King James Version

What Does Psalms 50:9 Mean?

Psalms 50:9 in the King James Version says “I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 50:9 · KJV


Context

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.

10

For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

11

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's needlessness: 'I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.' God does not require Israel's animals as if He lacked resources. The possessive pronouns ('thy house,' 'thy folds') emphasize that the animals belong to the worshiper, not originally to God who needs nothing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Pagan worship often conceived gods as actually needing food and sustenance. Israel's God owns everything already; sacrifices express relationship, not supply divine needs.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse challenge transactional views of worship?
  2. What does God's not 'taking' from us suggest about the nature of true offering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לֹא1 of 6
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֶקַּ֣ח2 of 6

I will take

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מִבֵּיתְךָ֣3 of 6

out of thy house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

פָ֑ר4 of 6

no bullock

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

מִ֝מִּכְלְאֹתֶ֗יךָ5 of 6

out of thy folds

H4356

a pen (for flocks)

עַתּוּדִֽים׃6 of 6

nor he goats

H6260

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


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 50:9 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 50:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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