Psalms 99:8
Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֣ה
them O LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
them O LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֵינוּ֮
our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵינוּ֮
our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 11
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
עֲנִ֫יתָ֥ם
Thou answeredst
H6030
עֲנִ֫יתָ֥ם
Thou answeredst
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֵ֣ל
thou wast a God
H410
אֵ֣ל
thou wast a God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
5 of 11
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
נֹ֭שֵׂא
that forgavest
H5375
נֹ֭שֵׂא
that forgavest
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
6 of 11
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
הָיִ֣יתָ
H1961
הָיִ֣יתָ
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
7 of 11
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְ֝נֹקֵ֗ם
them though thou tookest vengeance
H5358
וְ֝נֹקֵ֗ם
them though thou tookest vengeance
Strong's:
H5358
Word #:
9 of 11
to grudge, i.e., avenge or punish
Cross References
Numbers 20:12And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.Psalms 89:33Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.
Historical Context
Israel's history shows repeated cycles of sin, judgment, and restoration—Moses and Aaron themselves faced consequences for disobedience while remaining in relationship with God.
Questions for Reflection
- How have you experienced God's simultaneous forgiveness and discipline in your life?
- What does this verse teach about the compatibility of God's love and His judgment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
God being described as 'thou answeredst them' (anitam) while also being 'a God that forgavest them' (El nose) reveals the paradox of grace and judgment. The phrase 'though thou tookest vengeance' (noqem) on their 'inventions' (alilot—deeds, practices) shows that God disciplines His people while maintaining covenant relationship. This verse encapsulates the balance between mercy and justice—God forgives persons while judging sins. The discipline doesn't contradict the forgiveness but demonstrates covenant faithfulness.