Psalms 50:12
If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 9
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Exodus 19:5Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:Deuteronomy 10:14Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.Job 41:11Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.
Historical Context
This verse directly contradicts pagan feeding-the-gods theology. Yahweh cannot be manipulated by offering what He doesn't need from a world He entirely owns.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God pose the hypothetical of being hungry?
- How does divine self-sufficiency transform our understanding of worship?
Analysis & Commentary
The reductio ad absurdum: 'If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.' The hypothetical is absurd--God is not hungry. But even if He were, He wouldn't depend on humans. The whole world belongs to Him; all its fullness is at His disposal.