King James Version

What Does Psalms 50:7 Mean?

Psalms 50:7 in the King James Version says “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

Psalms 50:7 · KJV


Context

5

Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

6

And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.

7

Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

8

I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.

9

I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God speaks directly: 'Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.' The covenant formula 'I am thy God' creates basis for both relationship and responsibility. The shift to first person heightens solemnity--God Himself delivers the accusation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The covenant formula ('I am thy God') recalls Sinai and emphasizes that judgment comes within relationship, not from a stranger. God's people are accountable precisely because He is their God.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is significant about God's 'I am God, even thy God' in context of judgment?
  2. How does covenant relationship create accountability?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
שִׁמְעָ֤ה1 of 9

Hear

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

עַמִּ֨י׀2 of 9

O my people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

וַאֲדַבֵּ֗רָה3 of 9

and I will speak

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל4 of 9

O Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְאָעִ֣ידָה5 of 9

and I will testify

H5749

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

בָּ֑ךְ6 of 9
H0
אֱלֹהֶ֣יךָ7 of 9

against thee I am 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

אֱלֹהֶ֣יךָ8 of 9

against thee I am 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

אָנֹֽכִי׃9 of 9
H595

i


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 50:7 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 50:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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