And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.

PSALMS 78:8KJV
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Psalms 78:8 (KJV)

What does Psalms 78:8 mean?

Psalms 78:8 warns the listeners not to be like their ancestors, described as a stubborn and rebellious generation who did not keep their hearts right or remain faithful to God. The verse points out the failure of a past generation to align themselves with God in both attitude and loyalty.

The psalm is spoken by the writer Asaph to the people of Israel, recalling their history so they will learn from it. In this verse, Asaph highlights the negative example set by earlier generations—specifically, their stubbornness (refusal to yield), rebellion (active resistance), and lack of steadfastness in their relationship with God. The verse sets up a contrast between what God desires and how the ancestors acted, urging the current generation to choose differently.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 78:8

  • "stubborn" (סָרַר, sarar): This word means to be obstinate or unwilling to listen, painting a picture of people who refuse to be guided or corrected.
  • "rebellious" (מָרָה, marah): This term refers to open resistance or defiance, not just passive stubbornness but active opposition to authority.
  • "set...aright" (כּוּן, kun): The phrase "set not their heart aright" uses a word that means to establish or make firm, showing that the problem was a failure to firmly direct their inner life toward God.
  • "stedfast" (אָמַן, aman): The word for "stedfast" means to be firm, reliable, or trustworthy. The verse points out that their spirit was not reliably aligned with God, lacking consistency and faithfulness.

Why Psalms 78:8 matters

  • Psalms 78:8 clarifies that the issue was not just outward actions, but a deeper problem of the heart and spirit—an unwillingness to be shaped by God.
  • The verse helps the reader see the link between past failures and present choices, urging each generation to learn from history rather than repeat it.
  • By naming both stubbornness and rebellion, the verse distinguishes between passive resistance and active opposition, showing the full range of ways people can turn away from God.

Where else these words appear

“stubborn” Hebrew H5637 · used in 16 verses

  • Deuteronomy 21:18 If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:
  • Psalms 68:18 Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, for the rebellious also, that the LORD God might dwell among them.
  • Jeremiah 5:23 But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

“rebellious” Hebrew H4784 · used in 43 verses

  • Numbers 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?
  • 1 Kings 13:21 And he cried unto the man of God that came from Judah, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Forasmuch as thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the LORD, and hast not kept the commandment which the LORD thy God commanded thee,
  • Isaiah 1:20 But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

“stedfast” Hebrew H539 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
  • 2 Kings 10:5 And he that was over the house, and he that was over the city, the elders also, and the bringers up of the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are thy servants, and will do all that thou shalt bid us; we will not make any king: do thou that which is good in thine eyes.
  • Psalms 106:24 Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word:

“generation” Hebrew H1755 · used in 127 verses

  • Genesis 6:9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.
  • Numbers 15:21 Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the LORD an heave offering in your generations.
  • Psalms 85:5 Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations?