Old Testament
Psalms 79:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
O God, the heathen have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.
Compare translations
O GOD, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.
What Psalms 79:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist is crying out to God, expressing deep sorrow and distress over the invasion of foreign nations into Israel. The term "heathen" refers to those who do not worship the God of Israel, indicating that they have taken over what belongs to God’s people. The "inheritance" signifies the land and the temple, which are sacred to God. The psalmist laments that the holy temple has been desecrated, and Jerusalem, the heart of Israel, lies in ruins. This reflects a profound sense of loss and betrayal, as the psalmist feels that God’s presence and protection have been compromised. The imagery of Jerusalem being laid in heaps conveys destruction and despair, highlighting the severity of the situation. The verse serves as a plea for divine intervention and restoration, emphasizing the importance of God’s holiness and the sacredness of His dwelling place among His people.
How to apply Psalms 79:1 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of protecting what is sacred in our lives, whether it be our faith, community, or values. In times of distress, we can turn to God in prayer, seeking His help and restoration. It encourages us to stand firm in our beliefs and advocate for what is holy.
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 79:1
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 79:1
Related Bible verses
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 79:1 mean by 'heathen'?
In Psalms 79:1, 'heathen' refers to foreign nations or people who do not worship the God of Israel. The psalmist is expressing sorrow over these non-believers invading Israel's sacred spaces, indicating a loss of spiritual and physical security for God's people.
Why is Jerusalem described as being 'laid in heaps'?
The phrase 'laid in heaps' in Psalms 79:1 symbolizes the destruction and devastation of Jerusalem. It conveys the image of ruins and chaos, reflecting the deep sorrow and despair felt by the psalmist over the city's desecration and the loss of its sanctity.
What is the significance of God's 'inheritance' in this verse?
God's 'inheritance' in Psalms 79:1 represents the land of Israel and the temple, which are considered sacred and belong to Him. This term emphasizes the special relationship between God and His people, highlighting the gravity of the invasion and the defilement of what is holy.
How can we apply the message of Psalms 79:1 to our lives today?
Psalms 79:1 encourages us to recognize and protect what is sacred in our lives, such as our faith and values. In times of distress, it reminds us to seek God's help through prayer and to advocate for the preservation of our beliefs and community, reflecting the importance of divine protection.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.