But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us.

PSALMS 44:7KJV
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Psalms 44:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 44:7 mean?

Psalms 44:7 says that God is the one who rescues the people from their enemies and brings disgrace to those who hate them. The verse credits God alone for deliverance and for turning the tables on those who oppose or despise the people.

In this psalm, the community of Israel is speaking to God, recalling times when God acted on their behalf. The setting is one of reflection and prayer, where the people remember how God saved them from hostile nations and caused those who hated them to be shamed. The verse highlights trust in God’s power rather than in human strength or ability.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 44:7

  • "saved" (יָשַׁע, yashaʿ): This word means to deliver or rescue, often with the sense of a powerful intervention. Here, it emphasizes that the people’s safety comes directly from God’s action.
  • "enemies" (צַר, tsar): This term refers to adversaries or those who cause distress. The verse points out that these are not just generic opponents but real threats from which God delivers.
  • "shame" (בּוּשׁ, bosh): This word means to be put to shame or disgraced. It suggests a reversal of fortunes, where those who meant harm are themselves humiliated.
  • "hated" (שָׂנֵא, sane): This verb means to hate or be hostile toward. The verse identifies the opposition as not just rivals but those with deep animosity.

Why Psalms 44:7 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the victory and safety of the people are not due to their own efforts, but to God’s intervention, which is a key theme in the psalm.
  • The verse highlights the emotional reality of facing hatred and opposition, showing that God is attentive to both the physical danger and the shame involved.
  • Psalms 44:7 connects to the larger context of the psalm, where the people remember God’s past faithfulness even as they struggle with present difficulties, reinforcing the idea of relying on God in all circumstances.

Where else these words appear

“shame” Hebrew H954 · used in 100 verses

  • Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
  • Psalms 119:6 Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments.
  • Isaiah 66:5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

“enemies” 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.

“hated” Hebrew H8130 · used in 139 verses

  • Genesis 24:60 And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
  • Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)
  • Proverbs 1:29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: