Psalms 79:10
Psalms 79:10 in Multiple Translations
Why should the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations Your vengeance for the bloodshed of Your servants.
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed.
Wherefore should the nations say, Where is their God? Let the avenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed Be known among the nations in our sight.
Why may the nations say, Where is their God? Let payment for the blood of your servants be made openly among the nations before our eyes.
Why should the heathen nations be able to say, “Where is their God?” May they experience your punishment for shedding the blood of your servants, and may we see it.
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be knowen among the heathen in our sight by the vengeance of the blood of thy seruants that is shed.
Why do the nations say, 'Where [is] their God?' Let be known among the nations before our eyes, The vengeance of the blood of Thy servants that is shed.
Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let it be known among the nations, before our eyes, that vengeance for your servants’ blood is being poured out.
Why should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by avenging the blood of thy servants which is shed.
Thou wast the guide of its journey in its sight: thou plantedst the roots thereof, and it filled the land.
It is not right that [RHQ] other people-groups say about us, “If their God is very powerful, ◄surely he should help them/why does he not help them►?” Allow us to see you punishing the people of other nations in return for their shedding our blood; they have killed many of us, your people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 79:10
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 79:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ֤/מָּה
יֹאמְר֣וּ
הַ/גּוֹיִם֮
אַיֵּ֪ה
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫י/הֶ֥ם
יִוָּדַ֣ע
ב/גיים
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֣ם
לְ/עֵינֵ֑י/נוּ
נִ֝קְמַ֗ת
דַּֽם
עֲבָדֶ֥י/ךָ
הַ/שָּׁפֽוּךְ
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
הַ/גּוֹיִם֮
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Art | N-mp
אַיֵּ֪ה
ʼayêh
H346
where?
Part
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫י/הֶ֥ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
יִוָּדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Niphal-Juss-3ms
ב/גיים
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
Gentile
Prep | N-mp
לְ/עֵינֵ֑י/נוּ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
נִ֝קְמַ֗ת
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
vengeance
N-fs
דַּֽם
dâm
H1818
blood
N-ms
עֲבָדֶ֥י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
הַ/שָּׁפֽוּךְ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 79:10
לָ֤/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יֹאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/גּוֹיִם֮
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Art | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
אַיֵּ֪ה
ʼayêh
H346
"where?"
Part
The Hebrew word for where, used to ask for the location of someone or something. It appears in various biblical contexts, including rhetorical questions.
Definition: 1) where? 1a) of persons, things 1b) rhetorical
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: where. See also: Genesis 18:9; Isaiah 33:18; Psalms 42:4.
אֱֽלֹהֵ֫י/הֶ֥ם
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִוָּדַ֣ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Niphal-Juss-3ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
ב/גיים
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
בַּ/גּוֹיִ֣ם
gôwy
H1471
"Gentile"
Prep | N-mp
This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.
Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.
לְ/עֵינֵ֑י/נוּ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
נִ֝קְמַ֗ת
nᵉqâmâh
H5360
"vengeance"
N-fs
This noun means avengement or vengeance, often used to describe God's punishment of the wicked, as seen in Psalm 99:8 where God avenges His people.
Definition: 1) vengeance 1a) vengeance (by God, by Israel, by enemies of Israel)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, revenge(-ing), vengeance. See also: Numbers 31:2; Jeremiah 20:12; Psalms 18:48.
דַּֽם
dâm
H1818
"blood"
N-ms
Blood refers to the liquid that flows through the body, essential for life. In the Bible, blood is often used to symbolize life, guilt, or sacrifice, as seen in the story of Jesus' crucifixion.
Definition: 1) blood 1a) of wine (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 295 OT verses. KJV: blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. See also: Genesis 4:10; Numbers 19:5; Psalms 5:7.
עֲבָדֶ֥י/ךָ
ʻebed
H5650
"servant/slave"
N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
הַ/שָּׁפֽוּךְ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
Study Notes — Psalms 79:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 79:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 79:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 79:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 79:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 79:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 79:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 79:10
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 79:10
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 79:10
- Sermons on Psalms 79:10
Context — A Prayer for Deliverance
8Do not hold past sins against us; let Your compassion come quickly, for we are brought low.
9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; deliver us and atone for our sins, for the sake of Your name.
10Why should the nations ask, “Where is their God?” Before our eyes, make known among the nations Your vengeance for the bloodshed of Your servants.
11May the groans of the captives reach You; by the strength of Your arm preserve those condemned to death. 12Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 42:10 | Like the crushing of my bones, my enemies taunt me, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” |
| 2 | Exodus 7:5 | And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.” |
| 3 | Psalms 115:2 | Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” |
| 4 | Exodus 6:7 | I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. |
| 5 | Revelation 18:20 | Rejoice over her, O heaven, O saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced for you His judgment against her. |
| 6 | Psalms 42:3 | My tears have been my food both day and night, while men ask me all day long, “Where is your God?” |
| 7 | Ezekiel 39:21–22 | I will display My glory among the nations, and all the nations will see the judgment that I execute and the hand that I lay upon them. From that day forward the house of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God. |
| 8 | Psalms 94:1 | O LORD, God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, shine forth. |
| 9 | Micah 7:10 | Then my enemy will see and will be covered with shame— she who said to me, “Where is the LORD your God?” My eyes will see her; at that time she will be trampled like mud in the streets. |
| 10 | Romans 12:19 | Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” |
Psalms 79:10 Summary
Psalms 79:10 is a prayer that asks God to show His power and justice to the world by avenging the bloodshed of His servants. The psalmist is concerned that if God does not act, the nations will mock Him and ask 'Where is their God?' This verse reminds us that God is a God of justice and will not let evil go unpunished, as seen in Romans 12:19. We can trust in God's power and justice, even when we see injustice in the world, and pray for Him to make known His glory among the nations, as the psalmist does in this verse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main concern of the psalmist in Psalms 79:10?
The psalmist is concerned that the nations will mock the God of Israel, asking 'Where is their God?' if He does not avenge the bloodshed of His servants, as seen in Psalms 79:10, and this is similar to the concern expressed in Ezekiel 36:20 where God's name is profaned among the nations.
Why does the psalmist ask God to make known His vengeance among the nations?
The psalmist asks God to make known His vengeance among the nations so that they will know that God is a God of justice and will not let the bloodshed of His servants go unpunished, similar to what is stated in Deuteronomy 32:43 where God avenges the blood of His servants.
How does this verse relate to the concept of God's glory?
This verse relates to the concept of God's glory because the psalmist is concerned that the nations will blaspheme God's name if He does not avenge the bloodshed of His servants, which would bring shame to God's name, as seen in Isaiah 48:11 where God acts for the sake of His own name.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Before our eyes' in Psalms 79:10?
The phrase 'Before our eyes' in Psalms 79:10 signifies that the psalmist is asking God to make His vengeance visible and evident to all, including the nations, as a demonstration of His power and justice, similar to what is seen in Exodus 14:13 where God saves His people in the sight of the Egyptians.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen God's vengeance or justice in my life or in the world around me?
- How can I, like the psalmist, trust in God's power and justice even when I see injustice or suffering in the world?
- What are some ways that I can pray for God to make known His glory and justice among the nations, as the psalmist does in Psalms 79:10?
- How can I balance the desire for God's justice with the command to love and forgive my enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 79:10
Wherefore should the Heathen say, where is their God?.... They boast of, and put their confidence in, and expect salvation from?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 79:10
Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 79:10
Their God; he whom they served, and of whom they boasted. He is lost and gone, or grown impotent or idle. Let him be known among the heathen, by the execution of his judgments upon them, according to . In our sight; that we may live to see it, and praise thy name for it.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 79:10
Psalms 79:10 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where [is] their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight [by] the revenging of the blood of thy servants [which is] shed.Ver. 10. Where is their God?] See Psalms 43:3. So Turks at this day (when they have the better of Christians) cry, Where is the Christian’ s God? We are the right Mussulmans, &c. By the revenging of the blood of thy servants, &c.] For the which make thou inquisition, and do justice.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 79:10
(10) Wherefore.—Taken from Joe 2:17. Let him be known.—Better, Let it be known, i.e., where God is. Let the answer to the question be given in vengeance, and let us see it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 79:10
Verse 10. Where is their God?] Show where thou art by rising up for our redemption, and the infliction of deserved punishment upon our enemies.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 79:10
10. Wherefore &c.] The same plea in Psalms 115:2 (cp. also Psalms 115:1 with Psalms 79:9); Joe 2:17. Cp. Exodus 32:12; Psalms 42:3; Micah 7:10. let him be known] Better: Let vengeance for thy servants’ blood that is shed Be made known among the heathen in our sight. Defer not vengeance to some future generation: let us see with our own eyes the fitting punishment of the enemies of Israel. This verse and Psalms 79:9 are based upon Deuteronomy 32:43. Note how the thought of vengeance goes side by side with that of deliverance in Isaiah 35:4; Isaiah 47:3; Isaiah 59:17; Isaiah 61:2; Isaiah 63:4; and in Jeremiah 50:15; Jeremiah 50:28; Jeremiah 51:6; Jeremiah 51:11; Jeremiah 51:36, chapters which also probably date from the Exile.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 79:10
Wherefore should the heathen say Where is their God? - The nations.
Sermons on Psalms 79:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Towards the Unity of God's People by A.R. Main | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the meaning of 'insult' (oneidizo) in the Bible, which involves abusive words, slander, reviling, and unjustly finding fault in a way that |
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(Exodus) Exodus 5 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the plagues that God sent upon Egypt to reveal His power and superiority over the gods of Egypt. The plagues were not random, but were specif |
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Our Daily Homily - Exodus by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the affliction of the Hebrews in Egypt led to their multiplication, illustrating that God's people often thrive under persecution. He draws parallels bet |
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God's Enemies Shall Bow by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that the ungodly world, represented by Egypt, is often resistant to recognizing Jehovah, but God's power will ultimately break their pride and lead them to |
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The Shouting Pulpit and the Shaking Pews by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the decline of a once thriving church in Birmingham, UK. The church, which had a rich history of faithful preachers, now has only four memb |
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A Trust Without Limits by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God desires a deep relationship with His people, urging them to recognize His voice and trust Him without limits. He reflects on the Israelites' fai |
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Knowing God by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound truth that many believers, including himself, do not truly know God as He desires to be known. He reflects on how God sought to teach His pe |