King James Version

What Does Psalms 50:23 Mean?

Psalms 50:23 in the King James Version says “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. ...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 50:23 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The summary: 'Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God.' True worship is praise that glorifies God and lifestyle that reflects His character. 'Ordering conversation' (Hebrew derek, way) refers to the whole pattern of life. Those who worship truly and live rightly see God's salvation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This verse concludes by restating the psalm's theme: God wants thanksgiving and faithful living, not mere ritual. The promise of 'seeing salvation' connects worship with ultimate deliverance.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the relationship between offering praise and glorifying God?
  2. How does 'ordering our way' lead to seeing God's salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
זֹבֵ֥חַ1 of 8

“Whoso offereth”

H2076

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

תּוֹדָ֗ה2 of 8

“praise”

H8426

properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers

יְֽכַ֫בְּדָ֥נְנִי3 of 8

“glorifieth”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

וְשָׂ֥ם4 of 8

“me and to him that ordereth”

H7760

to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)

דֶּ֑רֶךְ5 of 8

“his conversation”

H1870

a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb

אַ֝רְאֶ֗נּוּ6 of 8

“aright will I shew”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בְּיֵ֣שַׁע7 of 8

“the salvation”

H3468

liberty, deliverance, prosperity

אֱלֹהִֽים׃8 of 8

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 50:23 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 50:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 91:16James 3:13Psalms 24:4-5Romans 12:1Psalms 86:12Psalms 50:14-15

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