Old Testament
Psalms 78:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
the wrath of God came upon them and slew the fattest of them, and struck down the chosen men of Israel.
Compare translations
The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel.
What Psalms 78:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse describes a moment of divine judgment where God's anger led to the death of the strongest and most favored individuals among the Israelites. The 'fattest' likely refers to those who were prosperous and secure, while 'chosen men' indicates leaders or significant figures in Israel. This passage serves as a reminder of the seriousness of disobedience to God and the consequences that can follow. It highlights that even those who seem strong and favored can face severe repercussions when they stray from God's commands. The context of this verse is part of a larger narrative in Psalm 78, which recounts Israel's history of rebellion against God despite His many blessings and miracles. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and the dangers of taking God's grace for granted.
How to apply Psalms 78:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own lives and the importance of obedience to God. It serves as a warning against complacency and the belief that we are immune to consequences. We should strive to live faithfully, recognizing that our actions have significant implications.
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 78:31
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 78:31
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 78:31 mean?
Psalms 78:31 describes a moment of divine judgment where God's anger resulted in the death of the strongest and most favored individuals among the Israelites, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.
What is the significance of 'the fattest' in Psalms 78:31?
In Psalms 78:31, 'the fattest' refers to those who were prosperous and secure, highlighting that even the seemingly strongest can face God's judgment when they stray from His commands.
What does 'chosen men of Israel' refer to in this verse?
The 'chosen men of Israel' in Psalms 78:31 indicates leaders or significant figures in Israel, underscoring the accountability of those in positions of influence when they disobey God.
How does Psalms 78:31 relate to Israel's history?
Psalms 78:31 is part of a larger narrative that reflects on Israel's repeated rebellion against God despite His blessings, serving as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.