Psalms 50:21
These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.
Original Language Analysis
עָשִׂ֨יתָ׀
These things hast thou done
H6213
עָשִׂ֨יתָ׀
These things hast thou done
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
2 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
וְֽהֶחֱרַ֗שְׁתִּי
and I kept silence
H2790
וְֽהֶחֱרַ֗שְׁתִּי
and I kept silence
Strong's:
H2790
Word #:
3 of 10
to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad
דִּמִּ֗יתָ
thou thoughtest
H1819
דִּמִּ֗יתָ
thou thoughtest
Strong's:
H1819
Word #:
4 of 10
to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider
אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה
that I was altogether
H1961
אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה
that I was altogether
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
5 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה
that I was altogether
H1961
אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה
that I was altogether
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
6 of 10
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
אוֹכִיחֲךָ֖
such an one as thyself but I will reprove
H3198
אוֹכִיחֲךָ֖
such an one as thyself but I will reprove
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
8 of 10
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
Cross References
Isaiah 57:11And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?Proverbs 29:1He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.Isaiah 42:14I have long time holden my peace; I have been still, and refrained myself: now will I cry like a travailing woman; I will destroy and devour at once.Psalms 90:8Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.Ecclesiastes 12:14For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.1 Corinthians 4:5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.Psalms 50:3Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.Psalms 73:11And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?Amos 8:7The LORD hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Historical Context
This verse anticipates Romans 2:4, where Paul warns that God's kindness intends repentance, not continued sin. Misreading divine patience leads to judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How might we mistake God's patience for approval of our sin?
- What does 'thinking God is like ourselves' reveal about our understanding of His holiness?
Analysis & Commentary
God's patience misinterpreted: 'These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself.' Divine patience is mistaken for indifference or approval. The wicked projects their own character onto God, assuming He shares their tolerance for sin. But silence is not endorsement.