King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
Complete Jewish Bible:
Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
Berean Standard Bible:
Do I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?
American Standard Version:
Will I eat the flesh of bulls, Or drink the blood of goats?
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Will I eat{H398}{H8799)} the flesh{H1320} of bulls{H47}, or drink{H8354}{H8799)} the blood{H1818} of goats{H6260}?
Cross-References (KJV):
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Commentary for Psalms 50:13
Psalm 50:13 is part of a larger psalm attributed to Asaph, a temple musician and one of the leaders of David's choir. This particular psalm is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His expectations for righteous living. The verse itself is set within a courtroom-like scene where God is the judge, calling the heavens and the earth to witness His covenant with His people.
In verse 13, God, speaking through the psalmist, rhetorically asks, "Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?" This question is a direct challenge to the ritualistic practices of the time, particularly the sacrificial system that was central to Israelite worship. The sacrificial system required the offering of animals as atonement for sin, but here, God is emphasizing that He does not need such offerings for Himself. Instead, He is highlighting the importance of the heart behind the sacrifice rather than the act itself.
The historical context of this verse reflects a time when the Israelites might have become complacent or legalistic in their religious observances, focusing on the external rituals while neglecting the internal attitude of devotion and obedience to God. The verse serves as a corrective, reminding the people that God desires sincerity, gratitude, and moral integrity over empty religious ceremonies. It underscores the theme that true worship is not about what one brings to the altar, but about the condition of one's heart and the faithfulness to God's covenantal laws.
In summary, Psalm 50:13 confronts the misconception that God needs or is sustained by physical sacrifices. It calls for a deeper understanding of worship that is aligned with God's holiness and righteousness, emphasizing that the ultimate expression of worship is a life lived in accordance with His will. This message is timeless, transcending the historical sacrificial system and speaking to the heart of worship in any era.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H398
There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָכַל
Transliteration: ʼâkal
Pronunciation: aw-kal'
Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. - Strong's Number: H1320
There are 241 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: בָּשָׂר
Transliteration: bâsâr
Pronunciation: baw-sawr'
Description: from בָּשַׂר; flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of aman; body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. - Strong's Number: H47
There are 1865 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אַבִּיר
Transliteration: ʼabbîyr
Pronunciation: ab-beer'
Description: for אָבִיר; {mighty (spoken of God)}; angel, bull, chiefest, mighty (one), stout(-hearted), strong (one), valiant. - Strong's Number: H8354
There are 193 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁתָה
Transliteration: shâthâh
Pronunciation: shaw-thaw'
Description: a primitive root; to imbibe (literally or figuratively); [idiom] assuredly, banquet, [idiom] certainly, drink(-er, -ing), drunk ([idiom] -ard), surely. (Prop. intensive of שָׁקָה.) - Strong's Number: H1818
There are 295 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: דָּם
Transliteration: dâm
Pronunciation: dawm
Description: from דָּמַם (compare אָדַם); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. - Strong's Number: H6260
There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַתּוּד
Transliteration: ʻattûwd
Pronunciation: at-tood'
Description: or עַתֻּד; from עָתַד; prepared, i.e. full grown; spoken only (in plural) of he-goats, or (figuratively) leaders of the people; chief one, (he) goat, ram.