Psalms 44:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou sellest thy people for nought, and dost not increase thy wealth by their price.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God has handed Israel over for nothing, gaining no value or compensation.
The Context of Psalms 44:12
Complaint that God has discarded Israel without even profiting.
What Does Psalms 44:12 Mean?
The image of being 'sold' suggests Israel has become a commodity in God's hands, disposed of as merchandise. But uniquely, the psalmist adds a cutting detail: 'for nought'—not even for profit or fair value. There is no compensatory gain, no strategic advantage to God. This makes the disposal seem both arbitrary and wasteful.
'Dost not increase thy wealth by their price' drives the point home: God receives nothing in return for surrendering Israel. This is presented as economically irrational, suggesting the betrayal is especially grievous. The complaint is not merely that Israel has been defeated but that they have been discarded without purpose or compensation—a statement of profound rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 44:12
What does Psalms 44:12 mean?
God has handed Israel over for nothing, gaining no value or compensation.
What is the context of Psalms 44:12?
Complaint that God has discarded Israel without even profiting.