Old Testament
Psalms 78:59
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When God heard this, he was wroth and greatly abhorred Israel,
Compare translations
When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel:
What Psalms 78:59 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see God's intense reaction to the actions and attitudes of the people of Israel. The term 'wroth' indicates that God was not just angry but deeply offended by their behavior. This anger stems from their repeated disobedience and lack of faith, which led them to turn away from Him despite the miracles and guidance He provided. The phrase 'greatly abhorred' suggests that God found their actions detestable, highlighting the seriousness of their rebellion. This moment serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the importance of maintaining a faithful relationship with Him. It reflects God's holiness and the expectation that His people should live in accordance with His will. The verse emphasizes that God is not indifferent to the actions of His people; rather, He is deeply affected by their choices, which can lead to severe consequences for them.
How to apply Psalms 78:59 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes towards God. It serves as a reminder that our choices matter and can impact our relationship with Him. We should strive to remain faithful and obedient, recognizing the seriousness of turning away from His guidance.
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 78:59
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 78:59
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 78:59 mean?
Psalms 78:59 describes God's intense anger towards Israel due to their disobedience and lack of faith. It highlights how their actions were deeply offensive to Him, leading to severe consequences for their rebellion.
What is the meaning of 'wroth' in Psalms 78:59?
'Wroth' in Psalms 78:59 means that God was extremely angry. This term emphasizes the depth of His displeasure with Israel's actions and their failure to remain faithful to Him.
What does 'greatly abhorred' mean in Psalms 78:59?
The phrase 'greatly abhorred' indicates that God found Israel's actions detestable. It underscores the seriousness of their rebellion and the emotional impact of their choices on their relationship with Him.
How can Psalms 78:59 apply to my life?
Psalms 78:59 encourages self-reflection on our actions and attitudes towards God. It reminds us that our choices can affect our relationship with Him, urging us to remain faithful and obedient.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.