Psalms 50:10
For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
חַיְתוֹ
For every beast
H2416
חַיְתוֹ
For every beast
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
4 of 8
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יָ֑עַר
of the forest
H3293
יָ֑עַר
of the forest
Strong's:
H3293
Word #:
5 of 8
a copse of bushes; hence, a forest; hence, honey in the comb (as hived in trees)
Cross References
Jonah 4:11And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?Psalms 104:14He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;
Historical Context
This verse became foundational for understanding stewardship: humans manage what belongs to God. All resources are His; our 'giving' is merely returning a portion of what was never truly ours.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'the cattle upon a thousand hills' challenge our sense of ownership?
- What does sacrificing from God's own resources reveal about worship's true purpose?
Analysis & Commentary
Divine ownership: 'For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.' God already owns all animals everywhere. 'A thousand hills' poetically expresses comprehensive ownership. Sacrifice doesn't give God what He lacks but acknowledges what He already possesses.