Psalms 44:14

KJV

Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou makest {H7760}{H8799)} us a byword {H4912} among the heathen {H1471}, a shaking {H4493} of the head {H7218} among the people {H3816}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You make us a byword among the nations; the peoples jeer at us, shaking their heads.

Berean Standard Bible

You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples.

American Standard Version

Thou makest us a byword among the nations, A shaking of the head among the peoples.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 44:14 is a profound and poignant lament from the community of Israel, expressing deep humiliation and perceived abandonment by God. It articulates the painful reality of a nation, chosen and covenanted with the Almighty, becoming an object of scorn, ridicule, and contempt among the surrounding Gentile nations. The verse captures the collective shame and theological struggle of a people who feel their suffering is undeserved, directly attributing their degraded status to God's own doing, thereby wrestling with divine sovereignty in the midst of unmerited distress and public disgrace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 44 is a communal lament, one of the "Sons of Korah" psalms (Psalms 42-49), characterized by its corporate voice and a unique assertion of innocence. Unlike many laments that confess national sin as the cause of suffering, this psalm boldly states the people's faithfulness and adherence to God's covenant, as declared in [Psalm 44:17-18](/psalms/44-17-18 "Psalm 44:17-18 - Israel's Claim of Faithfulness"). The psalm begins by recalling God's mighty acts of deliverance in the past, celebrating His historical interventions on behalf of Israel in [Psalm 44:1-8](/psalms/44-1-8 "Psalm 44:1-8 - Recalling God's Past Deliverances"). This glorious past is then starkly contrasted with the present defeat, humiliation, and perceived divine rejection described in [Psalm 44:9-16](/psalms/44-9-16 "Psalm 44:9-16 - The Present Humiliation"). Verse 14 serves as a central and vivid expression of the deep shame and public mockery endured by the nation, intensifying the psalmist's bewildered and desperate cry to God for intervention, culminating in a fervent plea for divine action and restoration in [Psalm 44:23-26](/psalms/44-23-26 "Psalm 44:23-26 - A Plea for Deliverance").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The precise historical setting for Psalm 44 is debated among scholars, with suggestions ranging from the Assyrian or Babylonian exiles to the Maccabean period or even earlier invasions. Regardless of the specific event, the context is one of profound national defeat, military failure, and subjugation to foreign powers. In the Ancient Near East, a nation's military success or failure was often interpreted as a direct reflection of the power and favor of its god. For Israel, a people chosen by YHWH and promised protection and prosperity, such defeats were not merely political or military setbacks; they constituted profound theological crises. The "heathen" or "people" refer to the surrounding Gentile nations who would gloat over Israel's misfortunes, viewing them as evidence of YHWH's weakness or abandonment of His people. To be a "byword" (a common saying or proverb) meant becoming an object of widespread public contempt and derision, while a "shaking of the head" was a universal, deeply humiliating gesture of mockery and disdain, signifying utter scorn and triumph over the defeated. This dire situation undermined Israel's unique identity as God's chosen nation and brought perceived dishonor to God's name among those who did not believe in Him.
* **Key Themes:** Psalm 44:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Psalter and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Profound Humiliation and Shame**, vividly portraying the experience of being publicly scorned and ridiculed. Israel, once a mighty nation under God's hand, now feels exposed and utterly shamed before its adversaries, a stark contrast to their past triumphs and God's covenant promises. Secondly, the verse grapples with the challenging theme of **Divine Sovereignty in Suffering**, as the psalmist directly attributes this painful state to God ("Thou makest us"). This is not an accusation of divine malice but a bold, honest expression of theological struggle, questioning why God would allow His covenant people to suffer such indignity, especially when they felt they had been faithful, as seen in [Psalm 44:17-18](/psalms/44-17-18 "Psalm 44:17-18 - Israel's Claim of Faithfulness"). Thirdly, it underscores the critical theme of the **Reputation of God's Name**. The shame brought upon Israel implicitly reflects on God's power and faithfulness. The taunts of the "heathen" were not just against Israel but against the God of Israel, raising concerns about His honor among the nations, a concern God Himself addresses in passages like [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations"). Finally, the verse is integral to the broader theme of **Lament and Questioning**, characteristic of many biblical psalms where believers wrestle honestly with God's actions or apparent inaction, expressing confusion, pain, and a desperate plea for divine intervention.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **byword (Hebrew, _mâshâl'_):** This Hebrew term (H4912) is rich in meaning, encompassing proverbs, parables, allegories, and even satirical sayings or taunts. In this context, it carries the derogatory sense of a common, contemptuous saying or a proverb used to mock and ridicule. Israel has become a public joke, a derogatory cliché among its enemies, signifying their utter downfall and the perceived failure of their God. The use of _mâshâl_ here emphasizes the verbal and intellectual scorn directed at the nation.
* **shaking (Hebrew, _mânôwd'_):** This word (H4493) is derived from a root meaning "to nod" or "to toss." Here, it specifically refers to a "nodding or toss (of the head in derision)," indicating a distinct physical gesture of contempt, derision, or disapproval. It is a powerful, non-verbal expression of scorn, indicating deep mockery and triumph over a humiliated opponent. Coupled with "of the head" (H7218, _rôʼsh_), this gesture is universal and immediately recognizable, amplifying the public and profound nature of Israel's shame. It signifies a complete lack of sympathy and an active participation in their degradation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou makest us":** This opening phrase is theologically striking and central to the psalmist's lament. It directly attributes Israel's humiliating condition to God's active agency (H7760, _sûwm_ - "to put," "to make," "to appoint"). This is not passive suffering or mere misfortune; the psalmist believes God Himself has orchestrated or allowed this state. This bold declaration highlights the psalmist's honest and raw wrestling with divine sovereignty, especially in light of their perceived faithfulness. It underscores the deep paradox of a covenant God seemingly bringing shame upon His own people.
* **"a byword among the heathen":** This clause describes the specific nature of the humiliation. Israel has become a "byword," a common derogatory saying or a subject of contemptuous proverbs among the Gentile nations (H1471, _gôwy_ - "foreign nation," "Gentile," "heathen"). Their former glory and unique status as God's chosen people have been reduced to a public jest, a symbol of ridicule and failure. This signifies a profound loss of honor and a public spectacle of their perceived abandonment by God, indicating that their identity as God's people has become a source of scorn rather than respect.
* **"a shaking of the head among the people":** This phrase reinforces and intensifies the previous one through synonymous parallelism. "The people" here refers to the same Gentile nations (H3816, _lᵉʼôm_ - "community," "nation," "people"). The "shaking of the head" is a vivid, physical gesture of scorn and mockery. It means that Israel is not only talked about contemptuously but is also visually and publicly derided. Passersby, enemies, and onlookers actively express their disdain and triumph over Israel's downfall, making their humiliation a shared, visible spectacle that compounds their agony.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 44:14 effectively employs several literary devices to convey the depth of Israel's humiliation and theological distress. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "a byword among the heathen" is echoed and intensified by "a shaking of the head among the people." Both phrases convey the same core idea of public scorn and ridicule, but the second phrase adds a visual, active dimension to the contempt, emphasizing its widespread and demonstrative nature. The direct address "Thou makest us" is a form of **Apostrophe**, speaking directly to God, but it also functions as a powerful declaration of **Divine Agency**, attributing the suffering directly to God's will. This bold theological statement is characteristic of **Lament** literature, where the psalmist engages in a raw and honest dialogue with God, even bordering on accusation, to express profound confusion and pain. The entire verse functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, exaggerating the extent of the humiliation to convey the overwhelming emotional and spiritual burden felt by the community. This rhetorical amplification underscores the severity of their perceived abandonment and the crisis of faith it engenders.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 44:14 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical theme of suffering, particularly when it appears to be unmerited or divinely ordained. It forces a confrontation with the paradox of a faithful God allowing His covenant people to endure profound public humiliation. Theologically, it highlights the intricate relationship between God's reputation and the fate of His people; Israel's shame was perceived as a blemish on God's own name among the nations. Yet, even in this raw lament, there is an implicit trust that God is ultimately sovereign and capable of changing their circumstances. This verse invites believers to bring their deepest questions and most painful experiences of ridicule or marginalization directly to God, confident that honest lament is a valid form of prayer. It also foreshadows the ultimate suffering of the Messiah, who would endure even greater scorn for the sake of God's name and the salvation of His people.

