King James Version

What Does Psalms 50:21 Mean?

Psalms 50:21 in the King James Version says “These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I wil...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Psalms 50:21 · KJV

Context

19

Thou givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue frameth deceit. givest: Heb. sendest

20

Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

21

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.

22

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.

23

Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. that: Heb. that disposeth his way

Read Psalms 50 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's patience misinterpreted: 'These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself.' Divine patience is mistaken for indifference or approval. The wicked projects their own character onto God, assuming He shares their tolerance for sin. But silence is not endorsement.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse anticipates Romans 2:4, where Paul warns that God's kindness intends repentance, not continued sin. Misreading divine patience leads to judgment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How might we mistake God's patience for approval of our sin?
  2. What does 'thinking God is like ourselves' reveal about our understanding of His holiness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֵ֤לֶּה1 of 10
H428

these or those

עָשִׂ֨יתָ׀2 of 10

“These things hast thou done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְֽהֶחֱרַ֗שְׁתִּי3 of 10

“and I kept silence”

H2790

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

דִּמִּ֗יתָ4 of 10

“thou thoughtest”

H1819

to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider

אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה5 of 10

“that I was altogether”

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה6 of 10

“that I was altogether”

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָמ֑וֹךָ7 of 10
H3644

as, thus, so

אוֹכִיחֲךָ֖8 of 10

“such an one as thyself but I will reprove”

H3198

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

וְאֶֽעֶרְכָ֣ה9 of 10

“thee and set them in order”

H6186

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

לְעֵינֶֽיךָ׃10 of 10

“before thine eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 50:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 50:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 2:4-5Isaiah 57:11Proverbs 29:1Psalms 90:8Ecclesiastes 8:11-12Psalms 94:7-11

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 50 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 50 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes