Psalms 50:7

Authorized King James Version

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Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.

Original Language Analysis

שִׁמְעָ֤ה Hear H8085
שִׁמְעָ֤ה Hear
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 1 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
עַמִּ֨י׀ O my people H5971
עַמִּ֨י׀ O my people
Strong's: H5971
Word #: 2 of 9
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַאֲדַבֵּ֗רָה and I will speak H1696
וַאֲדַבֵּ֗רָה and I will speak
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 3 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל O Israel H3478
יִ֭שְׂרָאֵל O Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 4 of 9
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְאָעִ֣ידָה and I will testify H5749
וְאָעִ֣ידָה and I will testify
Strong's: H5749
Word #: 5 of 9
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
בָּ֑ךְ H0
בָּ֑ךְ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 6 of 9
אֱלֹהֶ֣יךָ against thee I am God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֣יךָ against thee I am God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 7 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אֱלֹהֶ֣יךָ against thee I am God H430
אֱלֹהֶ֣יךָ against thee I am God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 8 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אָנֹֽכִי׃ H595
אָנֹֽכִי׃
Strong's: H595
Word #: 9 of 9
i

Analysis & Commentary

God speaks directly: 'Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will testify against thee: I am God, even thy God.' The covenant formula 'I am thy God' creates basis for both relationship and responsibility. The shift to first person heightens solemnity--God Himself delivers the accusation.

Historical Context

The covenant formula ('I am thy God') recalls Sinai and emphasizes that judgment comes within relationship, not from a stranger. God's people are accountable precisely because He is their God.

Questions for Reflection