King James Version

What Does Psalms 44:13 Mean?

Psalms 44:13 in the King James Version says “Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

Psalms 44:13 · KJV


Context

11

Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; and hast scattered us among the heathen. like: Heb. as sheep of meat

12

Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price. for: Heb. without riches

13

Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.

14

Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

15

My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Public humiliation compounds military defeat: 'Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.' Israel's neighbors, often covenant enemies, now mock the nation that claimed special relationship with the Almighty. The watching world judges God by His people's circumstances.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Surrounding nations like Edom, Moab, and Ammon historically rejoiced at Israel's misfortunes. Their mockery challenged Israel's claim to be Yahweh's chosen people and suggested Yahweh was weaker than their gods.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does being mocked for our faith compound suffering?
  2. What responsibility do God's people have for His reputation among watching unbelievers?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
תְּשִׂימֵ֣נוּ1 of 6

Thou makest

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

חֶ֭רְפָּה2 of 6

us a reproach

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

לִשְׁכֵנֵ֑ינוּ3 of 6

to our neighbours

H7934

a resident; by extension, a fellow-citizen

לַ֥עַג4 of 6

a scorn

H3933

derision, scoffing

וָ֝קֶ֗לֶס5 of 6

and a derision

H7047

a laughing-stock

לִסְבִיבוֹתֵֽינוּ׃6 of 6

to them that are round about

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around


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 44:13 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 44:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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