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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 78:38 And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/78-38.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/19_Psa_078_038.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 78:38 - I Will Open My Mouth in Parables" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. 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Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/78.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Yet he was merciful and forgave their sins and did not destroy them all. Many times he held back his anger and did not unleash his fury!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/78.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/78.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But he, <i>being</i> full of compassion, forgave <i>their</i> iniquity, and destroyed <i>them</i> not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/78.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But He, <i>being</i> full of compassion, forgave <i>their</i> iniquity, And did not destroy <i>them.</i> Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, And did not stir up all His wrath;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/78.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But He, being compassionate, forgave <i>their</i> wrongdoing and did not destroy <i>them;</i> And often He restrained His anger And did not stir up all His wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But He, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them; And often He restrained His anger And did not arouse all His wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But He, being compassionate, forgave <i>their</i> iniquity, and did not destroy <i>them;</i> And often He restrained His anger, And did not arouse all His wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/78.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But He, being compassionate, atoned for <i>their</i> iniquity and did not destroy <i>them</i>; And He abounded in turning back His anger And did not arouse all His wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/78.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But He, the source of compassion <i>and</i> lovingkindness, forgave their wickedness and did not destroy them; Many times He restrained His anger And did not stir up all His wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/78.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet he was compassionate; he atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often turned his anger aside and did not unleash all his wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/78.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Yet He was compassionate; He atoned for their guilt and did not destroy them. He often turned His anger aside and did not unleash all His wrath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/78.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But he, being merciful, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, And did not stir up all his wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/78.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Yet God was kind. He kept forgiving their sins and didn't destroy them. He often became angry, but never lost his temper. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/78.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/78.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But he is compassionate. He forgave their sin. He did not destroy them. He restrained his anger many times. He did not display all of his fury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/78.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But God was merciful to his people. He forgave their sin and did not destroy them. Many times he held back his anger and restrained his fury. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/78.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />But he, being merciful, forgave their iniquity and didn't destroy them; He restrained his anger and didn't vent all his wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/78.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And yet He was compassionate; He forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. He often restrained His anger and did not unleash His full wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/78.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Yet he is compassionate. He forgives sin and does not destroy. He often holds back his anger, and does not stir up his fury. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/78.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But he, being merciful, forgave iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many times he turned his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/78.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yes, many a time he turned his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/78.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But he, being merciful, forgave iniquity, and didn’t destroy them. Yes, many times he turned his anger away, and didn’t stir up all his wrath. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/78.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And He, the Merciful One, pardons iniquity, and does not destroy, "" And has often turned back His anger, "" And does not awaken all His fury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/78.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And He -- the Merciful One, Pardoneth iniquity, and destroyeth not, And hath often turned back His anger, And waketh not up all His fury.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/78.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he being compassionate will cover iniquity, and he will not destroy: and he multiplied to turn back his anger, and he will not rouse up all his wrath.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/78.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But he is merciful, and will forgive their sins: and will not destroy them. And many a time did he turn away his anger: and did not kindle all his wrath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/78.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 77:38>Yet he is merciful, and he will pardon their sins. And he will not destroy them. And he has abundantly turned aside his own wrath. And he did not enflame his wrath entirely.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/78.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But God being compassionate forgave their sin; he did not utterly destroy them. Time and again he turned back his anger, unwilling to unleash all his rage. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/78.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Yet he, being compassionate, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them; often he restrained his anger, and did not stir up all his wrath.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/78.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He is merciful, the forgiver of sins, and destroys not; yea, many a time turned he his anger away and did not stir up all his wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/78.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And he is merciful and he forgives sin and does not destroy; he proceeded to turn away his wrath and did not arouse all his anger.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/78.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But He, being full of compassion, forgiveth iniquity, and destroyeth not; Yea, many a time doth He turn His anger away, And doth not stir up all His wrath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/78.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But he is compassionate, and will forgive their sins, and will not destroy <i>them</i>: yea, he will frequently turn away his wrath, and will not kindle all his anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/78-38.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=9715" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">I Will Open My Mouth in Parables</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">37</span>Their hearts were disloyal to Him, and they were unfaithful to His covenant. <span class="reftext">38</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: wə·hū (Conj-w:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">And yet He</a> <a href="/hebrew/7349.htm" title="7349: ra·ḥūm (Adj-ms) -- Compassionate. From racham; compassionate.">was compassionate;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3722.htm" title="3722: yə·ḵap·pêr (V-Piel-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to cover; figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel.">He forgave</a> <a href="/hebrew/5771.htm" title="5771: ‘ā·wōn (N-cs) -- Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity. Or oavown; from avah; perversity, i.e. evil.">their iniquity</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7843.htm" title="7843: yaš·ḥîṯ (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- Perhaps to go to ruin. A primitive root; to decay, i.e. ruin.">destroy them.</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: wə·hir·bāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-3ms) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">He often</a> <a href="/hebrew/639.htm" title="639: ’ap·pōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A nostril, nose, face, anger. From 'anaph; properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also ire.">restrained His anger</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: lə·hā·šîḇ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5782.htm" title="5782: yā·‘îr (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To rouse oneself, awake. A primitive root; to wake.">unleash</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2534.htm" title="2534: ḥă·mā·ṯōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Heat, rage. Or chemac; from yacham; heat; figuratively, anger, poison.">His full wrath.</a> </span><span class="reftext">39</span>He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-7</a></span><br />Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, / maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/14-18.htm">Numbers 14:18</a></span><br />‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children to the third and fourth generation.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/9-17.htm">Nehemiah 9:17</a></span><br />They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a></span><br />Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18-19</a></span><br />Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-13.htm">Joel 2:13</a></span><br />So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/4-2.htm">Jonah 4:2</a></span><br />So he prayed to the LORD, saying, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-22.htm">Lamentations 3:22-23</a></span><br />Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-9.htm">Daniel 9:9</a></span><br />To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/30-9.htm">2 Chronicles 30:9</a></span><br />For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and sons will receive mercy in the presence of their captors and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful; He will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a></span><br />For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-22</a></span><br />Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-36.htm">Luke 6:36</a></span><br />Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/23-34.htm">Luke 23:34</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up His garments by casting lots.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a></span><br />Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yes, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.</p><p class="hdg">but he</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/106-43.htm">Psalm 106:43-45</a></b></br> Many times did he deliver them; but they provoked <i>him</i> with their counsel, and were brought low for their iniquity… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6-9</a></b></br> And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/14-18.htm">Numbers 14:18-20</a></b></br> The LORD <i>is</i> longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing <i>the guilty</i>, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth <i>generation</i>… </p><p class="hdg">many</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/48-9.htm">Isaiah 48:9</a></b></br> For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/20-8.htm">Ezekiel 20:8,9,13,14,17,21,22</a></b></br> But they rebelled against me, and would not hearken unto me: they did not every man cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt: then I said, I will pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt… </p><p class="hdg">did not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/21-20.htm">2 Kings 21:20</a></b></br> And he did <i>that which was</i> evil in the sight of the LORD, as his father Manasseh did.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/78-31.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/psalms/78-21.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/psalms/77-9.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-31.htm">Compassionate</a> <a href="/psalms/75-1.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/job/30-24.htm">Destroyeth</a> <a href="/psalms/78-33.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/65-3.htm">Forgave</a> <a href="/psalms/32-1.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/luke/7-49.htm">Forgiveth</a> <a href="/job/21-18.htm">Frequently</a> <a href="/psalms/78-29.htm">Full</a> <a href="/psalms/76-10.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/psalms/65-3.htm">Iniquities</a> <a href="/psalms/73-7.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/77-9.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/job/39-25.htm">Often</a> <a href="/psalms/77-9.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/psalms/76-10.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/psalms/78-17.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/59-4.htm">Stir</a> <a href="/psalms/77-8.htm">Time</a> <a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">Times</a> <a href="/psalms/78-34.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/78-34.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/78-34.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/psalms/2-1.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/job/8-6.htm">Waketh</a> <a href="/psalms/78-31.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/78-49.htm">Anger</a> <a href="/psalms/78-58.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/psalms/79-8.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Compassionate</a> <a href="/psalms/83-4.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/psalms/78-45.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/psalms/78-45.htm">Destroyeth</a> <a href="/psalms/83-4.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/85-2.htm">Forgave</a> <a href="/psalms/79-9.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/psalms/103-3.htm">Forgiveth</a> <a href="/psalms/78-40.htm">Frequently</a> <a href="/psalms/78-59.htm">Full</a> <a href="/psalms/78-49.htm">Fury</a> <a href="/psalms/79-8.htm">Iniquities</a> <a href="/psalms/85-2.htm">Iniquity</a> <a href="/psalms/86-3.htm">Merciful</a> <a href="/psalms/78-40.htm">Often</a> <a href="/psalms/86-15.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/psalms/106-30.htm">Restrained</a> <a href="/psalms/84-10.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/psalms/80-2.htm">Stir</a> <a href="/psalms/80-5.htm">Time</a> <a href="/psalms/79-12.htm">Times</a> <a href="/psalms/78-41.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/psalms/78-41.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/101-3.htm">Turning</a> <a href="/psalms/118-13.htm">Violently</a> <a href="/psalms/78-65.htm">Waketh</a> <a href="/psalms/78-49.htm">Wrath</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 78</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">An exhortation both to learn and to preach, the law of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">The story of God's wrath against the incredulous and disobedient</a></span><br><span class="reftext">67. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/78-67.htm">The Israelites being rejected, God chose Judah, Zion, and David.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Compassion is a central attribute of God, often emphasized in the Old Testament. In <a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6</a>, God describes Himself as "compassionate and gracious," setting a precedent for His dealings with His people. This compassion is not merely an emotional response but an active choice to withhold deserved punishment. The Hebrew word for compassion is "rachum," which conveys a deep, tender mercy akin to a parent's love for a child.<p><b>He forgave their iniquity</b><br>Forgiveness is a recurring theme in the Bible, demonstrating God's willingness to restore relationships with His people. Iniquity refers to moral perversity or sin, and the act of forgiveness implies a removal of guilt. This forgiveness is not earned but granted by God's grace. The sacrificial system in Leviticus foreshadows the ultimate forgiveness through Christ's sacrifice, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/10-10.htm">Hebrews 10:10-12</a>, where Jesus' offering is described as once for all.<p><b>and did not destroy them.</b><br>Despite Israel's rebellion, God chose not to annihilate them, reflecting His covenant faithfulness. This restraint is evident throughout the wilderness wanderings, where God repeatedly spared the Israelites (<a href="/numbers/14-11.htm">Numbers 14:11-20</a>). The concept of divine patience is further explored in <a href="/2_peter/3-9.htm">2 Peter 3:9</a>, where God's delay in judgment is attributed to His desire for repentance.<p><b>He often restrained His anger</b><br>God's anger, or righteous indignation, is a response to sin and injustice. However, His restraint demonstrates His longsuffering nature. The Hebrew term for anger, "aph," can also mean "nostrils," symbolizing the flaring of nostrils in anger. Yet, God chooses to hold back, as seen in the intercessions of Moses (<a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Exodus 32:11-14</a>) and the prophetic warnings throughout the Old Testament. This restraint is a testament to His desire for repentance rather than destruction.<p><b>and did not unleash His full wrath.</b><br>The full wrath of God is a terrifying prospect, often associated with final judgment (<a href="/revelation/14-10.htm">Revelation 14:10</a>). In the Old Testament, God's wrath is sometimes partially revealed through plagues or military defeat, but His full wrath is reserved for ultimate judgment. The withholding of this wrath points to His mercy and the opportunity for repentance. In the New Testament, Jesus absorbs the wrath of God on behalf of humanity (<a href="/romans/5-9.htm">Romans 5:9</a>), providing a way of escape and reconciliation with God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, demonstrating His attributes of compassion, forgiveness, and restraint.