Psalms 50:18

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 50:18 delivers a potent divine indictment from God, who, acting as the supreme Judge, exposes the profound hypocrisy and moral decay within His covenant people. Despite their outward religious observances and sacrificial rituals, they are condemned for their active complicity in egregious sins, specifically theft and adultery. This verse reveals that God's judgment extends beyond overt acts of transgression to include the silent approval, willing consent, and shared participation in the sins of others, highlighting a severe disconnect between their superficial piety and their internal moral corruption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 50 stands as a powerful prophetic oracle, distinct from the surrounding psalms of lament or praise, framed as a divine courtroom drama. It opens with God summoning heaven and earth as witnesses, establishing His role as the ultimate Judge who addresses His people, Israel. Prior to verse 18, God clarifies that He does not desire their animal sacrifices for His own sustenance, but rather a heart of true thanksgiving, obedience, and integrity, emphasizing that genuine worship involves a right relationship with Him and a life lived in accordance with His commands (see [Psalms 50:7-15](/psalms/50-7-15 "Psalms 50:7-15 - God's Desire for True Worship")). He then turns His attention to the wicked within Israel, those who outwardly participate in religious rituals but inwardly despise His instruction and cast His words behind them, effectively rejecting His moral authority (as seen in [Psalms 50:16-17](/psalms/50-16-17 "Psalms 50:16-17 - The Wicked's Rejection of God's Word")). Verse 18 directly follows this indictment, providing concrete examples of their moral failings and complicity, setting the stage for the psalm's concluding call to repentance and genuine worship (culminating in [Psalms 50:22-23](/psalms/50-22-23 "Psalms 50:22-23 - A Call to Repentance and True Worship")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm reflects a period in ancient Israel when outward religious observance, particularly temple sacrifices, might have become a substitute for genuine covenant faithfulness and moral rectitude. The Law, given at Sinai, established the foundational moral and ethical framework for the nation, including strict prohibitions against theft (the Eighth Commandment, [Exodus 20:15](/exodus/20-15 "Exodus 20:15 - The Eighth Commandment Against Stealing")) and adultery (the Seventh Commandment, [Exodus 20:14](/exodus/20-14 "Exodus 20:14 - The Seventh Commandment Against Adultery")). These were not merely personal sins but actions that profoundly undermined the social fabric, corrupted the community, and violated the sanctity of the covenant relationship with Yahweh. God's judgment in this psalm targets those who, despite being part of the covenant community and participating in its rituals, had allowed these fundamental moral laws to be eroded through their active or passive complicity. This demonstrated a profound spiritual blindness and a failure to live up to their identity as God's chosen people, who were called to be distinct in their holiness.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Psalms 50 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment and Omniscience**, revealing that God sees not only overt actions but also the hidden attitudes of the heart and the subtle forms of complicity in sin. Nothing is concealed from His all-seeing eye, as articulated in [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All Things are Naked Before God"). Secondly, it highlights the pervasive theme of **Hypocrisy Unveiled**, where outward religious performance is starkly contrasted with inward moral corruption. God rejects empty ritualism when it is divorced from true righteousness and justice, a theme echoed throughout the prophets (e.g., [Isaiah 1:11-17](/isaiah/1-11-17 "Isaiah 1:11-17 - God's Rejection of Empty Rituals") and [Amos 5:21-24](/amos/5-21-24 "Amos 5:21-24 - Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters")). Finally, the verse introduces the critical concept of **Complicity in Sin**, demonstrating that one can be guilty not only by committing an act but also by approving of, benefiting from, or silently consenting to the sins of others. This expands the understanding of sin beyond individual transgression to include corporate responsibility and the corrupting influence of association (a warning found in [Proverbs 1:10-16](/proverbs/1-10-16 "Proverbs 1:10-16 - Avoiding the Path of Sinners")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sawest (Hebrew, _râʼâh'_):** From H7200, this verb means "to see," but in this context, it implies more than mere physical observation. It conveys a discerning, intentional perception, indicating that God's awareness of their actions is complete and profound. It suggests an active understanding of the situation, setting the stage for judgment based on what has been fully observed and comprehended.
