Psalms 44:8

KJV

In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah.

KJV (with Strong's)

In God {H430} we boast {H1984}{H8765)} all the day {H3117} long, and praise {H3034}{H8686)} thy name {H8034} for ever {H5769}. Selah {H5542}.

Complete Jewish Bible

We will boast in our God all day and give thanks to your name forever. (Selah)

Berean Standard Bible

In God we have boasted all day long, and Your name we will praise forever. Selah

American Standard Version

In God have we made our boast all the day long, And we will give thanks unto thy name for ever. [Selah

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 44:8 is a powerful declaration of unwavering faith and perpetual adoration, articulating Israel's exclusive reliance on God amidst the profound communal lament that characterizes the rest of the psalm. It asserts that their confidence, pride, and source of glory are found solely in the Lord, whose name they will eternally exalt, a commitment punctuated by a call for reflective pause.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 44 is a communal lament, attributed to the Sons of Korah, structured to express deep national distress and theological perplexity. It opens by recounting God's mighty acts of deliverance in Israel's past (vv. 1-3), setting a precedent for divine intervention. Verses 4-8, culminating in our focal verse, then transition to a bold affirmation of the nation's present trust and exclusive devotion to God, serving as a crucial theological anchor before the psalm abruptly shifts. From verse 9 onward, the psalm details a desperate cry of perplexity and humiliation, describing their current defeat and suffering (vv. 9-16). The psalmists insist that their plight is not due to unfaithfulness or abandoning God's covenant (vv. 17-22), making their subsequent fervent plea for divine intervention (vv. 23-26) even more poignant. Verse 8, therefore, functions as a foundational statement of enduring commitment to God, setting up the profound paradox of faithful suffering that the remainder of the psalm explores.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The precise historical setting for Psalm 44 is not explicitly stated, leading scholars to propose various periods of national crisis, such as the Assyrian or Babylonian invasions, or even earlier times of military defeat and public shame for Israel. Regardless of the specific event, the psalm reflects a situation where God's people faced severe adversity despite their perceived faithfulness and covenant loyalty. Culturally, the concept of "boasting" (Hebrew: *halal*) in God was sharply distinct from pagan boasting in idols, military might, or personal achievements. It was an act of worship, a public declaration of God's supremacy, power, and saving acts, contrasting sharply with the self-aggrandizement common in ancient Near Eastern cultures. The "Sons of Korah," as a guild of temple musicians and gatekeepers, likely composed this psalm for liturgical use, intended to be recited or sung by the community during times of national calamity, allowing them to collectively articulate their faith and lament before God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Psalms and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Exclusive Trust in God**, asserting that true confidence and security are found solely in the Lord, not in human strength, military might, or worldly alliances, a sentiment echoed in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"). Secondly, it highlights **Perpetual Praise and Adoration**, emphasizing that worship is not conditional on circumstances but an enduring commitment, as seen in the call to bless the Lord at all times in [Psalm 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalm 34:1 - Blessing the Lord at All Times"). Thirdly, it defines **Righteous Boasting**, distinguishing between self-aggrandizing pride and the glorification of God, aligning with the prophetic call to boast in knowing God, not in wisdom or might, found in [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23-24 "Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Boasting in Knowing God"). Finally, it exemplifies **Faith Amidst Adversity**, demonstrating an unwavering declaration of God's worthiness even when His actions are not understood, a theme prevalent in lament psalms where faith persists despite suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym_):** This plural noun, often used with the definite article, specifically refers to the supreme God. While it can denote gods in a general sense or even magistrates, its usage here, particularly within the context of Israel's worship, unequivocally points to Yahweh, the one true God. The plural form can convey majesty or intensity, emphasizing God's comprehensive power and authority as the object of their boast and praise.
* **boast (Hebrew, _hâlal_):** A primitive root meaning "to be clear," "to shine," and hence "to make a show" or "to boast." This term is the root of "Hallelujah" and signifies a joyous, enthusiastic, and often public declaration of praise, celebration, or glorification. Unlike worldly boasting, which elevates self, *hâlal* directs attention and honor outward, specifically towards God, proclaiming His excellencies and mighty deeds. It implies an active, vibrant, and unreserved expression of adoration, often accompanied by shouting or exultation.
* **Selah (Hebrew, _çelâh_):** Derived from a root meaning "suspension (of music)," this term appears 71 times in the Psalms and 3 times in Habakkuk. It is a technical musical or liturgical term whose precise meaning remains debated. Common interpretations include a pause for reflection, an instrumental interlude, a change in musical dynamics, or an emphatic marker. In this context, placed after a profound declaration of perpetual trust and praise, it likely serves to underscore the weight and significance of the preceding statement, inviting the worshiper to pause and deeply ponder its truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In God we boast all the day long":** This clause declares that the ultimate, exclusive source of Israel's confidence, pride, and glory is God. Their "boasting" is not in their own strength, wisdom, or achievements, but in the character, power, and faithfulness of the Almighty. The phrase "all the day long" emphasizes the continuous and pervasive nature of this God-centered confidence, permeating every moment and circumstance of their lives, regardless of external conditions or the trials they face.
* **"and praise thy name for ever":** This second clause expands on the first, specifying the *form* of their boasting: it is through praising God's name. "Name" in biblical thought represents the totality of God's revealed character, His attributes, and His reputation. To praise His name is to acknowledge and extol all that He is, expressing deep reverence and adoration. The temporal qualifier "for ever" signifies the eternal, unending commitment to this praise, transcending present difficulties and extending into perpetuity, highlighting an enduring covenant relationship.
* **"Selah":** This concluding interjection serves as a liturgical or musical marker, inviting a pause. Following the powerful declaration of perpetual boasting and eternal praise, "Selah" prompts the reader or listener to reflect deeply on the profound theological truth just uttered – the unwavering commitment to God's glory despite the unfolding lament that follows in the psalm. It is a call to internalize the weight of this declaration of faith.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 44:8 employs several significant literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Parallelism** is evident in the two main clauses, "In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever," where the second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, expressing similar ideas of God-centered adoration and perpetual devotion. The phrases "all the day long" and "for ever" demonstrate **Hyperbole** or **Merism**, emphasizing the continuous and unending nature of their praise, suggesting a totality of time and an absolute commitment that transcends fleeting moments. The act of "boasting" in God is a form of **Metonymy**, where the action (boasting) stands for the ultimate source of their confidence and identity (God Himself). Finally, "Selah" acts as a **Structural Marker** or **Rhetorical Device**, compelling the audience to pause, reflect, and internalize the profound theological statement that precedes it, giving it added weight and emphasis within the psalm's unfolding narrative of lament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 44:8 stands as a profound declaration of unwavering faith and exclusive devotion to God, even in the crucible of national suffering. It articulates a theology where God, not human might or circumstance, is the sole object of trust and the eternal recipient of praise. This commitment to "boasting in God" transforms a potentially self-aggrandizing act into a humble recognition of divine sovereignty and goodness. The verse provides a theological anchor, asserting that true identity and hope are found in God's unchanging character, regardless of the shifting tides of fortune. It challenges the common human tendency to rely on visible strengths and instead redirects all glory and confidence to the invisible yet ever-present God, whose name is worthy of perpetual exaltation.

