CINXE.COM

<!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 78:2 I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/78-2.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_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 78:2 - I Will Open My Mouth in Parables" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/78-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/78-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/78.htm">Chapter 78</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/78-1.htm" title="Psalm 78:1">◄</a> Psalm 78:2 <a href="/psalms/78-3.htm" title="Psalm 78:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/78.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/78.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />for I will speak to you in a parable. I will teach you hidden lessons from our past—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/78.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/78.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/78.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/78.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable; I will tell riddles of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/78.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/78.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable; I will pour forth dark sayings of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/78.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable [to instruct using examples]; I will utter dark <i>and</i> puzzling sayings of old [that contain important truth]—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/78.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past —<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/78.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will declare wise sayings; I will speak mysteries from the past— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/78.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/78.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I will give instruction and explain the mystery of what happened long ago. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/78.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/78.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I will open my mouth to illustrate points. I will explain what has been hidden long ago,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/78.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I am going to use wise sayings and explain mysteries from the past, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/78.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I will tell a parable, speaking riddles from long ago—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/78.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/78.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I will sing a song that imparts wisdom; I will make insightful observations about the past. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/78.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/78.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/78.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/78.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I open my mouth with an allegory, "" I bring forth hidden things of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/78.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> I open with a simile my mouth, I bring forth hidden things of old,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/78.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter enigmas from ancient time:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/78.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in parables: I will utter propositions from the beginning. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/78.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 77:2>I will open my mouth in parables. I will speak about concepts that are from the beginning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/78.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable, unfold the puzzling events of the past. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/78.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/78.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter proverbs of old.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/78.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />For behold, I shall open my mouth in proverbs and I shall speak in parables of a former time.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/78.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter dark sayings concerning days of old;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/78.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I will open my mouth in parables: I will utter dark sayings <i>which have been</i> from the beginning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/78-2.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=9476" 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">1</span>A Maskil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, to my instruction; listen to the words of my mouth. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: ’ep̄·tə·ḥāh (V-Qal-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">I will open</a> <a href="/hebrew/6310.htm" title="6310: pî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Mouth. From pa'ah; the mouth, whether literal or figurative; specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially according to.">my mouth</a> <a href="/hebrew/4912.htm" title="4912: ḇə·mā·šāl (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- A proverb, parable. ">in parables;</a> <a href="/hebrew/5042.htm" title="5042: ’ab·bî·‘āh (V-Hifil-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To flow, spring, bubble up. A primitive root; to gush forth; figuratively, to utter; specifically, to emit.">I will utter</a> <a href="/hebrew/2420.htm" title="2420: ḥî·ḏō·wṯ (N-fp) -- A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question. From chuwd; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim.">things hidden</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min·nî- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/6924.htm" title="6924: qe·ḏem (N-ms) -- The front, of place, time. Or qedmah; from qadam; the front, of place or time; often used adverbially.">the beginning,</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>that we have heard and known and our fathers have relayed to us.…<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="/matthew/13-34.htm">Matthew 13:34-35</a></span><br />Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable. / So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a></span><br />by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a></span><br />And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ / Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-49.htm">Ezekiel 20:49</a></span><br />Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD, they are saying of me, ‘Is he not just telling parables?’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-10.htm">Matthew 13:10-13</a></span><br />Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” / He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. / Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-33.htm">Mark 4:33-34</a></span><br />With many such parables Jesus spoke the word to them, to the extent that they could understand. / He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/8-10.htm">Luke 8:10</a></span><br />He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, ‘though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">1 Corinthians 2:7</a></span><br />No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/16-25.htm">Romans 16:25-26</a></span><br />Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past / but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26-27</a></span><br />the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/3-4.htm">Ephesians 3:4-5</a></span><br />In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, / which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-25.htm">John 16:25</a></span><br />I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. An hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you this way, but will tell you plainly about the Father.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-14.htm">2 Corinthians 3:14-16</a></span><br />But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed. / And even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. / But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/5-11.htm">Hebrews 5:11-12</a></span><br />We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing. / Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:</p><p class="hdg">I will</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Psalm 49:4</a></b></br> I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-13.htm">Matthew 13:13,34,35</a></b></br> Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand… </p><p class="hdg">dark sayings</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a></b></br> To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/13-11.htm">Matthew 13:11-13</a></b></br> He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/4-34.htm">Mark 4:34</a></b></br> But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/74-20.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/77-17.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/69-5.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/77-4.htm">Open</a> <a href="/job/36-15.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/numbers/21-27.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/numbers/12-8.htm">Riddles</a> <a href="/psalms/78-1.