Psalms 44:21 Meaning and Explanation
“Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God, who knows all hidden things, would certainly discern whether Israel is faithful or unfaithful.
The Context of Psalms 44:21
Appeal to God's omniscience as grounds for justice toward faithful Israel.
What Does Psalms 44:21 Mean?
'Shall not God search this out?' is a rhetorical question asserting that God will investigate and know the truth. 'Search out' (Hebrew 'haggar') means to examine thoroughly, to seek and find hidden things. God is invoked here as investigator and judge who has the ability and motivation to know Israel's true state.
'He knoweth the secrets of the heart' appeals to God's omniscience—His knowledge extends to what cannot be seen by human observers. If Israel claims faithfulness, God already knows whether this claim is true. This verse is both confidence in God's fairness (He will see that Israel is loyal) and an appeal: given that God knows the truth, why does He not act on that knowledge to vindicate Israel?
Psalms 44:21 in the Original Language
'secrets of the heart' (סוֹדוֹת לֵב, sodot lev) — hidden thoughts and intentions accessible only to God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 44:21
What does Psalms 44:21 mean?
God, who knows all hidden things, would certainly discern whether Israel is faithful or unfaithful.
What is the context of Psalms 44:21?
Appeal to God's omniscience as grounds for justice toward faithful Israel.