Psalms 50:21

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אֵ֤לֶּה

H428

these or those

עָשִׂ֨יתָ׀

H6213

These things hast thou done

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְֽהֶחֱרַ֗שְׁתִּי

H2790

and I kept silence

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

H1819

thou thoughtest

to compare; by implication, to resemble, liken, consider

אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

that I was altogether

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

אֶֽהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

that I was altogether

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָמ֑וֹךָ

H3644

as, thus, so

אוֹכִיחֲךָ֖

H3198

such an one as thyself but I will reprove

to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict

וְאֶֽעֶרְכָ֣ה

H6186

thee and set them in order

to set in a row, i.e., arrange, put in order (in a very wide variety of applications)

#10

לְעֵינֶֽיךָ׃

H5869

before thine eyes

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

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 might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
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 systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?