Old Testament
Psalms 78:20
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
'Look, he struck the rock, and the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? Can he provide flesh for his people?'
Compare translations
Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people?
What Psalms 78:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist recalls a significant event from Israel's history when God provided water from a rock during their journey in the wilderness. The rhetorical question posed highlights the people's doubt about God's ability to provide for their needs beyond just water. They had witnessed miraculous acts, yet they questioned whether God could also supply food, specifically bread and meat. This reflects a lack of faith and trust in God's provision. The verse serves as a reminder of the Israelites' struggles with belief, despite experiencing God's power firsthand. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's ability to meet all our needs, not just some. The psalmist uses this historical reference to encourage the people to remember God's faithfulness and to trust Him for their future needs, reinforcing the idea that God is capable of providing abundantly for His people.
How to apply Psalms 78:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to trust in God's provision in our lives. Just as the Israelites doubted God's ability to provide food after witnessing His miracles, we too may struggle with faith during difficult times. Remembering past blessings can strengthen our trust in God's ongoing care.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 78:20
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 78:20
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 78:20 mean?
Psalms 78:20 recalls how God provided water from a rock for the Israelites in the wilderness, highlighting their doubt about His ability to provide food as well. The verse emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's provision, even when circumstances seem challenging.
What is the meaning of 'he struck the rock' in Psalms 78:20?
The phrase 'he struck the rock' refers to a miraculous event where God commanded Moses to strike a rock, resulting in water flowing for the thirsty Israelites. This act symbolizes God's power and willingness to meet the needs of His people.
How does Psalms 78:20 relate to faith and doubt?
Psalms 78:20 illustrates the tension between faith and doubt, as the Israelites questioned God's ability to provide food after experiencing His miraculous provision of water. It highlights the struggle to maintain trust in God's care during difficult times.
What themes are present in Psalms 78:20?
Key themes in Psalms 78:20 include God's provision, the struggle between faith and doubt, the significance of historical miracles, and the call to trust in God's ongoing care for His people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.