Psalms 78:39

Authorized King James Version

For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַ֭יִּזְכֹּר

H2142

For he remembered

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

כִּי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָשָׂ֣ר

H1320

that they were but flesh

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

הֵ֑מָּה

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

ר֥וּחַ

H7307

a wind

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

ה֝וֹלֵ֗ךְ

H1980

that passeth away

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָשֽׁוּב׃

H7725

and cometh not again

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 78 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?