* **Consentedst (Hebrew, _rāṣâh'_):** From H7521, this verb means "to be pleased with," "to delight in," "to approve," or "to accept favorably." It implies a willing and active agreement, not merely passive observation or tolerance. The individual is not just witnessing the theft but finding satisfaction or approval in it, perhaps even benefiting from it or condoning it as acceptable behavior. This suggests a deep moral corruption where the boundaries between right and wrong have blurred, and sin is no longer abhorrent but agreeable.
* **Partaker (Hebrew, _chêleq'_):** From H2506, this noun signifies a "portion," "share," or "allotment." To be a "partaker with adulterers" means to have a common share, lot, or partnership in their activities, their guilt, or their spoils. It suggests a close association and alignment with those who commit adultery, indicating not just passive acceptance but active involvement or identification with their sinful lifestyle. This can imply direct participation, benefiting from the adulterous act, or simply being so closely aligned that one is considered an accomplice, sharing in the moral culpability.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When thou sawest a thief":** This opening clause immediately establishes God's omniscience and direct, discerning observation. It's not a hypothetical scenario but a statement of fact: God has witnessed their actions. The "thief" represents a direct violation of one of the foundational Ten Commandments, indicating a breakdown in basic societal and moral order. This seeing is not passive but leads directly to the subsequent indictment and judgment.
* **"then thou consentedst with him":** This is the core of the indictment regarding complicity. The individual did not just see the thief but actively "consentedst" or approved of the theft. This implies a moral alignment with the sinner, a willingness to overlook, condone, or even enjoy the fruits of the transgression. It points to a heart that is not grieved by sin but rather finds it agreeable or advantageous, demonstrating a severe spiritual compromise.
* **"and hast been partaker with adulterers":** This clause extends the accusation to another grave violation of the Decalogue, adultery, which strikes at the heart of family and community integrity. To be a "partaker" signifies sharing in the guilt, the act, or the lifestyle of those engaged in adultery. This goes beyond mere association; it implies a shared interest, a common cause, or an active role in the transgression, making the accused morally indistinguishable from the direct perpetrators and equally culpable in God's eyes.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 50:18 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message of divine judgment and expose moral corruption. The entire psalm is framed as a **Divine Indictment** or **Courtroom Drama**, with God acting as the supreme Judge, summoning heaven and earth as witnesses to His case against His people. Within this framework, verse 18 uses **Direct Address** ("thou sawest," "thou consentedst," "hast been partaker"), making the accusation intensely personal and inescapable, directly confronting the accused. The pairing of "thief" and "adulterers" serves as a **Merism**, representing a broader spectrum of moral failings and violations of the covenant, particularly the foundational Ten Commandments. This use of specific, egregious examples highlights the pervasive nature of their moral decay, implying that if they are guilty of complicity in these, they are likely guilty in many other areas. Furthermore, the verse employs **Contrast** between the outward religious practices (implied from the broader psalm's context of sacrifices) and the inward moral corruption, exposing the profound **Hypocrisy** of those being judged. The implication of God's all-seeing eye and the subsequent exposure of hidden complicity also functions as a form of **Revelation**, bringing secret sins and hidden attitudes into the unsparing light of divine scrutiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly reveals God's unyielding demand for holistic righteousness, extending beyond outward religious performance to encompass the integrity of the heart and the purity of one's associations. It underscores that sin is not merely an individual act but can be a collective contagion, where passive consent or active complicity in the transgressions of others renders one equally culpable in God's eyes. This challenges the superficiality of a faith that practices ritual while tolerating or even participating in moral compromise, emphasizing that true worship is inseparable from ethical living and a fervent opposition to evil in all its forms. God desires not just clean hands but a pure heart and a life aligned with His holy character, demonstrating that genuine piety must permeate every aspect of one's being and relationships.

