Psalms 78:41

Authorized King James Version

PDF

Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel.

Original Language Analysis

וַיָּשׁ֣וּבוּ Yea they turned back H7725
וַיָּשׁ֣וּבוּ Yea they turned back
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 1 of 6
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וַיְנַסּ֣וּ and tempted H5254
וַיְנַסּ֣וּ and tempted
Strong's: H5254
Word #: 2 of 6
to test; by implication, to attempt
אֵ֑ל God H410
אֵ֑ל God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 3 of 6
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וּקְד֖וֹשׁ the Holy One H6918
וּקְד֖וֹשׁ the Holy One
Strong's: H6918
Word #: 4 of 6
sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל of Israel H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל of Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 5 of 6
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
הִתְווּ׃ and limited H8428
הִתְווּ׃ and limited
Strong's: H8428
Word #: 6 of 6
to grieve

Analysis & Commentary

Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. Šûḇ (שׁוּב, "turned back") indicates deliberate reversal—not merely drifting but active turning away. Nāsâ (נָסָה, "tempted") means to test or try, putting God on trial rather than trusting Him. They presumed to test their Judge—cosmic role-reversal.

The phrase qādôš Yiśrāʾēl hitṯāwû (קְדוֹשׁ יִשְׂרָאֵל הִתְאַוּוּ, "limited the Holy One of Israel") uses tāwâ (תָּוָה), meaning to mark out boundaries or set limits. They attempted to circumscribe the infinite, dictate terms to sovereignty, restrict the One who transcends all limits. The title "Holy One of Israel" (used 30 times in Isaiah) emphasizes set-apartness and covenant relationship.

Human presumption reaches its zenith here: creatures limiting the Creator, demanding He prove Himself on their terms. This sin persists whenever we tell God how He must act, what He must provide, or when He must intervene—making ourselves sovereign and God our servant.

Historical Context

Specific instances include demanding meat (Numbers 11), testing whether God was among them at Massah and Meribah (Exodus 17:7), and refusing to enter Canaan (Numbers 14). Each rebellion limited God by doubting His provision, presence, or power.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics