Psalms 44:21
Psalms 44:21 in Multiple Translations
would not God have discovered, since He knows the secrets of the heart?
Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
Will not God search this out? For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
Will not God make search for it? for he sees the secrets of the heart.
wouldn't God have been aware of this, because he knows everyone's thoughts?
Shall not God searche this out? for hee knoweth the secrets of the heart.
Doth not God search out this? For He knoweth the secrets of the heart.
won’t God search this out? For he knows the secrets of the heart.
Will not God search out this? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
you certainly would have known that, because you know even what we secretly think.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 44:21
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 44:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
שָׁ֭כַחְנוּ
שֵׁ֣ם
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
וַ/נִּפְרֹ֥שׂ
כַּ֝פֵּ֗י/נוּ
לְ/אֵ֣ל
זָֽר
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
שָׁ֭כַחְנוּ
shâkach
H7911
to forget
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
name
N-ms
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
וַ/נִּפְרֹ֥שׂ
pâras
H6566
to spread
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
כַּ֝פֵּ֗י/נוּ
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
לְ/אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
god
Prep | N-ms
זָֽר
zûwr
H2114
be a stranger
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 44:21
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
שָׁ֭כַחְנוּ
shâkach
H7911
"to forget"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To forget something means to mislay it or be oblivious to it. This Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe when people forget things, like God's commands. The KJV translates it as 'to forget' or 'at all'.
Definition: 1) to forget, ignore, wither 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to forget 1a2) to cease to care 1b) (Niphal) to be forgotten 1c) (Piel) to cause to forget 1d) (Hiphil) to make or cause to forget 1e) (Hithpael) to be forgotten Aramaic equivalent: she.khach (שְׁכַח "to find" H7912)
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (cause to) forget. See also: Genesis 27:45; Psalms 106:13; Psalms 9:13.
שֵׁ֣ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/נִּפְרֹ֥שׂ
pâras
H6566
"to spread"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cp
This word means to spread or break something apart, like scattering or stretching out. It is used to describe physical and figurative actions in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread out, stretch, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread out, display 1a2) to spread over 1b) (Niphal) to be scattered, be spread out 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to spread out 1c1) to scatter
Usage: Occurs in 66 OT verses. KJV: break, chop in pieces, lay open, scatter, spread (abroad, forth, selves, out), stretch (forth, out). See also: Exodus 9:29; Psalms 44:21; Psalms 68:15.
כַּ֝פֵּ֗י/נוּ
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
לְ/אֵ֣ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
זָֽר
zûwr
H2114
"be a stranger"
Adj
This word has several meanings, including being a stranger or foreigner, like when Abraham lived in Egypt as a foreigner. It can also mean to commit adultery, highlighting the idea of turning aside from what is right and proper, as warned against in Proverbs 5.
Definition: 1) to be strange, be a stranger 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become estranged 1a2) strange, another, stranger, foreigner, an enemy (participle) 1a3) strange woman, prostitute, harlot (meton) 1b) (Niphal) to be estranged 1c) (Hophal) to be a stranger, be one alienated
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: (come from) another (man, place), fanner, go away, (e-) strange(-r, thing, woman). See also: Exodus 29:33; Proverbs 11:15; Psalms 44:21.
Study Notes — Psalms 44:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 44:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 44:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 44:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 44:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 44:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 44:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 44:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 44:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 44:21
- Sermons on Psalms 44:21
Context — Redeem Us, O God
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. 23Wake up, O Lord! Why are You sleeping? Arise! Do not reject us forever.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 17:10 | I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 23:24 | “Can a man hide in secret places where I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Hebrews 4:12–13 | For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight; everything is uncovered and exposed before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. |
| 4 | Job 31:4 | Does He not see my ways and count my every step? |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 12:14 | For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil. |
| 6 | Job 34:21–22 | For His eyes are on the ways of a man, and He sees his every step. There is no darkness or deep shadow where the workers of iniquity can hide. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 4:5 | Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. |
| 8 | Psalms 139:1–24 | O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD. You hem me in behind and before; You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle by the farthest sea, even there Your hand will guide me; Your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light become night around me”— even the darkness is not dark to You, but the night shines like the day, for darkness is as light to You. For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and I know this very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be. How precious to me are Your thoughts, O God, how vast is their sum! If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand; and when I awake, I am still with You. O God, that You would slay the wicked— away from me, you bloodthirsty men— who speak of You deceitfully; Your enemies take Your name in vain. Do I not hate those who hate You, O LORD, and detest those who rise against You? I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them as my enemies. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting. |
| 9 | Romans 2:16 | on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel. |
| 10 | Job 31:14 | what will I do when God rises to judge? How will I answer when called to account? |
Psalms 44:21 Summary
[This verse reminds us that God knows everything about us, including our deepest thoughts and feelings, as seen in Psalms 139:1-6. He is all-knowing and all-seeing, and we can trust that He will always know what's truly going on in our hearts. Because of this, we can be honest with Him and with ourselves, and trust that He will guide us and care for us, just like a loving Father, as described in Matthew 6:8 and Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God knows the secrets of the heart?