* [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord")
* [Psalm 34:1](/psalms/34-1 "Psalm 34:1 - Blessing the Lord at All Times")
* [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23-24 "Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Boasting in Knowing God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world that constantly encourages self-reliance, self-promotion, and the pursuit of fleeting achievements, Psalms 44:8 offers a radical counter-cultural call. It invites believers to reorient their entire existence around God, making Him the singular object of their confidence and the eternal recipient of their praise. This means consciously choosing to find our security not in our careers, our possessions, our intellect, or our relationships, but in the unchanging character and unfailing promises of God. It challenges us to cultivate a habit of continuous praise, not just when circumstances are favorable, but "all the day long," even amidst trials and uncertainties, transforming our laments into declarations of His sovereign goodness. To "boast in God" is to live a life that publicly declares His greatness, His faithfulness, and His worthiness, becoming a living testimony that points others to Him. This verse reminds us that our deepest identity and most enduring hope are eternally anchored in God, providing a steadfast foundation for navigating life's challenges with unwavering faith and perpetual adoration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you tend to boast in yourself or in worldly achievements rather than in God?**
* **How can you cultivate a more consistent posture of praise to God, even when facing difficult or confusing circumstances?**
* **What does it practically look like to "boast in God" in your daily interactions and public life?**

### FAQ
**What does "Selah" mean in this context?**

Answer: While the exact meaning of "Selah" is debated among scholars, in the context of Psalms 44:8, it is generally understood as a musical or liturgical instruction. It likely indicates a pause for reflection, an instrumental interlude, or a strong emphasis on the preceding statement. Here, following the powerful declaration of unwavering trust and eternal praise to God, "Selah" serves to underscore the profound theological truth just uttered, inviting the reader or worshiper to pause, ponder, and internalize the deep commitment to God expressed in the verse. It calls for a moment of solemn contemplation on the nature of perpetual faith and adoration, even amidst the psalm's subsequent lament.

