King James Version

What Does Psalms 77:7 Mean?

Psalms 77:7 in the King James Version says “Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 77 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?”

Psalms 77:7 · KJV

Context

5

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

6

I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

7

Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?

8

Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore ? for evermore: Heb. to generation and generation?

9

Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.

Read Psalms 77 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Will the Lord cast off for ever? (הַלְעוֹלָמִים יִזְנַח אֲדֹנָי). Zanach (זָנַח) means to reject, spurn, or cast away permanently. Le'olamim (לְעוֹלָמִים) emphasizes perpetual abandonment. This begins a series of seven anguished questions (vv.7-9) that expose faith's darkest doubts. The questions are not rhetorical exercises but genuine wrestling with apparent divine abandonment.

Will he be favourable no more? (וְלֹא־יֹסִיף לִרְצוֹת עוֹד). Ratsah (רָצָה) means to be pleased with, to show favor, to accept. The psalmist fears God's permanent withdrawal of covenant affection. These questions echo Israel's recurring complaint: "Has God forgotten?" (Psalms 10:11, 13:1). They also anticipate Christ's desolate cry: "My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1, Matthew 27:46). Scripture validates asking hard questions in faith's crucible.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The fear of divine rejection haunted Israel's consciousness, especially during exile. Lamentations 3:31-32 answers: "The Lord will not cast off for ever: but though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion." God's covenant promises (Genesis 17:7, 2 Samuel 7:14-16) guaranteed He would not utterly forsake His people, yet circumstances often contradicted this assurance. The tension between promise and experience generates these anguished questions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between expressing honest doubt to God and abandoning faith in God?
  2. What biblical promises directly address the fear of permanent divine rejection?
  3. How does Christ's experience of forsakenness on the cross address your own sense of abandonment?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
הַֽ֭לְעוֹלָמִים1 of 7

“for ever”

H5769

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

יִזְנַ֥ח׀2 of 7

“cast off”

H2186

reject, forsake, fail

אֲדֹנָ֑י3 of 7

“Will the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

וְלֹֽא4 of 7
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֹסִ֖יף5 of 7

“and will”

H3254

to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)

לִרְצ֣וֹת6 of 7

“he be favourable”

H7521

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

עֽוֹד׃7 of 7
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

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 77:7 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 77:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 85:1Psalms 85:5Romans 11:1-2Lamentations 3:31-32Psalms 89:46Psalms 89:38

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 77 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 77 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes