Psalms 44:3
Psalms 44:3 in Multiple Translations
For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them.
For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
For they gat not the land in possession by their own sword, Neither did their own arm save them; But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, Because thou wast favorable unto them.
For they did not make the land theirs by their swords, and it was not their arms which kept them safe; but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your face, because you had pleasure in them.
They did not conquer the land using their swords; it was not through their own strength that the victory was won—it was by your strength, your power, and your presence with them, because you loved them.
For they inherited not the lande by their owne sworde, neither did their owne arme saue them: but thy right hand, and thine arme and the light of thy countenance, because thou didest fauour them.
For, not by their sword Possessed they the land, And their arm gave not salvation to them, But Thy right hand, and Thine arm, And the light of Thy countenance, Because Thou hadst accepted them.
For they didn’t get the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, because you were favorable to them.
For they obtained not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thy arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favor to them.
Thou art beautiful above the sons of men: grace is poured abroad in thy lips; therefore hath God blessed thee for ever.
It was not by using their own swords that they conquered the people that lived in that land, and it was not by their own power that they were victorious; it was only by your power [MTY, DOU] that they did those things; and they were sure that you were with them, and that showed that you were pleased with them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 44:3
BAB
Word Study
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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 44:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַתָּ֤ה
יָדְ/ךָ֡
גּוֹיִ֣ם
ה֭וֹרַשְׁתָּ
וַ/תִּטָּעֵ֑/ם
תָּרַ֥ע
לְ֝אֻמִּ֗ים
וַֽ/תְּשַׁלְּחֵֽ/ם
אַתָּ֤ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
יָדְ/ךָ֡
yâd
H3027
hand
N-cs | Suff
גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
N-mp
ה֭וֹרַשְׁתָּ
yârash
H3423
to possess
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
וַ/תִּטָּעֵ֑/ם
nâṭaʻ
H5193
to plant
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
תָּרַ֥ע
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
לְ֝אֻמִּ֗ים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
people
N-mp
וַֽ/תְּשַׁלְּחֵֽ/ם
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 44:3
אַתָּ֤ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
יָדְ/ךָ֡
yâd
H3027
"hand"
N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
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.
ה֭וֹרַשְׁתָּ
yârash
H3423
"to possess"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
To possess means to take control of something, like a piece of land, by driving out others and occupying it. This word is used in the Bible to describe inheriting property or seizing power.
Definition: : possess/inherit 1) to seize, dispossess, take possession off, inherit, disinherit, occupy, impoverish, be an heir 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession of 1a2) to inherit 1a3) to impoverish, come to poverty, be poor 1b) (Niphal) to be dispossessed, be impoverished, come to poverty 1c) (Piel) to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to possess or inherit 1d2) to cause others to possess or inherit 1d3) to impoverish 1d4) to dispossess 1d5) to destroy, bring to ruin, disinherit
Usage: Occurs in 204 OT verses. KJV: cast out, consume, destroy, disinherit, dispossess, drive(-ing) out, enjoy, expel, [idiom] without fail, (give to, leave for) inherit(-ance, -or) [phrase] magistrate, be (make) poor, come to poverty, (give to, make to) possess, get (have) in (take) possession, seize upon, succeed, [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 15:3; Joshua 15:63; Psalms 25:13.
וַ/תִּטָּעֵ֑/ם
nâṭaʻ
H5193
"to plant"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
To plant or establish something, like in Genesis 2:8 where God planted a garden in Eden. It can also mean to fix or fasten something in place.
Definition: 1) to plant, fasten, fix, establish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to plant 1a2) to plant, establish (fig.) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be planted 1b2) to be established (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: fastened, plant(-er). See also: Genesis 2:8; Isaiah 17:10; Psalms 44:3.
תָּרַ֥ע
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
לְ֝אֻמִּ֗ים
lᵉʼôm
H3816
"people"
N-mp
This word refers to a community or nation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people who share a common identity or culture. The KJV translates it as 'nation' or 'people'.
Definition: a people, nation
Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: nation, people. See also: Genesis 25:23; Proverbs 11:26; Psalms 2:1.
וַֽ/תְּשַׁלְּחֵֽ/ם
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 44:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 44:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 44:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 44:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 44:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 44:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
- Sermons on Psalms 44:3
Context — Redeem Us, O God
1We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have told us the work You did in their days, in the days of old.
2With Your hand You drove out the nations and planted our fathers there; You crushed the peoples and cast them out.
3For it was not by their sword that they took the land; their arm did not bring them victory. It was by Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your face, because You favored them.
4You are my King, O God, who ordains victories for Jacob. 5Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 7:7–8 | The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 8:17–18 | You might say in your heart, “The power and strength of my hands have made this wealth for me.” But remember that it is the LORD your God who gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant that He swore to your fathers even to this day. |
| 3 | Joshua 24:12 | I sent the hornet ahead of you, and it drove out the two Amorite kings before you, but not by your own sword or bow. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 4:7 | Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us. |
| 5 | Zechariah 4:6 | So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 6 | Psalms 20:6 | Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed; He answers him from His holy heaven with the saving power of His right hand. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 4:37–38 | Because He loved your fathers, He chose their descendants after them and brought you out of Egypt by His presence and great power, to drive out before you nations greater and mightier than you, and to bring you into their land and give it to you for your inheritance, as it is this day. |
| 8 | Psalms 77:15 | With power You redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah |
| 9 | Exodus 15:16 | and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 10:15 | Yet the LORD has set His affection on your fathers and loved them. And He has chosen you, their descendants after them, above all the peoples, even to this day. |
Psalms 44:3 Summary
[This verse reminds us that it's not our own strength or abilities that bring us success, but rather God's power and favor. Just like the Israelites, who didn't conquer the land by their own sword, we can trust that God is the one who gives us victory. As it says in Psalms 60:12, 'With God we will gain the victory, and He will trample down our enemies.' We can have confidence in God's power and presence in our lives, and give Him the glory for our successes. By trusting in God, we can experience the peace and comfort that comes from knowing He is with us, as promised in Isaiah 41:10.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that it was not by their sword that they took the land?
This means that the Israelites' military power was not the reason they were able to conquer the land, but rather it was God's power and favor that gave them victory, as seen in Psalms 44:3 and supported by Deuteronomy 8:17-18, which reminds us that it is God who gives us the power to gain wealth.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?
This verse highlights God's sovereignty in the lives of His people, demonstrating that He is the one who ordains victories and gives success, as also seen in Proverbs 21:31 and Romans 8:28, which emphasize God's control over all things.
What is the significance of 'the light of Your face' in this verse?
The phrase 'the light of Your face' refers to God's favor and presence, which is a source of comfort, guidance, and strength for His people, as expressed in Psalms 4:6 and Numbers 6:25, where God's face shines upon us.
How can we apply the principle of this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this principle by recognizing that our successes and victories come from God, and not just from our own efforts, and by trusting in His power and favor, as encouraged in Philippians 4:13 and Psalms 37:3-5, which remind us to trust in God and do good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am trying to accomplish things in my own strength, rather than relying on God's power and favor?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence and favor in my life, and trust in His sovereignty?
- What are some ways that I can acknowledge and give thanks for God's victories and successes in my life, and give Him the glory?
- How can I apply the principle of Psalms 44:3 to my prayers, asking for God's favor and power in specific areas of my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 44:3
For they got not the land in possession by their own sword,.... There were many things which show that the possession of the land of Canaan was not of the Israelites themselves, but of the Lord; as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 44:3
For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
By their own sword, i.e. by their arms or valour. The light of thy countenance, i.e. thy favour, as the next words explain it; thy gracious and glorious presence, which went along with us.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
Psalms 44:3 For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them.Ver. 3. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, &c.] Men are apt to arrogate to themselves, and say, as Luther hath it, Hoc ego feci. I made this, Sesostris, king of Egypt, when he had conquered any country, was wont to set up pillars, and thereupon to engrave these words, This land I got in possession by my own power, he was afterwards slain by his own servants (Herod. lib. 2). But thy right hand] Quia per eam praelia et opera facta sunt, saith Kimchi. God is the great doer in all achievements. And the light of thy countenance] i.e. Illustris praesentia tua qua praeivisti et praeluxisti eis, thy gracious presence and conduct (Junius). Because thou hadst a favour unto them] Free grace was the fundamental cause of all their felicity. God loved them because he loved them, Deuteronomy 7:7. He chose them of his love, and then loved them for his choice.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
(3) The light of thy countenance.—Notice the contrast to this in Psalms 44:24; in times of distress God’s face seemed hidden or averted.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
Verse 3. For they got not the land] Neither by their valour, nor cunning, nor for their merit; yet, they were obliged to fight. But how did they conquer? By the right hand of the Lord, and by his arm; by his strength alone, and the light of his countenance-his favour most manifestly shown unto them.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 44:3
3. The thought of the preceding verse is still further emphasised. For not by their own sword gat they possession of the land, Neither did their own arm give them victory: But thy right hand, &c. Cp. Psalms 60:5; Joshua 4:24. the light of thy countenance] Cp. Psalms 4:6; Psalms 31:16; Psalms 80:3; Psalms 80:7; Psalms 80:19; and the Aaronic benediction in Numbers 6:24 ff. hadst a favour unto them] God’s free choice, not Israel’s merit, was the ground of His intervention on their behalf. Cp. Deuteronomy 4:37; Deuteronomy 8:17-18; Deuteronomy 9:4; Deuteronomy 9:6.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 44:3
For they got not the land in possession - The land of Canaan. The design of this verse is to illustrate the sentiment in the previous verse, that they owed their establishment in the promised land wholly to God.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 44:3
3. Because thou hadst a favour unto them—The ultimate reason of this favour to Israel was not personal merit, but because they were chosen nationally for certain great purposes of divine wisdom in
Sermons on Psalms 44:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Learning God's Word by Stewart Ruch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the uncertainty of the future and the need for guidance. He highlights the importance of the Word of God as a guide and a source of comfort i |
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God's Hornets by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that God sends His own forces, likened to 'hornets', to prepare the way for His people, ensuring their victory over adversaries without direct confrontatio |
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Ascribe the Victory to God by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of ascribing victory to God, using the example of the Syrians who recognized the supernatural power behind their defeat at the hands of the |
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Humility and the Fear of the Lord by Bob Hoekstra | Bob Hoekstra preaches on the importance of humility and the fear of the Lord, emphasizing that these qualities lead to riches, honor, life, and wisdom. Humility is acknowledging ou |
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Continue by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of abiding in the love of Christ, emphasizing that continuing in His love is different from focusing on our love for Him. The Spirit encourages |
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The Fear of God - Part 4 by Jerry Bridges | In this sermon, the speaker begins with a far-fetched illustration of a Christian leader who contemplates going to a topless dancer performance to "experience all of life." However |
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Ravi-Pride by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the changing nature of ministry and the mindset of today's ministers. He contrasts the dedication and sacrifice of historical figures like H |