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a></b><br>The people to whom God showed compassion and forgiveness despite their repeated disobedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/w/wilderness.htm">Wilderness</a></b><br>The setting of many of the events described in <a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">Psalm 78</a>, where the Israelites wandered and often rebelled against God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>Though not directly mentioned in this verse, he is a key figure in the account of Israel's journey and intercession for the people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/egypt.htm">Egypt</a></b><br>The place from which God delivered the Israelites, setting the stage for their journey and subsequent rebellion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_compassion.htm">God's Compassion</a></b><br>God's compassion is a central theme in His relationship with humanity. Despite our failures, He remains compassionate, offering forgiveness and mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_restraint.htm">Forgiveness and Restraint</a></b><br>God’s forgiveness is not a one-time event but a continual offer. His restraint in not unleashing His full wrath is a testament to His patience and desire for repentance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_rebellion_and_divine_patience.htm">Human Rebellion and Divine Patience</a></b><br>The Israelites' repeated rebellion serves as a reminder of human nature's tendency to stray. Yet, God's patience is a model for us to emulate in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_intercession.htm">The Importance of Intercession</a></b><br>Just as Moses interceded for the Israelites, we are called to intercede for others, trusting in God’s mercy and compassion.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_character.htm">Reflecting God's Character</a></b><br>As believers, we are called to reflect God's character in our lives, showing compassion, forgiveness, and patience to those around us.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/78.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(38) The verbs in the first clause should be in the present, <span class= "ital">But he, the compassionate, forgives iniquity, and doth not destroy, and many a time he turned away, &c.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/78.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 38.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity.</span> (On God's compassion, see <a href="/exodus/34-6.htm">Exodus 34:6, 7</a>; <a href="/numbers/14-18.htm">Numbers 14:18</a>; <a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8</a>; <a href="/psalms/145-8.htm">Psalm 145:8</a>.) <span class="cmt_word">And destroyed them not.</span> The allusion is to such occasions as are noted in <a href="/exodus/32-10.htm">Exodus 32:10-14</a>; <a href="/numbers/14-12.htm">Numbers 14:12-20</a>; <a href="/numbers/16-21.htm">Numbers 16:21, 45-50</a>, when God was on the point of destroying the whole people, but relented at the intercession of Moses. <span class="cmt_word">Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath</span> (comp. <a href="/judges/2-11.htm">Judges 2:11-16</a>; <a href="/judges/3-8.htm">Judges 3:8, 9</a>; <a href="/judges/4-2.htm">Judges 4:2, 15</a>; <a href="/judges/6-1.htm">Judges 6:1-8</a>, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/78-38.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Yet He</span><br /><span class="heb">וְה֤וּא</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was compassionate;</span><br /><span class="heb">רַח֨וּם ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ra·ḥūm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7349.htm">Strong's 7349: </a> </span><span class="str2">Compassionate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He forgave</span><br /><span class="heb">יְכַפֵּ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(yə·ḵap·pêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3722.htm">Strong's 3722: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cover, to expiate, condone, to placate, cancel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[their] iniquity</span><br /><span class="heb">עָוֺן֮</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·wōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5771.htm">Strong's 5771: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">destroy them.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַ֫שְׁחִ֥ית</span> <span class="translit">(yaš·ḥîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7843.htm">Strong's 7843: </a> </span><span class="str2">Perhaps to go to ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He often</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֭הִרְבָּה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hir·bāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">restrained His anger</span><br /><span class="heb">אַפּ֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(’ap·pōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_639.htm">Strong's 639: </a> </span><span class="str2">The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and did not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹֽא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">unleash</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֝עִיר</span> <span class="translit">(yā·‘îr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5782.htm">Strong's 5782: </a> </span><span class="str2">To rouse oneself, awake</span><br /><br /><span class="word">His full wrath.</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲמָתֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·mā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2534.htm">Strong's 2534: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heat, anger, poison</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/78-38.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 78:38 But he being merciful forgave iniquity (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/78-37.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 78:37"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 78:37" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/78-39.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 78:39"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 78:39" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>