* [Proverbs 29:24](/proverbs/29-24 "Proverbs 29:24 - Partner with a Thief Hates His Own Soul")
* [Romans 1:32](/romans/1-32 "Romans 1:32 - Approving of Sinners")
* [Ephesians 5:11](/ephesians/5-11 "Ephesians 5:11 - No Fellowship with Unfruitful Works of Darkness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 50:18 serves as a timeless mirror, compelling us to examine the often-subtle ways we might compromise our integrity or become complicit in sin. It's not enough to abstain from committing direct acts of sin; God's standard calls us to actively disapprove of, distance ourselves from, and even challenge the sinful behaviors we witness in our communities and culture. This verse warns against the dangers of moral apathy, the quiet consent that allows evil to flourish, and the subtle ways we might benefit from or align ourselves with unrighteousness. True discipleship demands a radical commitment to God's holiness, which necessitates a clear rejection of all forms of sin, whether personal or societal, and a willingness to stand for righteousness even when it means standing apart from popular opinion or convenient compromise. Our worship is only acceptable when it flows from a heart genuinely devoted to God's ways, reflecting His character in every aspect of our lives and associations, and actively seeking to promote His justice and truth in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what subtle ways might I be "consenting" to or "partaking" in sin, either personally or through my associations, without directly committing the act?**
* **How does my outward religious practice align with my inward moral convictions and the company I keep?**
* **What steps can I take to actively disassociate myself from, and speak out against, the sins that are prevalent in my immediate environment or broader culture?**

### FAQ
**Does "consentedst with him" mean merely witnessing sin, or something more active?**

Answer: The phrase "consentedst with him" (Hebrew: *rāṣāh*) implies much more than mere witnessing. It denotes an active approval, a delight in, or a favorable acceptance of the sin being committed. It suggests a moral alignment with the wrongdoer, where one's heart is pleased with the transgression, perhaps even benefiting from it or condoning it as acceptable. This is a deeper level of complicity than simply observing an act; it speaks to an internal disposition that finds sin agreeable, making the individual morally culpable as if they had participated directly. This concept is further reinforced by the subsequent phrase "partaker with adulterers," which signifies sharing in the guilt or activities of the sinners, not just being present. The divine indictment here is not for passive observation, but for an active, internal endorsement of unrighteousness, demonstrating a profound spiritual compromise that violates the covenant (see [Romans 1:32](/romans/1-32 "Romans 1:32 - Approving of Sinners") for a New Testament parallel).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 50:18, with its stark indictment of hypocrisy and complicity in sin, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in Jesus Christ. The psalm exposes humanity's pervasive failure to meet God's righteous standards, revealing that even meticulous religious observance is insufficient without genuine heart transformation and moral integrity. Christ, however, perfectly embodied the righteousness that God demands. He never "consentedst with" or was "partaker with" sinners in their sin; rather, He consistently condemned sin while extending profound grace to sinners, calling them to repentance and new life (as seen in His interaction with the woman caught in adultery in [John 8:1-11](/john/8-1-11 "John 8:1-11 - Jesus and the Woman Caught in Adultery")). As the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), Jesus bore the full weight of humanity's sin, including our direct transgressions and our complicity, on the cross, becoming sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (a truth powerfully articulated in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His sacrifice, He provides the means for true cleansing and reconciliation, offering a new covenant where God's law is written on the heart, enabling genuine obedience and a life free from the hypocrisy condemned in Psalms 50 (promised in [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")). Believers, united with Christ, are called to live lives of integrity, actively rejecting sin and its associations, empowered by the Spirit to pursue the very righteousness that the psalmist's generation lacked, being dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus (as exhorted in [Romans 6:1-14](/romans/6-1-14 "Romans 6:1-14 - Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.