Psalms 50:20

Thou sittest and speakest against thy brother; thou slanderest thine own mother's son.

Word-by-Word Analysis

תֵּ֭שֵׁב

H3427

Thou sittest

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּאָחִ֣יךָ

H251

against thy brother

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

תְדַבֵּ֑ר

H1696

and speakest

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

בְּבֶֽן

H1121

son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִ֝מְּךָ֗

H517

thine own mother's

a mother (as the bond of the family); in a wide sense (both literally and figuratively [like father])

תִּתֶּן

H5414

thou

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

דֹּֽפִי׃

H1848

slanderest

a stumbling-block

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Psalms chapter 50 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?