This phrase suggests that God is all-knowing and aware of our innermost thoughts and intentions, as also stated in Jeremiah 17:10 and Romans 8:27.
Is this verse implying that God would punish us if we forgot Him?
The context of Psalms 44:21 indicates that the psalmist is confident in God's omniscience and faithfulness, trusting that He would know if they had truly forgotten Him, as seen in Psalms 119:11 and Deuteronomy 31:21.
How does this verse relate to our personal relationship with God?
This verse highlights the importance of sincerity and honesty in our relationship with God, emphasizing that He sees beyond our outward actions and knows our true hearts, as taught in Matthew 15:18-19 and 1 Samuel 16:7.
What assurance can we gain from this verse?
The fact that God knows the secrets of our hearts should give us confidence in His ability to discern our true intentions and motivations, offering us comfort and peace, as expressed in Philippians 4:7 and 1 John 3:20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'secrets of the heart' that I may be hiding from others, but not from God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of sincerity and honesty in my relationship with God?
- In what ways can I trust God's omniscience and faithfulness in my life, even when circumstances seem uncertain?
- What are some areas where I may be trying to 'forget' or 'hide' from God, and how can I bring these to Him in prayer?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 44:21
Shall not God search this out?.... Undoubtedly he would, was it so, and expose it, and punish for it; as he will the Balaamites and children of Jezebel, Revelation 2:18; this seems to be an appeal to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 44:21
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 44:21
We appeal to the heart-searching God, concerning the sincerity of this profession of ours.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 44:21
Psalms 44:21 Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.Ver. 21. Shall not God search this out?] What pretences or excuses soever be used for the colouring and covering of the same. For he knoweth, &c.] See Matthew 10:26,
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 44:21
Verse 21. Shall not God search this out?] We confidently appeal to the true God, the searcher of hearts, for the truth of this statement.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 44:21
21. It would be vain to attempt to conceal any faithlessness from the Searcher of hearts. Cp. Job’s protestations of innocence, ch. Psalms 31:4 ff.; and Psalms 139:1; Psalms 139:23; Jeremiah 17:10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 44:21
Shall not God search this out? - That is, If this had been the case, it would be known to God.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 44:21
21. Shall not God search this—The psalmist appeals to the omniscience of God for the confirmation of his words.
Sermons on Psalms 44:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Exposition on Psalm 44 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on Psalm 43, highlighting the connection between the suffering of the Martyrs and the Passion of Christ, emphasizing the endurance and faith of believers ami |
|
Crusade 1957 by Billy Graham | This sermon emphasizes the importance of examining and surrendering our hearts to God. It delves into the sinful, wicked, rebellious, and hardened nature of the human heart, highli |
|
The Judgment of God and the Great White Throne! by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God's revelation and warns about the consequences of its removal. He highlights that on Judgment Day, all the knowledge an |
|
Marvelous Benefits of Repentance by Ralph Mahoney | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four benefits that come to those who truly repent. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging sin, confessing it, making restitution, |
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The Lord Examines Our Paths by Derek Prince | Derek Prince emphasizes the profound truth that every action and motive of our lives is fully exposed to the Lord, who meticulously examines our paths. There is no hiding from God' |
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Design or Intention Constitutes Character by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes that a person's moral character is defined by their ultimate intention rather than their actions or subordinate intentions. He explains the distinction be |
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Having a Perfect Heart by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the possibility of walking before the Lord with a perfect heart, encouraging believers to earnestly desire obedience to God's command. He explains that p |