Psalms 50:18

When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

When thou sawest {H7200}{H8804)} a thief {H1590}, then thou consentedst {H7521}{H8799)} with him, and hast been partaker {H2506} with adulterers {H5003}{H8764)}.

When you see a thief, you join up with him, you throw in your lot with adulterers,

When you see a thief, you befriend him, and throw in your lot with adulterers.

When thou sawest a thief, thou consentedst with him, And hast been partaker with adulterers.

Psalms 50:18 (KJV) is part of a powerful divine indictment where God, acting as a judge, confronts His people regarding their moral failings despite their outward religious observances. This specific verse exposes the depths of their hypocrisy and complicity in sin.

Context of Psalms 50:18

Psalm 50 portrays God summoning heaven and earth as witnesses to His judgment of Israel. He clarifies that He does not need their animal sacrifices; rather, He desires true obedience, thanksgiving, and integrity of heart. The verses leading up to verse 18 detail God's disappointment with those who offer sacrifices but neglect justice and righteousness. This verse specifically condemns those who not only tolerate sin but actively approve of or participate in it, starkly contrasting their superficial piety with their internal moral decay.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Hypocrisy Unveiled: The verse highlights a severe disconnect between religious appearance and actual behavior. Those God addresses maintain a facade of devotion while engaging in or condoning serious sins. This echoes the broader theme of God's rejection of empty rituals without a changed heart, as seen in Isaiah 1:11-17.
  • Complicity in Sin: The phrases "consentedst with him" and "partaker with adulterers" emphasize active agreement or sharing in the guilt of others' sins. It's not merely witnessing sin, but approving of it (Hebrew: razah - to be pleased with) or benefiting from it, thereby becoming a partner in the transgression. This extends the concept of sin beyond direct action to include approval and association.
  • Fundamental Moral Violations: Theft and adultery are direct violations of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:14-15). By listing these specific sins, God points to a breakdown in foundational moral law within the community He is judging.
  • Divine Omniscience and Judgment: God's opening statement, "When thou sawest," underscores His all-seeing nature. Nothing is hidden from Him, and He will bring every hidden thing into judgment. This reinforces the truth that all things are naked and open unto the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (Hebrews 4:13).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "consentedst" is razah (רָצָה), which means to be pleased with, delight in, or approve. It implies a willing acceptance or even enjoyment of the sin being committed. "Partaker" comes from cheleq (חֵלֶק), meaning a portion, share, or lot, suggesting that the individual has a common share or partnership in the activities of the adulterers, aligning themselves with their ways.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against hypocrisy and moral compromise. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and ensure their outward religious practices are matched by genuine inner righteousness and integrity. It reminds us that God sees not just our actions, but our attitudes and associations. We are called not only to abstain from sin ourselves but also to avoid approving of or participating in the sins of others, recognizing that evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33).

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Timothy 5:22

    Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

  • Romans 1:32

    Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

  • Hebrews 13:4

    Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

  • Micah 7:3

    That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge [asketh] for a reward; and the great [man], he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up.

  • Matthew 23:30

    And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.

  • Proverbs 7:19

    For the goodman [is] not at home, he is gone a long journey:

  • Proverbs 7:23

    Till a dart strike through his liver; as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not that it [is] for his life.

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