Original Word: מָנוֹד
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: manowd
Pronunciation: mah-NODE
Phonetic Spelling: (maw-node')
Word Origin: [from H5110 (נוּד - mourn) a nodding or toss (of the head in derision)]

1. shaking

shaking

From nuwd a nodding or toss (of the head in derision) -- shaking.

see HEBREW nuwd

Word Origin
from nud
Definition
a shaking, wagging
NASB Translation
laughingstock* (1).

[מָנוֺד] noun [masculine] a shaking, wagging; — only construct מְנוֺד ראֹשׁ Psalm 44:15 object of head-shaking, in derision (of Israel; "" מָשָׁל; Psalm 44:14 חֶרְמָּה, לַעַג, קֶלֶס).

נוהּ (probably √ of following, si vera lectio, compare Arabic () be high, eminent).

Overview

The term מָנוֹד appears only once in the Hebrew canon, in Psalm 44:14, yet it crystallizes a recurring biblical motif—the humiliating spectacle of God’s covenant people when they come under divine discipline. It pictures a “shaking” or “nodding” of the head, the mocking gesture nations make when they look upon Israel’s downfall. Though rare as a vocabulary item, its theological freight is rich, touching themes of covenant fidelity, national disgrace, and ultimate hope.

Literary Context in Psalm 44

Psalm 44 is a communal lament. The congregation recalls past deliverances (verses 1–8) but then complains that, despite continued faithfulness, it now suffers defeat (verses 9–16). Against that backdrop we read, “You have made us a byword among the nations; a laughingstock among the peoples” (Psalm 44:14). מָנוֹד conveys the outward, visible derision that accompanies Israel’s inward sense of abandonment. The psalm ends with a plea for covenant faithfulness to prevail: “Rise up; be our help! Redeem us on account of Your loving devotion” (verse 26).

Connections to Israel’s Experience of Exile and Persecution

1. Covenant sanctions. Moses had warned that disobedience would make Israel “an object of scorn, a proverb and a byword” (Deuteronomy 28:37). מָנוֹד embodies the fulfillment of that warning.
2. Historical moments. After the fall of Jerusalem, observers “shook their heads” (Lamentations 2:15), a gesture conceptually parallel to Psalm 44:14.
3. Ongoing identity. Even post-exilic communities carried the memory of being mocked nations (Nehemiah 4:1–4). מָנוֹד therefore functions as a linguistic token for Israel’s collective trauma.

Thematic Resonances across Scripture

• Divine sovereignty over national fortunes: God “gives victory” (Psalm 44:5) and also permits disgrace (verse 9).
• The righteous sufferer: The congregation confesses innocence (verses 17–18). This tension anticipates the paradox of the suffering Servant who is also scorned (Isaiah 53:3).
• Hope through covenant love: The final appeal to God’s “loving devotion” (chesed) frames even מָנוֹד within steadfast mercy.

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

1. Lament as worship. The presence of מָנוֹד in inspired song legitimizes congregational expressions of bewilderment and shame.
2. Identification with persecuted believers. Modern assemblies facing ridicule can pray Psalm 44 with confidence that their plight is neither novel nor unnoticed.
3. Evangelistic apologetics. Israel’s historical derision, foreseen in Scripture and fulfilled repeatedly, underscores the reliability of prophetic warnings and promises.

Christological Fulfillment

Jesus Christ experienced the ultimate מָנוֹד. Passersby “shook their heads” at the crucified Messiah (Matthew 27:39), fulfilling the pattern of righteous suffering under public scorn. In Him the lament of Psalm 44 reaches its apex, and in His resurrection the prayer for redemption receives its definitive answer.

Eschatological Outlook

Prophets envision a day when Israel’s reproach is removed (Zephaniah 3:19). The single occurrence of מָנוֹד thus points forward to a future in which God reverses the mockery and makes His people “a name and a praise among all the peoples of the earth.”

Conclusion

Though rare, מָנוֹד captures a pervasive biblical reality: the temporary disgrace of God’s people under discipline and the assurance that such shame will ultimately be eclipsed by deliverance. Its solitary appearance in Psalm 44 invites the church to honest lament, steadfast hope, and Christ-centered interpretation of all suffering and vindication.

מְנֽוֹד־ מנוד־ mə·nō·wḏ- menod mənōwḏ-Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts