Psalms 44:20
Psalms 44:20 in Multiple Translations
If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god,
If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;
If we have forgotten the name of our God, Or spread forth our hands to a strange god;
If the name of our God has gone out of our minds, or if our hands have been stretched out to a strange god,
If we had forgotten the name of our God, or worshiped other gods,
If wee haue forgotten the Name of our God, and holden vp our hands to a strange god,
If we have forgotten the name of our God, And spread our hands to a strange God,
If we have forgotten the name of our God, or spread out our hands to a strange god,
If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;
If we had forgotten to worship [MTY] our God, or if we had spread out our hands to worship a foreign god,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 44:20
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 44:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֣י
דִ֭כִּיתָ/נוּ
בִּ/מְק֣וֹם
תַּנִּ֑ים
וַ/תְּכַ֖ס
עָלֵ֣י/נוּ
בְ/צַלְמָֽוֶת
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
דִ֭כִּיתָ/נוּ
dâkâh
H1794
to crush
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
בִּ/מְק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
place
Prep | N-ms
תַּנִּ֑ים
tannîyn
H8577
jackal
N-mp
וַ/תְּכַ֖ס
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms
עָלֵ֣י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
בְ/צַלְמָֽוֶת
tsalmâveth
H6757
shadow
Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 44:20
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
דִ֭כִּיתָ/נוּ
dâkâh
H1794
"to crush"
V-Piel-Perf-2ms | Suff
This verb means to crush or collapse, either physically or mentally. It can describe being broken-hearted, like in Psalm 34:18, or being crushed by a heavy burden. It's about being completely overwhelmed.
Definition: 1) to crush, be crushed, be contrite, be broken 1a) (Qal) to be crushed, collapse 1b)(Niphal) to be crushed, be contrite, be broken 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to crush down 1c2) to crush to pieces
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: break (sore), contrite, crouch. See also: Psalms 10:10; Psalms 44:20; Psalms 38:9.
בִּ/מְק֣וֹם
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
Prep | N-ms
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
תַּנִּ֑ים
tannîyn
H8577
"jackal"
N-mp
This word refers to a monster or serpent, like a sea-serpent or dragon, as described in Psalm 74:13 and Isaiah 27:1. It can also mean a venomous snake or a whale, symbolizing powerful creatures.
Definition: jackal Also means: tan.nah (תַּנָּה "dragon" H8568)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: dragon, sea-monster, serpent, whale. See also: Genesis 1:21; Isaiah 27:1; Psalms 44:20.
וַ/תְּכַ֖ס
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
עָלֵ֣י/נוּ
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
בְ/צַלְמָֽוֶת
tsalmâveth
H6757
"shadow"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means a shadow of death, or a place of deep darkness and distress, like the grave. It appears in the Bible as a metaphor for extreme danger or calamity. In the KJV, it is translated as 'shadow of death'.
Definition: 1) death-shadow, deep shadow, deep darkness, shadow of death 1a) death-shadow 1b) death-shadow, deep shadow, darkness 1c) death-shadow (of distress, extreme danger) (fig) 1d) death-shadow (of place of the dead) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: shadow of death. See also: Job 3:5; Job 38:17; Psalms 23:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 44:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 44:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 44:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 44:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 44:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 44:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 44:20
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 44:20
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 44:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 44:20
- Sermons on Psalms 44:20
Context — Redeem Us, O God
18Our hearts have not turned back; our steps have not strayed from Your path.
19But You have crushed us in the lair of jackals; You have covered us with deepest darkness.
20If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god,
21would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart? 22Yet for Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 81:9 | There must be no strange god among you, nor shall you bow to a foreign god. |
| 2 | Job 11:13 | As for you, if you direct your heart and lift up your hands to Him, |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 6:14 | Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you. |
| 4 | Psalms 68:31 | Envoys will arrive from Egypt; Cush will stretch out her hands to God. |
| 5 | Job 31:5–40 | If I have walked in falsehood or my foot has rushed to deceit, let God weigh me with honest scales, that He may know my integrity. If my steps have turned from the path, if my heart has followed my eyes, or if impurity has stuck to my hands, then may another eat what I have sown, and may my crops be uprooted. If my heart has been enticed by my neighbor’s wife, or I have lurked at his door, then may my own wife grind grain for another, and may other men sleep with her. For that would be a heinous crime, an iniquity to be judged. For it is a fire that burns down to Abaddon; it would root out my entire harvest. If I have rejected the cause of my manservant or maidservant when they made a complaint against me, what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account? Did not He who made me in the womb also make them? Did not the same One form us in the womb? If I have denied the desires of the poor or allowed the widow’s eyes to fail, if I have eaten my morsel alone, not sharing it with the fatherless— though from my youth I reared him as would a father, and from my mother’s womb I guided the widow— if I have seen one perish for lack of clothing, or a needy man without a cloak, if his heart has not blessed me for warming him with the fleece of my sheep, if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless because I saw that I had support in the gate, then may my arm fall from my shoulder and be torn from its socket. For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower. If I have put my trust in gold or called pure gold my security, if I have rejoiced in my great wealth because my hand had gained so much, if I have beheld the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth, this would also be an iniquity to be judged, for I would have denied God on high. If I have rejoiced in my enemy’s ruin, or exulted when evil befell him— I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse— if the men of my house have not said, ‘Who is there who has not had his fill?’— but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler— if I have covered my transgressions like Adam by hiding my guilt in my heart, because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside— (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. Surely I would carry it on my shoulder and wear it like a crown. I would give account of all my steps; I would approach Him like a prince.)— if my land cries out against me and its furrows weep together, if I have devoured its produce without payment or broken the spirit of its tenants, then let briers grow instead of wheat and stinkweed instead of barley.” Thus conclude the words of Job. |
| 6 | Psalms 7:3–5 | O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah |
| 7 | Psalms 44:17 | All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten You or betrayed Your covenant. |
| 8 | Exodus 9:29 | Moses said to him, “When I have left the city, I will spread out my hands to the LORD. The thunder will cease, and there will be no more hail, so that you may know that the earth is the LORD’s. |
| 9 | 1 Kings 8:22 | Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, |
| 10 | Psalms 78:11 | They forgot what He had done, the wonders He had shown them. |
Psalms 44:20 Summary
This verse is saying that if we had forgotten about God or started worshiping a false god, we would be in big trouble. But the good news is that God knows our hearts, as seen in Psalms 44:21, and He is always with us, even when we face challenges and hardships, as seen in Romans 8:35-39. We can trust that God is faithful and will help us stay on the right path, as promised in Psalm 119:105, which says that God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of forgetting the name of our God in Psalms 44:20?
Forgetting the name of our God means abandoning our faith and turning to idols, as seen in Jeremiah 23:27, which emphasizes the importance of remembering and honoring God's name.
What does it mean to spread out our hands to a foreign god?
Spreading out our hands to a foreign god refers to the act of worshiping or seeking help from false idols, as warned against in Deuteronomy 13:6-10, which prohibits turning to other gods.
How does this verse relate to the concept of idolatry?
This verse highlights the seriousness of idolatry, which is a form of spiritual adultery, as seen in Ezekiel 23:37, and emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to the one true God.
What is the relationship between this verse and the concept of spiritual fidelity?
This verse underscores the importance of spiritual fidelity, which involves remaining loyal and committed to God, as seen in Proverbs 3:3, which encourages us to let love and faithfulness never leave us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be forgetting the name of my God in my daily life, and how can I prioritize remembering and honoring Him?
- In what ways am I tempted to spread out my hands to foreign gods, such as wealth, status, or power, and how can I resist these temptations?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of loyalty and commitment to God, and what are some practical steps I can take to remain faithful to Him?
- What are some idols or false gods that I may be unknowingly worshiping, and how can I identify and repent of these idolatrous tendencies?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 44:20
If we have forgotten the name of our God,.... As antichrist, and the antichristian party did in those times, Daniel 11:36; or stretched out our hands to a strange god; as not to any of the Heathen
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 44:20
If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god; If we have forgotten the name of our God ... shall not God search this out?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 44:20
In the place: or rather into, as others render it; which seems much more emphatical. And so this verb may be rendered, thou hast humbled, or brought us down, as all the ancients rendered it. Or this is a pregnant verb, as they call them, or one verb put for two; of which there are many instances, as hath been showed. So it may be rendered, thou hast sore broken us, casting us into; or, thou hast by sore breaking brought us into. By inflicting upon us one breach after another, thou hast at last brought us to this pass. The place of dragons; which signifies a place extremely desolate, such as dragons love, ,22 34:13 35:7, and therefore full of horror, and danger, and mischief. Thou hast thrown us among people as fierce and: cruel as dragons. With the shadow of death, i.e. with deadly horrors and miseries. See Poole ""; See Poole "". The name of God, i.e. either God himself; or his worship and service; which we have denied that we have done, .
Stretched out our hands, in way of prayer or adoration, whereof this is a gesture, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 44:20
Psalms 44:20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;Ver. 20. If we have forgotten the name of our God] i.e. Foregone our religion, as renegadoes, denying the Lord that bought us. In the time of the Maccabees many defected to Paganism; Demas, forsaking Paul, became an idolatrous priest at Thessalonica, saith Dorotheus; Julian turned Pagan; Damascen, Mahometan, as some write; Harding, an obstinate Papist. In the Palatinate, when, not forty years since, taken by the Spaniard, scarce one man in twenty stood out, but fell to Popery, as fast as leaves fall in antumn. Or stretched out our hands to a strange god] This Ignatius, Laurentius, and thousands of those primitive Christians would die, rather than be drawn to do. So the three children, the seven brethren, &c. Origen, for yielding a little, was excommunicated.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 44:20
Verse 20. If we have forgotten the name of our God] That name, יהוה Jehovah, by which the true God was particularly distinguished, and which implied the exclusion of all other objects of adoration. Or stretched out our hands] Made supplication; offered prayer or adoration to any strange god - a god that we had not known, nor had been acknowledged by our fathers. It has already been remarked, that from the time of the Babylonish captivity the Jews never relapsed into idolatry. It was customary among the ancients, while praying, to stretch out their hands towards the heavens, or the image they were worshipping, as if they expected to receive the favour they were asking.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 44:20
20. stretched out] R.V., spread forth: the gesture of prayer being not, as with us, folded hands, but the hands extended with open palms: the Lat. ‘manibus passis.’ Cp. Psalms 143:6; 1 Kings 8:22; 1 Kings 8:38; 1 Kings 8:54; Isaiah 1:15.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 44:20
If we have forgotten the name of our God - That is, if we have apostatized from him. Or stretched out our hands to a strange god - Or have been guilty of idolatry.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 44:20
20. If we have forgotten—Compare Job 31
Sermons on Psalms 44:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Psalms 44:20 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the implications of a statement made by Anastasi Mikoyan regarding the similarities between American and Russian philosophies, questioning whether the pursuit |
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Revival Conference 2007 - Part 11 by Denny Kenaston | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not worshiping any other gods but the Lord, who brought His people out of Egypt and promises to fill their hearts with spiritual nourishmen |
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(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 2. Where Job Went Wrong by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Job and explores where Job went wrong in his understanding of God's moral philosophy. The speaker explains that the ancient Orien |
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"The Treachery of Hope Without Faith" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the peril of placing hope in anything other than faith in God, arguing that hope without a solid foundation can lead to despair and disappointment. He contras |
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If I Perish I Perish-03 Ministry From Esther by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the struggle between the flesh and the spirit in the life of a believer. He emphasizes that when the flesh dominates, it leads to moral defea |
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Vi. to Marion Mcnaught, When Persecuted for Her Principles by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford encourages a beloved sister to endure persecution and suffering by looking to the example of Jesus Christ, who endured insults and pain without retaliation, entru |
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A Monument Before God by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a widow who demonstrated unwavering faith and generosity. He emphasizes the importance of acts of kindness and helping those in need, as th |