* [Jeremiah 24:9](/jeremiah/24-9 "Jeremiah 24:9 - Israel a Reproach and Byword")
* [Lamentations 2:15](/lamentations/2-15 "Lamentations 2:15 - Mockery at Jerusalem's Fall")
* [Matthew 27:39](/matthew/27-39 "Matthew 27:39 - Mockery at the Cross")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 44:14 offers profound insights for believers navigating a world often hostile to faith. It validates the human experience of feeling misunderstood, ridiculed, or even abandoned, especially when one strives for faithfulness. In moments when our convictions lead to public scorn or marginalization, this verse reminds us that such experiences are not new to God's people. It encourages a radical honesty in prayer, permitting us to voice our deepest confusion and pain to God, even when we struggle to reconcile our suffering with His goodness or sovereignty. Rather than retreating in shame, the psalmist's lament becomes an act of defiant faith, appealing to God's character and past faithfulness. For us, it calls for perseverance in the face of derision, recognizing that our ultimate vindication comes from God, and that even our humiliation can, in God's sovereign plan, serve to glorify His name, much like the paradox of the cross. This passage challenges us to consider how our response to ridicule might either diminish or magnify the name of Christ in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Psalm 44:14 validate your own feelings of confusion or perceived abandonment by God in times of suffering, especially when you feel you have been faithful?**
* **In what ways might believers today experience being a "byword" or "shaking of the head" in a world increasingly hostile or indifferent to Christian values?**
* **How can maintaining faithfulness in suffering ultimately bring glory to God, even when it feels personally humiliating or discrediting?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist attribute the suffering directly to God ("Thou makest us") if Israel claims faithfulness?**

