Psalms 44:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Israel has become an object of mockery and contempt to surrounding peoples.
The Context of Psalms 44:13
Description of Israel's public shame and mockery among neighbors.
What Does Psalms 44:13 Mean?
'Reproach' denotes shame and disgrace in the eyes of others. 'Scorn and derision' emphasize deliberate mockery—Israel is not merely viewed as defeated but as worthy of ridicule. The repetition of contemptuous terms (reproach, scorn, derision) conveys how completely Israel's honor has been stripped away. Neighbors and surrounding peoples all join in the mockery.
This public humiliation compounds the military loss. In ancient Near Eastern thinking, honor and shame were social realities with real consequences. By making Israel an object of contempt among neighboring nations, God has exposed them to loss of standing and dignity. The psalmist emphasizes that this shame is divinely caused—'thou makest us'—not simply the unfortunate result of war.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 44:13
What does Psalms 44:13 mean?
Israel has become an object of mockery and contempt to surrounding peoples.
What is the context of Psalms 44:13?
Description of Israel's public shame and mockery among neighbors.