Psalms 50:18

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

רָאִ֣יתָ

H7200

When thou sawest

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

גַ֭נָּב

H1590

a thief

a stealer

וַתִּ֣רֶץ

H7521

then thou consentedst

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

עִמּ֑וֹ

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְעִ֖ם

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

מְנָאֲפִ֣ים

H5003

with adulterers

to commit adultery; figuratively, to apostatize

חֶלְקֶֽךָ׃

H2506

with him and hast been partaker

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine revelation reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 50 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?