**How is "boasting in God" different from human pride or arrogance?**

Answer: The "boasting" (Hebrew: *hâlal*) in Psalms 44:8 is fundamentally different from human pride or arrogance. Worldly boasting elevates the self, focusing on personal achievements, possessions, or status, often leading to conceit and a diminished view of God. In contrast, "boasting in God" is an act of profound humility and worship. It means to declare, celebrate, and magnify God's greatness, His character, His mighty acts, and His faithfulness. It is akin to "praising" or "glorifying" God, shining a spotlight on His excellencies rather than one's own. This distinction is crucial, as highlighted in [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23-24 "Jeremiah 9:23-24 - Boasting in Knowing God"), where the prophet declares that the wise should not boast in their wisdom, nor the mighty in their might, nor the rich in their riches, but rather "let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me." It is a God-centered, rather than self-centered, declaration of worth.

**Does this verse imply that Israel was always faithful, even when suffering?**

Answer: Psalms 44:8, read in isolation, might suggest unwavering faithfulness. However, when viewed within the broader context of [Psalm 44](/psalms/44 "Psalm 44 - A Communal Lament"), it presents a more nuanced picture. The psalm begins by recalling God's past deliverances and affirms the nation's present trust (vv. 1-8), explicitly stating their faithfulness (vv. 17-18): "All this has come upon us, yet we have not forgotten you, nor have we been false to your covenant." The subsequent verses (vv. 9-22) then describe intense suffering and defeat, prompting a desperate plea for God's intervention. The psalmists are perplexed because their suffering seems to contradict their faithfulness. Therefore, Psalms 44:8 is not a claim of perfect, unbroken faithfulness, but rather a *declaration of their core identity and commitment to God* even when circumstances are confusing and difficult, and even when they feel abandoned. It's a statement of enduring covenant loyalty and trust *despite* the apparent lack of divine favor, making their lament all the more poignant and their faith all the more remarkable.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 44:8, with its declaration of perpetual boasting and praise in God, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament faithful could only boast in God based on His past acts and covenant promises, often struggling with the paradox of suffering despite their faithfulness. However, in Christ, this boasting becomes a reality grounded in the Incarnation, Atonement, and Resurrection. We boast in God because He has fully revealed Himself in the person of Jesus, the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), who perfectly embodied God's character and fulfilled His promises. Our praise is "for ever" because Christ's victory over sin and death is eternal, securing our salvation and guaranteeing our future with God, as celebrated in the heavenly chorus of [Revelation 5:12-13](/revelation/5-12-13 "Revelation 5:12-13 - Worthy is the Lamb"). The Apostle Paul frequently echoes this theme, admonishing believers to "boast in the Lord" (e.g., [1 Corinthians 1:31](/1_corinthians/1-31 "1 Corinthians 1:31 - Boasting in the Lord"); [2 Corinthians 10:17](/2_corinthians/10-17 "2 Corinthians 10:17 - Boasting in the Lord")), understanding that all true glory and confidence derive from God's work in Christ, not from human wisdom or strength. Our ability to praise God "all the day long" is empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who enables us to live lives that continually reflect the glory of the Father through the Son, even in our weakness and suffering, knowing that [in all things God works for the good of those who love him](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Good"). Thus, Psalms 44:8 is not just an ancient declaration but a prophetic anticipation of the Christ-centered life, where our entire being is joyfully surrendered to and glorifies the God who has redeemed us through His Son.

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

Psalms 34:2

My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear [thereof], and be glad.

Jeremiah 9:24

But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.

1 Corinthians 1:29

That no flesh should glory in his presence.

1 Corinthians 1:31

That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Romans 2:17

¶ Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

Psalms 30:12

To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.

Isaiah 45:25

In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.