatively) ruin (literally or figuratively)
#7
וְ֭הִרְבָּה
H7235
them not yea many a time
to increase (in whatever respect)
#8
לְהָשִׁ֣יב
H7725
away
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#9
אַפּ֑וֹ
H639
he his anger
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
#10
וְלֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#11
יָ֝עִיר
H5782
and did not stir up
to wake (literally or figuratively)
#12
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#13
חֲמָתֽוֹ׃
H2534
all his wrath
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)

Analysis

This verse develops the divine love theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of divine love within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of Psalms Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection