King James Version

What Does Psalms 44:1 Mean?

Psalms 44:1 in the King James Version says “To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.”

Psalms 44:1 · KJV

Context

1

To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, Maschil. We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.

2

How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.

3

For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The psalm begins with corporate memory: 'We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us.' Faith is transmitted through testimony, not merely personal experience. The 'work' God did 'in their days, in the times of old' refers to exodus and conquest, the foundational salvific events of Israel's history.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Intergenerational testimony was commanded in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 and Psalm 78. Israel's identity depended on remembering and retelling God's mighty acts, creating continuity between past redemption and present faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role does hearing 'from our fathers' play in sustaining faith?
  2. How can we better transmit the stories of God's faithfulness to the next generation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
אֱלֹהִ֤ים׀1 of 11

“O God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּאָזְנֵ֬ינוּ2 of 11

“with our ears”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

שָׁמַ֗עְנוּ3 of 11

“We have heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

אֲבוֹתֵ֥ינוּ4 of 11

“our fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

סִפְּרוּ5 of 11

“have told”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

לָ֑נוּ6 of 11
H0
פֹּ֥עַל7 of 11

“us what work”

H6467

an act or work (concretely)

פָּעַ֥לְתָּ8 of 11

“thou didst”

H6466

to do or make (systematically and habitually), especially to practise

בִּ֣ימֵי9 of 11

“in the times”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בִּ֣ימֵי10 of 11

“in the times”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קֶֽדֶם׃11 of 11

“of old”

H6924

the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 44:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 44:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 78:3-6Exodus 13:14-15Deuteronomy 6:20Judges 6:13Joel 1:3Psalms 77:5

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