King James Version
Psalms 50:20 in the King James Version says “Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.”
Psalms 50:20 · KJV
When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers. hast: Heb. thy portion was with
Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. givest: Heb. sendest
Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.
These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.
Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Thou sittest”
H3427properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
“against thy brother”
H251a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
“and speakest”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
“son”
H1121a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
“thine own mother's”
H517a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])
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.
Psalms 50:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Psalms 50:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge