King James Version

What Does Psalms 79:10 Mean?

Psalms 79:10 in the King James Version says “Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging o...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 79 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed. revenging: Heb. vengeance”

Psalms 79:10 · KJV

Context

8

O remember not against us former iniquities: let thy tender mercies speedily prevent us: for we are brought very low. former: or, the iniquities of them that were before us

9

Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name: and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name's sake.

10

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed. revenging: Heb. vengeance

11

Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die; thy: Heb. thine arm preserve: Heb. reserve the children of death

12

And render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed. This verse returns to the theological crisis introduced in verse 4: the nations' mockery of Israel becomes mockery of Yahweh. The question "Where is their God?" (ayyeh Eloheihem, אַיֵּה אֱלֹהֵיהֶם) was the ultimate taunt against a defeated nation, implying divine impotence or non-existence. This echoes Joel 2:17 and anticipates ongoing theological challenges when God's people suffer.

The psalmist transforms the taunt into motivation for divine action: vindicate Your reputation by demonstrating that You are neither absent nor powerless. "Let him be known" (yivada, יִוָּדַע) requests God make Himself known through action, not merely proclamation. The phrase "in our sight" (le'eineinu, לְעֵינֵינוּ) asks that Israel witness God's vindication within their lifetime—not deferred to distant eschatology but visible, tangible justice.

"By the revenging of the blood of thy servants" (niqmat dam-avadekha, נִקְמַת דַּם־עֲבָדֶיךָ) returns to verse 2's image of slaughtered faithful. Naqam (נָקַם) means to avenge, take vengeance—executing justice for innocent bloodshed. The theology is covenantal: these aren't random victims but "thy servants," people under God's protection. Their unavenged blood cries from the ground (Genesis 4:10), demanding divine response. The request isn't vindictive but theological: demonstrate covenant faithfulness by defending Your covenant people.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The taunt "Where is their God?" appears in various forms throughout Scripture during national crises (Psalm 42:3, 10; 115:2; Micah 7:10). Ancient Near Eastern theology directly connected military outcomes to divine power. When nations conquered Israel, they interpreted it as their gods defeating Yahweh. This challenged Israel's monotheistic witness—if Yahweh is truly sovereign over all nations, why does He permit His people's defeat? The question drove Israel to sophisticated theodicy: God permits judgment for discipline but will ultimately vindicate His name.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should Christians respond when skeptics use believers' suffering as evidence against God's existence or power?
  2. What is the relationship between God's reputation among nations and His people's visible flourishing or suffering?
  3. How does appealing to God's concern for His own name's sake provide confidence in prayer for justice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
לָ֤מָּה׀1 of 12
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יֹאמְר֣וּ2 of 12

“say”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

בַּגֹּייִ֣ם3 of 12

“Wherefore should the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

אַיֵּ֪ה4 of 12
H346

where?

אֱֽלֹהֵ֫יהֶ֥ם5 of 12

“Where is their 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

יִוָּדַ֣ע6 of 12

“let him be known”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

בַּגֹּייִ֣ם7 of 12

“Wherefore should the heathen”

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

לְעֵינֵ֑ינוּ8 of 12

“in our sight”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

נִ֝קְמַ֗ת9 of 12

“by the revenging”

H5360

avengement, whether the act of the passion

דַּֽם10 of 12

“of the blood”

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

עֲבָדֶ֥יךָ11 of 12

“of thy servants”

H5650

a servant

הַשָּׁפֽוּךְ׃12 of 12

“which is shed”

H8210

to spill forth (blood, a libation, liquid metal; or even a solid, i.e., to mound up); also (figuratively) to expend (life, soul, complaint, money, etc

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 79:10 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 79:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 42:10Ezekiel 39:21-22Psalms 94:1Revelation 18:20Exodus 7:5Psalms 115:2

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