Psalm 78:2

Modern

I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,

Traditional

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Literal

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will pour forth things hidden from of old,

Latin

Aperiam in parabolis os meum; loquar propositiones ab initio.

Hebrew

English

I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the beginning,

The psalmist tells Israel’s story (Psalm 78:5–72) as a parable to teach wisdom and insight.
Jesus quoted this verse to explain why he taught in parables (Matthew 13:35).

The introduction is an invitation to learn wisdom.

This wisdom psalm urges people to learn wisdom and share it faithfully.

Theme notes and profiles

Matthew 13:34–35
Jesus spoke all these things to the crowds in parables. He did not tell them anything without using a parable.
Mark 4:34
He did not tell them anything without using a parable. But privately He explained everything to His own disciples.
Matthew 13:11–13
He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.
Psalm 49:4
I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:
Proverbs 1:6
…by understanding the proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.