Psalms 78:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God heard the people's complaints and grew angry, kindling his wrath against Israel.
The Context of Psalms 78:21
God's anger ignited in response to the people's murmuring and disrespect.
What Does Psalms 78:21 Mean?
God's anger is presented as a direct response to hearing the people's murmuring. The emotional language—'was wroth,' 'fire was kindled,' 'anger came up'—conveys that God's patience has reached its limit. This is not a distant judgment but a personal response to disrespect and ingratitude.
The parallel structure ('against Jacob...against Israel') emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's anger—it encompasses the whole people, not just the individuals who complained. The imagery of fire and wrath prepares for the consequences that will follow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 78:21
What does Psalms 78:21 mean?
God heard the people's complaints and grew angry, kindling his wrath against Israel.
What is the context of Psalms 78:21?
God's anger ignited in response to the people's murmuring and disrespect.