Psalms 78:36

36 (77-36) And they loved him with their mouth: and with their tongue they lied unto him:

Psalms 78:36 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 78:36

Nevertheless, they did flatter him with their mouth
In prayer to him, they only drew nigh to him with their mouths, and honoured him with their lips; they showed much love to him and his ways and ordinances hereby; but their hearts were not with him, but after their lusts; they made fine speeches and fair promises, but their hearts and mouths did not agree; they spoke with a double heart, thinking and endeavouring to "deceive" the Lord, as the word ^F2 here used signifies; but he is not to be deceived, nor will he be mocked; the Targum is,

``they allured (or persuaded) him, with their mouth;''

they attempted to do so; the Syriac and Arabic versions are, "they loved him with their mouth"; professed great love and sincere affection to him, when they had none:

and they lied unto him with their tongues;
to lie unto men is bad, but to God is worse; and it is a most vain and foolish thing, since there is not a word in the tongue of any but is known to him.

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FOOTNOTES:

F2 (whwtpyw) "quamvis conarentur eum decipere", Junius & Tremellius; "attamen decipiebant eum", Cocceius.

Psalms 78:36 In-Context

34 (77-34) When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned, and came to him early in the morning.

35 (77-35) And they remembered that God was their helper: and the most high God their redeemer.

36 (77-36) And they loved him with their mouth: and with their tongue they lied unto him:

37 (77-37) But their heart was not right with him: nor were they counted faithful in his covenant.

38 (77-38) 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.