King James Version

What Does Psalms 44:8 Mean?

Psalms 44:8 in the King James Version says “In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 44 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

Psalms 44:8 · KJV


Context

6

For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

7

But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

8

In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

9

But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies.

10

Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The confident declaration 'In God we boast all the day long' makes God the constant subject of praise and the sole ground of confidence. 'Praise thy name for ever' commits to eternal acknowledgment of God's character. The term 'boast' (halal) suggests loud, public proclamation--not private gratitude but corporate witness.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse forms part of Israel's public worship, likely sung in temple liturgy. The 'Selah' marking indicates a musical pause or interlude, allowing the congregation to reflect on the declaration of trust.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'boast in God' rather than in our accomplishments?
  2. How does public praise differ from private gratitude in its effect on faith and community?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
בֵּֽ֭אלֹהִים1 of 8

In 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

הִלַּלְ֣נוּ2 of 8

we boast

H1984

to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

כָל3 of 8
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַיּ֑וֹם4 of 8

all the day

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

וְשִׁמְךָ֓׀5 of 8

thy name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

לְעוֹלָ֖ם6 of 8

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

נוֹדֶ֣ה7 of 8

long and praise

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

סֶֽלָה׃8 of 8

Selah

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause


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 44:8 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 44:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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