Psalms 50:8
I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.
Original Language Analysis
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
זְ֭בָחֶיךָ
thee for thy sacrifices
H2077
זְ֭בָחֶיךָ
thee for thy sacrifices
Strong's:
H2077
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)
אוֹכִיחֶ֑ךָ
I will not reprove
H3198
אוֹכִיחֶ֑ךָ
I will not reprove
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
4 of 7
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
וְעוֹלֹתֶ֖יךָ
or thy burnt offerings
H5930
וְעוֹלֹתֶ֖יךָ
or thy burnt offerings
Strong's:
H5930
Word #:
5 of 7
a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)
Historical Context
Israel maintained sacrificial system even when their hearts were far from God. The prophets frequently distinguished between outward ritual and genuine worship (Isaiah 1:11-17; Amos 5:21-24).
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it significant that God's rebuke is not about neglecting sacrifices?
- What distinction does this verse establish between ritual compliance and genuine worship?
Analysis & Commentary
The surprising clarification: 'I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me.' God's complaint is not about neglecting sacrifices--they have been offered 'continually.' The problem lies elsewhere, in the attitude and understanding behind the ritual.