Answer: The psalmist's direct attribution of their suffering to God ("Thou makest us") is a characteristic feature of biblical lament. It reflects a deep theological conviction in God's absolute sovereignty over all circumstances, even those that are painful and seemingly contradictory to His covenant promises. It is not necessarily an accusation of divine malice or injustice, but rather a desperate, honest wrestling with God's actions (or perceived inaction). The psalmist is essentially saying, "If this is happening, You must be allowing it, and we don't understand why, especially since we have been faithful." This bold honesty is a hallmark of biblical prayer, as seen in other laments like [Psalm 13](/psalms/13 "Psalm 13 - How Long, O Lord?"), where the psalmist directly questions God's apparent absence. It expresses a profound trust that God is powerful enough to be questioned and loving enough to hear such raw cries, even in the midst of profound theological perplexity.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of God's honor among the nations?**

Answer: In the Ancient Near East, a nation's fate was inextricably linked to the reputation of its god. If a nation suffered defeat or humiliation, it was often interpreted by surrounding peoples as a sign that their god was weak, had abandoned them, or was inferior to the gods of the victorious nations. Therefore, Israel's status as a "byword" and "shaking of the head" among the "heathen" was not just a national disgrace but also a perceived dishonor to YHWH, the God of Israel. The psalmist's lament implicitly appeals to God's concern for His own name and glory. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, where God often acts "for My name's sake," as seen in [Ezekiel 36:23](/ezekiel/36-23 "Ezekiel 36:23 - God's Name Sanctified Among the Nations") and [Isaiah 48:11](/isaiah/48-11 "Isaiah 48:11 - For My Own Sake"). The psalmist's plea is not only for Israel's restoration but also for the vindication of God's honor among the nations, demonstrating that God's glory is intrinsically tied to the well-being and testimony of His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 44:14, with its raw depiction of unmerited humiliation and public scorn, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. As the perfect Israelite, Jesus perfectly embodied the suffering of God's faithful people, yet His suffering was not for His own sin but for the sins of the world. He became the ultimate "byword" and object of "shaking of the head" among the people, enduring unimaginable mockery and derision at His trial and crucifixion, as vividly described in [Matthew 27:39-44](/matthew/27-39-44 "Matthew 27:39-44 - Mockery at the Cross") and [Mark 15:29-32](/mark/15-29-32 "Mark 15:29-32 - Mockery of Jesus on the Cross"). The psalmist's bewildered cry, "Thou makest us," finds its deepest resonance in God's sovereign plan for Christ's sacrifice, for it was "by God's deliberate plan and foreknowledge" that Jesus was handed over and crucified ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Predetermined Plan for Christ")). Yet, through this ultimate humiliation and apparent defeat, God's name was supremely glorified, and the "byword" of the cross, which was foolishness to the Gentiles, became the very power and wisdom of God for those who believe ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Message of the Cross")). Thus, Christ transforms the shame of the byword into the glory of salvation, inviting believers to share in His suffering and His ultimate vindication, knowing that if we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ, Sufferers with Christ")) and that our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all ([2 Corinthians 4:17](/2_corinthians/4-17 "2 Corinthians 4:17 - Our Light and Momentary Troubles")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 24:9

And I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth for [their] hurt, [to be] a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.

Job 16:4

I also could speak as ye [do]: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.

2 Kings 19:21

This [is] the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, [and] laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.

Deuteronomy 28:37

And thou shalt become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all nations whither the LORD shall lead thee.

2 Chronicles 7:20

Then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have sanctified for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and will make it [to be] a proverb and a byword among all nations.

1 Kings 9:7

Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people:

Job 17:6

He hath made me also a byword of the people; and aforetime I was as a tabret.