Psalms 50:18
When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
רָאִ֣יתָ
When thou sawest
H7200
רָאִ֣יתָ
When thou sawest
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 8
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וַתִּ֣רֶץ
then thou consentedst
H7521
וַתִּ֣רֶץ
then thou consentedst
Strong's:
H7521
Word #:
4 of 8
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
עִמּ֑וֹ
H5973
עִמּ֑וֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וְעִ֖ם
H5973
וְעִ֖ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 8
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Romans 1:32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.1 Timothy 5:22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.
Historical Context
These examples represent covenant violations that external religion cannot excuse. Sexual and property ethics remained central to Israel's covenant obedience as tests of genuine faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does tolerating sin in others implicate us?
- What does 'consenting' with evil reveal about our true values?
Analysis & Commentary
Evidence of wickedness: 'When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.' The wicked person's actions contradict the statutes they recite. Consenting with thieves and partnering with adulterers violate commandments eight and seven while the lips recite all ten.