King James Version
Psalms 44:14 in the King James Version says “Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.”
Psalms 44:14 · KJV
Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price. for: Heb. without riches
Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.
My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face hath covered me,
For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth; by reason of the enemy and avenger.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Thou makest”
H7760to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
“us a byword”
H4912properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
“among the heathen”
H1471a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
“of the head”
H7218the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
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.
Psalms 44:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Psalms 44:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge