Psalm 78 30

Psalm 78:30 kjv

They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths,

Psalm 78:30 nkjv

They were not deprived of their craving; But while their food was still in their mouths,

Psalm 78:30 niv

But before they turned from what they craved, even while the food was still in their mouths,

Psalm 78:30 esv

But before they had satisfied their craving, while the food was still in their mouths,

Psalm 78:30 nlt

But before they satisfied their craving,
while the meat was yet in their mouths,

Psalm 78 verses

Psalm 78 30 Meaning

Psalm 78:30 speaks of the Israelites in the wilderness who relentlessly pursued their sinful craving for meat, even after God provided it. "They were not estranged from their desire" signifies that their intense, covetous longing remained unfulfilled within them, showing no sign of repentance or turning away from their fleshly appetites. The phrase "Their food was still in their mouths" powerfully depicts the suddenness and immediacy of God’s judgment, which struck them precisely at the moment they were indulging in the very object of their lustful craving.

Psalm 78 30 Context

Psalm 78 is an historical psalm, serving as a didactic poem that recounts the history of God's covenant relationship with Israel from the Exodus through the time of David. It particularly emphasizes Israel's persistent rebellion, idolatry, and unfaithfulness despite God's continuous patience, provision, and miraculous intervention. The psalm's purpose is to teach subsequent generations to remember God's mighty acts and to not be like their stubborn and rebellious fathers (Ps 78:8).

Verses 23-31 specifically describe the period of wilderness wandering when God miraculously provided manna, a heavenly food, yet the Israelites continually complained and craved for meat. Verse 30 directly precedes the narrative of God's wrath poured out on them (v. 31) because of their intense covetousness during the "quail incident" (specifically found in Numbers 11). This event, known as Kibroth-hattaavah (the "graves of craving"), serves as a potent illustration of their ingratitude and a severe consequence of their sinful desire that would not be restrained, despite God's previous abundance.

Psalm 78 30 Word analysis

• They were not estranged (וְלֹא־זָרוּ - wə·lō-zā·rū): This Hebrew word zaru (from the root zur) means to be a stranger, alienated, or turn aside from. The negation "not estranged" means they did not turn away from, detach themselves from, or become indifferent to. Rather, they held fast to their desire. It highlights their persistent, unyielding attachment to their sinful craving.
• From their desire (מִתַּאֲוָתָם - mit·ta·ă·wā·ṯām): The word ta'awah (תַּאֲוָה) denotes a strong longing, appetite, or craving. While it can be neutral, in biblical context, particularly with "flesh" or when leading to sin, it often carries a negative connotation, referring to an inordinate or lustful craving (e.g., Num 11:34, Deut 12:20). Here, it implies covetousness, an insatiable lust that drove them beyond merely meeting hunger, demonstrating a lack of contentment in God's provision.
• Their food (אָכְלָם - ’oḵ·lām): This refers specifically to the quails that God had miraculously provided in response to their persistent and sinful demands. This 'food,' intended as sustenance, became the very context for their judgment due to their covetous hearts.
• Was still in their mouths (בְּפִיהֶם - bə·p̄î·hem): This vivid phrase emphasizes the immediacy and suddenness of God's judgment. It means that while the act of consumption and indulgence in their desired object was incomplete, while they were still chewing or had the meat in their teeth, divine wrath struck. This conveys the direct link between their sin (the insatiable desire for the quails) and its consequence, without any delay or opportunity for repentance.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• They were not estranged from their desire: This phrase speaks to the unbroken hold that sinful craving had over their hearts. Despite seeing God's powerful provisions and experiencing His patience, their will was fully committed to their fleshly desires. There was no spiritual turning away or even a momentary pause of self-reflection; their covetousness remained unchecked and ruling over them.
• Their food was still in their mouths: This specific and graphic detail powerfully illustrates God's swift and direct response. It shows that divine judgment can arrive instantaneously, not after a period of processing the sin, but in the very act of indulging in it. It highlights the profound defilement that their craving brought to God's miraculous provision, turning an act of sustenance into an occasion for divine wrath. This also indicates that God, at times, grants a request borne of an unrighteous heart, but brings with it grave consequences.

Psalm 78 30 Bonus section

The concept presented in Psalm 78:30—that God grants a desire, but in doing so, sends "leanness into their soul" (as articulated in Ps 106:15) or swift judgment—is a significant theological principle. It is a form of divine discipline or judicial act where God permits people to pursue their own chosen path of sin and, by doing so, brings them to its inevitable and often immediate destructive conclusion. This is not mercy, but a direct consequence of sustained rebellion. It speaks to the active displeasure of God with spiritual rebellion and testing of His patience. This illustrates that sometimes the greatest judgment is God allowing us to have what we desperately crave when that craving is contrary to His will. It contrasts with God's loving discipline designed to bring repentance; here, the outcome is judgment leading to death.

Psalm 78 30 Commentary

Psalm 78:30 serves as a stark warning about the perilous nature of unchecked desire and ungratefulness towards God. The Israelites, despite having witnessed God’s faithfulness through manna, yielded to a powerful, sinful craving for meat. Their covetousness, termed "their desire," was not simply hunger but a persistent, demanding lust that God deemed a severe offense. The verse emphasizes that they remained wholly unestranged from this destructive desire, refusing to turn from it. The immediate judgment, striking while "their food was still in their mouths," underscores that God’s wrath is neither delayed nor without cause. He dealt swiftly with their hardened hearts and spiritual rebellion, demonstrating that sometimes God grants an unholy request only to deliver the inherent consequences that come with rejecting His rightful ways and true provision. It's a reminder that true spiritual blessing is often found in contentment with what God provides, rather than in the indulgence of every craving.