Psalms 78:20-22 - Compare All Versions

Psalms 78:20-22 NIV (New International Version)

True, he struck the rock, and water gushed out, streams flowed abundantly, but can he also give us bread? Can he supply meat for his people?” When the LORD heard them, he was furious; his fire broke out against Jacob, and his wrath rose against Israel, for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance.

Psalms 78:20-22 ESV (English Standard Version 2025)

He struck the rock so that water gushed out and streams overflowed. Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?” Therefore, when the LORD heard, he was full of wrath; a fire was kindled against Jacob; his anger rose against Israel, because they did not believe in God and did not trust his saving power.

Psalms 78:20-22 NLT (New Living Translation)

Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out, but he can’t give his people bread and meat.” When the LORD heard them, he was furious. The fire of his wrath burned against Jacob. Yes, his anger rose against Israel, for they did not believe God or trust him to care for them.

Psalms 78:20-22 CSB (Christian Standard Bible)

Look! He struck the rock and water gushed out; torrents overflowed.  But can he also provide bread or furnish meat for his people? ”  Therefore, the LORD heard and became furious; then fire broke out against Jacob, and anger flared up against Israel  because they did not believe God or rely on his salvation.

Psalms 78:20-22 KJV (King James Version)

Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; Can he give bread also? Can he provide flesh for his people? Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: So a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, And trusted not in his salvation

Psalms 78:20-22 NKJV (New King James Version)

Behold, He struck the rock, So that the waters gushed out, And the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?” Therefore the LORD heard this and was furious; So a fire was kindled against Jacob, And anger also came up against Israel, Because they did not believe in God, And did not trust in His salvation.

Psalms 78:17-31 MSG (The Message)

All they did was sin even more, rebel in the desert against the High God. They tried to get their own way with God, clamored for favors, for special attention. They whined like spoiled children, “Why can’t God give us a decent meal in this desert? Sure, he struck the rock and the water flowed, creeks cascaded from the rock. But how about some fresh-baked bread? How about a nice cut of meat?” When GOD heard that, he was furious— his anger flared against Jacob, he lost his temper with Israel. It was clear they didn’t believe God, had no intention of trusting in his help. But God helped them anyway, commanded the clouds and gave orders that opened the gates of heaven. He rained down showers of manna to eat, he gave them the Bread of Heaven. They ate the bread of the mighty angels; he sent them all the food they could eat. He let East Wind break loose from the skies, gave a strong push to South Wind. This time it was birds that rained down— succulent birds, an abundance of birds. He aimed them right for the center of their camp; all round their tents there were birds. They ate and had their fill; he handed them everything they craved on a platter. But their greed knew no bounds; they stuffed their mouths with more and more. Finally, God was fed up, his anger erupted— he cut down their brightest and best, he laid low Israel’s finest young men.

Psalms 78:20-22 NASB2020 (New American Standard Bible - NASB)

“Behold, He struck the rock so that waters gushed out, And streams were overflowing; Can He also provide bread? Will He prepare meat for His people?” ¶Therefore the LORD heard and was full of wrath; And a fire was kindled against Jacob, And anger also mounted against Israel, Because they did not believe in God And did not trust in His salvation.

Psalms 78:20-22 AMP (Amplified Bible)

“Behold, He struck the rock so that waters gushed out And the streams overflowed; Can He give bread also? Or will He provide meat for His people?” ¶Therefore, when the LORD heard, He was full of wrath; A fire was kindled against Jacob, And His anger mounted up against Israel, Because they did not believe in God [they did not rely on Him, they did not adhere to Him], And they did not trust in His salvation (His power to save).

Psalms 78:20-22 NET (New English Translation)

Yes, he struck a rock and water flowed out, streams gushed forth. But can he also give us food? Will he provide meat for his people?” When the LORD heard this, he was furious. A fire broke out against Jacob, and his anger flared up against Israel, because they did not have faith in God, and did not trust his ability to deliver them.