Psalms 44:12
Psalms 44:12 in Multiple Translations
You sell Your people for nothing; no profit do You gain from their sale.
Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.
Thou sellest thy people for nought, And hast not increased thy wealth by their price.
You let your people go for nothing; your wealth is not increased by their price.
You have sold your own people for next to nothing, making no profit on the sale.
Thou sellest thy people without gaine, and doest not increase their price.
Thou sellest Thy people — without wealth, And hast not become great by their price.
You sell your people for nothing, and have gained nothing from their sale.
Thou sellest thy people for naught, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.
And the king shall greatly desire thy beauty; for he is the Lord thy God, and him they shall adore.
It is as though [MET] you sold us, your people, to our enemies for a very small price, and you did not gain much profit from selling us!
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 44:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 44:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תִּ֭תְּנֵ/נוּ
כְּ/צֹ֣אן
מַאֲכָ֑ל
וּ֝/בַ/גּוֹיִ֗ם
זֵרִיתָֽ/נוּ
תִּ֭תְּנֵ/נוּ
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
כְּ/צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
Sheep (Gate)
Prep | N-cs
מַאֲכָ֑ל
maʼăkâl
H3978
food
N-ms
וּ֝/בַ/גּוֹיִ֗ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Conj | Prep | N-mp
זֵרִיתָֽ/נוּ
zârâh
H2219
to scatter
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 44:12
תִּ֭תְּנֵ/נוּ
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
כְּ/צֹ֣אן
tsôʼn
H6629
"Sheep (Gate)"
Prep | N-cs
This word refers to a flock of sheep or goats, and is sometimes used to describe people in a figurative sense. It is also associated with the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem, a significant location in biblical times.
Definition: This name means sheep and goats Also named: probatikos (προβατικός "Sheep Gate" G4262)
Usage: Occurs in 247 OT verses. KJV: (small) cattle, flock ([phrase] -s), lamb ([phrase] -s), sheep(-cote, -fold, -shearer, -herds). See also: Genesis 4:2; Deuteronomy 28:31; Psalms 44:12.
מַאֲכָ֑ל
maʼăkâl
H3978
"food"
N-ms
This word means food or something to eat, like fruit or meat, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit in Genesis. It's about nourishment and survival.
Definition: food, fruit, meat
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: food, fruit, (bake-)meat(-s), victual. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 33:20; Psalms 44:12.
וּ֝/בַ/גּוֹיִ֗ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Conj | Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
זֵרִיתָֽ/נוּ
zârâh
H2219
"to scatter"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to scatter or toss something about, and can also imply diffusing or winnowing. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including the books of Psalms and Isaiah. The word has different meanings based on context, such as casting away or spreading out.
Definition: 1) to scatter, fan, cast away, winnow, disperse, compass, spread, be scattered, be dispersed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to scatter 1a2) to fan, winnow 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be dispersed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to scatter, disperse (intensive of Qal) 1c2) to winnow, sift 1d) (Pual) to be scattered, be spread out
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: cast away, compass, disperse, fan, scatter (away), spread, strew, winnow. See also: Exodus 32:20; Jeremiah 49:32; Psalms 44:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 44:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 44:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 44:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 44:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 44:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 44:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
- Sermons on Psalms 44:12
Context — Redeem Us, O God
10You have made us retreat from the foe, and those who hate us have plundered us.
11You have given us up as sheep to be devoured; You have scattered us among the nations.
12You sell Your people for nothing; no profit do You gain from their sale.
13You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us. 14You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 15:13 | Your wealth and your treasures I will give up as plunder, without charge for all your sins within all your borders. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:30 | How could one man pursue a thousand, or two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, unless the LORD had given them up? |
| 3 | Isaiah 52:3–4 | For this is what the LORD says: “You were sold for nothing, and without money you will be redeemed.” For this is what the Lord GOD says: “At first My people went down to Egypt to live, then Assyria oppressed them without cause. |
| 4 | Isaiah 50:1 | This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away. |
| 5 | Judges 3:8 | Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Aram-naharaim, and the Israelites served him eight years. |
| 6 | Revelation 18:13 | of cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, and frankincense; of wine, olive oil, fine flour, and wheat; of cattle, sheep, horses, and chariots; of slaves and souls of men. |
| 7 | Judges 2:14 | Then the anger of the LORD burned against Israel, and He delivered them into the hands of those who plundered them. He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, whom they were no longer able to resist. |
| 8 | Nehemiah 5:8–12 | and said, “We have done our best to buy back our Jewish brothers who were sold to foreigners, but now you are selling your own brothers, that they may be sold back to us!” But they remained silent, for they could find nothing to say. So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies? I, as well as my brothers and my servants, have been lending the people money and grain. Please, let us stop this usury. Please restore to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves, and houses, along with the percentage of the money, grain, new wine, and oil that you have been assessing them.” “We will restore it,” they replied, “and will require nothing more from them. We will do as you say.” So I summoned the priests and required of the nobles and officials an oath that they would do what they had promised. |
Psalms 44:12 Summary
This verse in Psalms 44:12 is a cry from the heart of someone who feels like God has abandoned them, given them up for nothing, and not even gained anything from it. It's a feeling of being completely forsaken and undervalued. The psalmist is expressing deep sorrow and confusion, wondering why God would allow such hardships (as seen in Jeremiah 12:1). Despite these feelings, we can trust in God's love and care for us, remembering verses like Deuteronomy 7:6-8 and Romans 8:28 that remind us of His good plans for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'sell Your people for nothing' in Psalms 44:12?
This phrase is a metaphorical expression of feeling abandoned or given up by God, much like the Israelites felt in Exodus 32:1 when they thought Moses had abandoned them, leading to the golden calf incident. It's not about a literal sale, but a feeling of being forsaken.
Is this verse saying that God is actually selling His people or is it just a figure of speech?
This is a figure of speech, as seen in other passages like Genesis 29:15 where Laban says 'you should not work for me for nothing', indicating a sense of being taken advantage of or not being valued. The psalmist is expressing a deep sense of sorrow and feeling undervalued by God.
How can God 'sell' His people when He loves them?
This verse is not about God's love, but about the psalmist's perception of their situation, much like in Jeremiah 12:1 where the prophet questions God's justice. It's a cry of desperation, seeking to understand why God seems to have abandoned them, despite knowing God's character as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8.
What does 'no profit do You gain from their sale' imply about God's motivations?
This phrase implies that the psalmist believes God has not benefited from their situation, contrasting with the idea that God works all things for good as seen in Romans 8:28. It's a statement of confusion, wondering why God would allow such hardships if there's no ultimate gain for His people or His glory.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I feel like God has 'sold me out' or abandoned me, and how can I express those feelings to Him?
- How does this verse relate to times in my life when I felt undervalued or unappreciated, and what can I learn from the psalmist's expression of sorrow?
- What are some ways I can remind myself of God's love and care for me, especially when I feel like I'm being 'sold for nothing'?
- How can I, like the psalmist, bring my questions and doubts before God, trusting in His character and sovereignty?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 44:12
Thou sellest thy people for nought,.... So God, when he is said to deliver up his people into the hands of their enemies, is said to sell them to them; see Jude 2:14; and selling them for nought
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 44:12
Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
For nought; for a thing of nought. Or, without money, and without price, as it is said, ; for a very small, or for no price; for a pair of shoes, as we read, . Dost not increase thy wealth by their price; thou hast not advanced thy honour and service thereby; for thy enemies do not serve thee more and better than thy people, nor yet so much.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
Psalms 44:12 Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase [thy wealth] by their price.Ver. 12. Thou sellest thy people for nought] Thirty for a penny the Jews were sold by the Romans, saith Josephus, at the last devastation. And dost not increase thy wealth by their price] Thou takest thy first chapman (as the pope gave England, in Henry VIIl’ s time, Primo occupaluro, to him that could first seize it), and hast not made thy best of them; but given them away, for whom thou wast wont to give great nations, Isaiah 43:3. All the comfort in this case was, that yet they were dear to God as his sons, though sold for slaves to the enemies, as may be seen, Isaiah 50:1; Isaiah 52:3.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
(12) For nought.—Literally, for not riches (comp. Jeremiah 15:13); notice the contrast to Psalms 72:14. And dost not increase thy wealth by their price.—This rendering takes the verb as in Proverbs 22:16; but to make the two places exactly parallel, we should have “dost not increase for thee.” It is better, therefore, to make the clause synonymous with the last, and render thou didst not increase in (the matter of) their price, i.e., thou didst not set a high price on them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
Verse 12. Thou sellest thy people for nought] An allusion to the mode of disposing of slaves by their proprietors or sovereigns. Instead of seeking profit, thou hast made us a present to our enemies.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 44:12
12. Thou sellest thy people] Handing them over to their enemies (Deuteronomy 32:30; Judges 2:14; Isaiah 50:1); and that for nought, as though they were worthless in Thy estimation (Jeremiah 15:13): and hast made no gain by their price; a bold ‘anthropopathy,’ or ascription to God of human motives and feelings, as though the surrender of His people might have seemed more justifiable if He had received some equivalent for them. Comp. the plea in Psalms 30:9.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 44:12
Thou sellest thy people for nought - Margin, without riches. Without gain, or advantage; that is, for no price that would be an equivalent.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 44:12
9-16. The strain suddenly turns to lamentation and complaint, and the poet spreads the national distress before God.
Sermons on Psalms 44:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Incredible Signs That Follow Those Who Believe by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four judgments that God will bring upon his people. These judgments include the sword to slay, the dogs to tear, the fowls of the heaven, |
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Praise by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and his servant when they saw the mountains full of chariots, representing the enemy. The preacher emphasizes that when w |
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America's Greatest Need by B.R. Lakin | Dr. B. R. Lakin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'America’s Greatest Need,' emphasizing the importance of patriotism, gratitude, responsibility, and faith in God for the nation's |
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"Stronger Than he." by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes that Christ, the 'Stronger than he,' empowers believers to overcome sin and Satan through the Holy Spirit. He stresses the necessity of maintaining our posi |
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The Cross in God's Heart by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the weariness and heartache that is prevalent in the world today. He emphasizes that God sent His Son to speak a word of comfort and encourage |
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Studies in Isaiah - Part 4 by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, Dr. McCabe talks about the importance of awakening and rising up in the Lord. He refers to three calls to awake: one to the arm of the Lord, one to Jerusalem in its |
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(Through the Bible) Isaiah 48-50 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the fifty-third chapter of Isaiah and the purposes of God in his being smitten. The preacher mentions how Jesus was smitten and buffeted, wit |