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/psalms/69-11.htm">Simile</a> <a href="/psalms/49-4.htm">Story</a> <a href="/psalms/77-5.htm">Times</a> <a href="/psalms/76-8.htm">Utter</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/82-5.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/78-4.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/83-3.htm">Hidden</a> <a href="/psalms/78-30.htm">Mouth</a> <a href="/psalms/78-20.htm">Open</a> <a href="/psalms/106-17.htm">Opening</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-7.htm">Parable</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Parables</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Riddles</a> <a href="/psalms/119-11.htm">Sayings</a> <a href="/isaiah/14-4.htm">Simile</a> <a href="/psalms/88-11.htm">Story</a> <a href="/psalms/78-38.htm">Times</a> <a href="/psalms/94-4.htm">Utter</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/78.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/78.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I will open my mouth in parables;</b><br>This phrase indicates the use of parables, a teaching method that conveys deeper spiritual truths through simple stories or analogies. Parables are a common teaching tool in the Bible, used extensively by Jesus Christ in the New Testament (e.g., <a href="/matthew/13-34.htm">Matthew 13:34-35</a>). The use of parables in <a href="/psalms/78.htm">Psalm 78</a> suggests a method of revealing divine truths that require contemplation and spiritual insight to understand. The psalmist, Asaph, is preparing to share wisdom that is not immediately obvious, inviting the listener to seek deeper understanding. This approach is consistent with the Jewish tradition of teaching through storytelling, which was an effective way to communicate complex ideas in a memorable and engaging manner.<p><b>I will utter things hidden from the beginning,</b><br>This phrase suggests the revelation of truths that have been concealed or not fully understood since the creation of the world. It implies that the psalmist is about to disclose insights that have been part of God's plan from the start but are now being revealed for the benefit of the audience. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the mysteries of the kingdom of God that Jesus would later reveal through His teachings. The concept of hidden things being revealed is also echoed in the New Testament, where Paul speaks of the mystery of Christ that was hidden for ages but is now made known (<a href="/colossians/1-26.htm">Colossians 1:26</a>). This aligns with the biblical theme of progressive revelation, where God gradually unveils His purposes and plans to humanity over time.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">Psalm 78</a>, Asaph was a Levite and one of the chief musicians appointed by King David. He is known for his role in leading worship and composing psalms.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation to whom the psalm is addressed. <a href="/bsb/psalms/78.htm">Psalm 78</a> recounts the history of Israel, emphasizing their relationship with God and their repeated disobedience.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/parables.htm">Parables</a></b><br>The method of teaching mentioned in this verse. Parables are accounts or sayings that convey deeper spiritual truths through metaphorical language.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/hidden_things.htm">Hidden Things</a></b><br>Refers to the mysteries or truths of God that have been concealed but are now being revealed through the psalmist's teaching.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_beginning.htm">The Beginning</a></b><br>This phrase points to the ancient times, possibly referring to the foundational events in Israel's history, such as the Exodus and the giving of the Law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_parables.htm">The Power of Parables</a></b><br>Parables are a powerful teaching tool that engage listeners and provoke deeper reflection. They invite us to seek understanding beyond the surface.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/revealing_hidden_truths.htm">Revealing Hidden Truths</a></b><br>God desires to reveal His truths to those who earnestly seek Him. We are encouraged to delve into Scripture to uncover the mysteries of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/learning_from_history.htm">Learning from History</a></b><br>Psalm 78 serves as a reminder to learn from the past. Reflecting on Israel's history helps us understand the consequences of disobedience and the faithfulness of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_teacher.htm">The Role of the Teacher</a></b><br>Asaph's role as a teacher through psalms highlights the importance of those who communicate God's truths. We are called to share the wisdom we receive with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_insight.htm">Spiritual Insight</a></b><br>Spiritual truths are often hidden from the casual observer. We must approach Scripture with a heart open to the Holy Spirit's guidance to gain true understanding.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/78.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2, 3) <span class= "bld">I will open.</span>--A difficulty is started by the fact that the psalm deals with history, and is neither a proverb (<span class= "ital">m?shal</span>) nor riddle (<span class= "ital">chidah</span>)<span class= "ital">. </span>But the Divine rejection of the northern tribes may be the covert meaning which the poet sees to have been wrapped up in all the ancient history. The word <span class= "ital">m?shal </span>is also sometimes used in a wide, vague sense, embracing prophetic as well as proverbial poetry. (See <a href="/numbers/21-27.htm" title="Why they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:">Numbers 21:27</a>.)<p>For "dark sayings," literally, <span class= "ital">knotty points, </span>see <a href="/numbers/12-8.htm" title="With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?">Numbers 12:8</a>. In <a href="/habakkuk/2-6.htm" title="Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increases that which is not his! how long? and to him that lades himself with thick clay!">Habakkuk 2:6</a> the word seems to mean a <span class= "ital">sarcasm.</span><p>For the use of this passage in <a href="/matthew/13-35.htm" title="That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.">Matthew 13:35</a>, see Note, <span class= "ital">New Testament Commentary.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/78.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I will open my mouth in a parable</span>. The facts of Israelitish history. are the "parable," the inner meaning of which it is for the intelligent to grasp. They are <span class="greek">φωνᾶντα συνετοῖσιν</span>. <span class="cmt_word">I will utter dark sayings of old</span> (comp. <a href="/proverbs/1-6.htm">Proverbs 1:6</a>). <span class="accented">Khidoth</span> (<span class="hebrew">חידות</span>) are properly "riddles" (see <a href="/judges/14-12.htm">Judges 14:12</a>). Here the idea is that God's dealings with his people had been "riddles," whereto the psalmist would give the clue (comp. vers. 21, 22, 33, 56-59, etc.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/78-2.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">I will open</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶפְתְּחָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ep̄·tə·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my mouth</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(pî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6310.htm">Strong's 6310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The mouth, edge, portion, side, according to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in parables;</span><br /><span class="heb">בְמָשָׁ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·mā·šāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4912.htm">Strong's 4912: </a> </span><span class="str2">A pithy maxim, a simile</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I will utter</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבִּ֥יעָה</span> <span class="translit">(’ab·bî·‘āh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5042.htm">Strong's 5042: </a> </span><span class="str2">To gush forth, to utter, to emit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">things hidden</span><br /><span class="heb">חִ֝יד֗וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(ḥî·ḏō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2420.htm">Strong's 2420: </a> </span><span class="str2">A riddle, an enigmatic, perplexing saying or question</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from</span><br /><span class="heb">מִנִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(min·nî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> </span><span class="str2">A part of, from, out of</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of old,</span><br /><span class="heb">קֶֽדֶם׃</span> <span class="translit">(qe·ḏem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6924.htm">Strong's 6924: </a> </span><span class="str2">The front, of place, time</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/78-2.htm">Psalm 78:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/78-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 78:2 I will open my mouth (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/78-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 78:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 78:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/78-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 78:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 78:3" /></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>