Psalms 78:36 Meaning and Explanation
“Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Despite their words of seeking, the people's hearts remained insincere—they flattered rather than genuinely confessed.
The Context of Psalms 78:36
The people's spoken confession was insincere flattery rather than genuine repentance.
What Does Psalms 78:36 Mean?
'Flatter' suggests telling God what he wants to hear rather than speaking truth from the heart. 'Lied unto him with their tongues' emphasizes the gap between words and reality. Their mouths spoke words of repentance and faith, but these words were not backed by genuine change.
This is the hypocrisy the psalmist diagnoses: external conformity and religious language that mask internal unrepentance. They say the right things but without sincerity. The distinction between flattery and honest confession is crucial; one seeks to manipulate God, the other aligns the heart with reality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 78:36
What does Psalms 78:36 mean?
Despite their words of seeking, the people's hearts remained insincere—they flattered rather than genuinely confessed.
What is the context of Psalms 78:36?
The people's spoken confession was insincere flattery rather than genuine repentance.