Nevertheless he regarded their affliction, when he heard their cry:

PSALMS 106:44KJV
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Psalms 106:44 (KJV)

What does Psalms 106:44 mean?

Psalms 106:44 says that even when the people were suffering because of their own actions, God still noticed their trouble and listened when they cried out to Him. The verse highlights God's willingness to pay attention and respond with care, even after the people had gone astray.

The psalm is a reflection by the writer, speaking about Israel's history and their repeated failures to stay faithful to God. Despite their mistakes and the consequences they faced, this verse points out that God did not ignore them; instead, He responded when they turned to Him in distress. The focus is on God's attention and readiness to hear His people, even after they have messed up.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 106:44

  • "regarded" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means "to see" or "to notice." Here, it emphasizes that God did not overlook the people's suffering; He was aware and paid attention to their situation.
  • "affliction" (צָרָה, tsarah): This word refers to distress, trouble, or hardship. It shows that the people were in real difficulty, not just minor discomfort.
  • "heard" (שָׁמַע, shama'): This word means "to hear" or "to listen." In this context, it suggests more than just hearing sounds—it means God responded to their cry for help.
  • "cry" (רִנָּה, rinah): This word often means a ringing cry, shout, or plea, especially one made in desperation. It highlights the intensity and sincerity of the people's call for help.

Why Psalms 106:44 matters

  • This verse clears up the idea that God only listens to perfect people; it shows that God responds even when people have failed and are suffering because of their own choices.
  • The verse emphasizes that God's attention is not automatic—He chooses to notice and respond, showing personal care rather than distant indifference.
  • In the wider context of Psalm 106, this verse is a turning point, showing that God's mercy is a key theme, even after a long list of the people's mistakes and failures.

Where else these words appear

“cry” Hebrew H7440 · used in 33 verses

  • 1 Kings 8:28 Yet have thou respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication, O LORD my God, to hearken unto the cry and to the prayer, which thy servant prayeth before thee to day:
  • Psalms 105:43 And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness:
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

“affliction” Hebrew H6862 · used in 102 verses

  • Genesis 14:20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
  • Psalms 18:6 In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.
  • Proverbs 23:27 For a whore is a deep ditch; and a strange woman is a narrow pit.