King James Version

What Does Psalms 50:13 Mean?

Psalms 50:13 in the King James Version says “Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? — study this verse from Psalms chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

Psalms 50:13 · KJV


Context

11

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. mine: Heb. with me

12

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

13

Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

14

Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High:

15

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The absurdity continues: 'Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?' God has no physical needs that sacrifices could meet. The questions are rhetorical, exposing the foolishness of thinking ritual could supply the infinite, self-sufficient God. True worship must involve something other than material transfer.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pagan rituals often conceived of gods consuming offerings. This verse marks categorical distinction: Yahweh is spirit, eternal, self-sufficient--not a larger version of creatures with physical needs.

Reflection Questions

  1. What misconceptions about God does this rhetorical question expose?
  2. If God doesn't need our offerings materially, what purpose do they serve?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
הַֽ֭אוֹכַל1 of 6

Will I eat

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בְּשַׂ֣ר2 of 6

the flesh

H1320

flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man

אַבִּירִ֑ים3 of 6

of bulls

H47

a valiant one

וְדַ֖ם4 of 6

the blood

H1818

blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshe

עַתּוּדִ֣ים5 of 6

of goats

H6260

prepared, i.e., full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people

אֶשְׁתֶּֽה׃6 of 6

or drink

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 50:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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