Psalms 50:9

KJV

I will take no bullock out of thy house, [nor] he goats out of thy folds.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will take {H3947}{H8799)} no bullock {H6499} out of thy house {H1004}, nor he goats {H6260} out of thy folds {H4356}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I have no need for a bull from your farm or for male goats from your pens;

Berean Standard Bible

I have no need for a bull from your stall or goats from your pens,

American Standard Version

I will take no bullock out of thy house, Nor he-goats out of thy folds.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 50:9 delivers a powerful divine declaration from God, spoken through the Psalmist Asaph, fundamentally challenging the prevalent, often ritualistic, understanding of worship and sacrifice in ancient Israel. This verse emphatically asserts God's absolute self-sufficiency and sovereignty, stating that He neither needs nor acquires material offerings such as bullocks or he-goats from human hands. It subtly yet profoundly redirects the focus from external religious acts to a deeper, more sincere form of worship rooted in a right heart and genuine devotion, thereby laying the groundwork for the psalm's broader critique of superficial religious practice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 50 is structured as a dramatic "divine lawsuit" or prophetic oracle, where God Himself, appearing in majestic glory from Zion, summons heaven and earth to witness His judgment upon His covenant people, Israel. The verses immediately preceding verse 9, specifically [Psalms 50:7-8](/psalms/50-7-8 "Psalms 50:7-8 - God's Summons and Clarification"), establish a crucial premise: God is not rebuking His people for a *lack* of sacrifices ("I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me"). This sets up a profound distinction, indicating that the problem lies not with the *act* of sacrifice itself, which God commanded, but with the *attitude*, *understanding*, and *heart condition* behind it. Verse 9 then serves as a pivotal, declarative statement, directly confronting the erroneous belief that God is somehow dependent on or enriched by human offerings. This declaration logically precedes and reinforces the expansive statement of God's universal ownership in [Psalms 50:10-12](/psalms/50-10-12 "Psalms 50:10-12 - God's Ownership of All Creation"), where He declares, "For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills." The psalm then transitions from critique to instruction, outlining the true nature of worship in [Psalms 50:14-15](/psalms/50-14-15 "Psalms 50:14-15 - The Essence of True Worship: Thanksgiving and Vows") before addressing the wicked.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society was intrinsically linked to the Mosaic Law, which meticulously prescribed a comprehensive system of animal sacrifices. These rituals, extensively detailed in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Holiness"), served multiple purposes: atonement for sin, expression of thanksgiving, fulfillment of vows, and fostering communion with Yahweh. The Tabernacle, and later the Temple, served as the central place for these sacrificial rites, which were fundamental to their covenant relationship with God. However, a recurring problem, frequently denounced by the prophets, was the tendency for the people to externalize their religion. They would perform the rituals as mere obligations, or even as a means to manipulate God, believing that the *act itself* appeased Him, irrespective of their inner spiritual state, moral conduct, or genuine faith. Psalms 50:9, therefore, speaks directly into a context where ritualistic formalism had begun to eclipse true devotion. The "house" and "folds" refer to the personal dwellings and animal enclosures of the Israelites, from which they would bring their sacrificial animals to the sacred precincts for offering.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is foundational to several profound theological and narrative themes within Psalm 50 and the broader biblical canon. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **God's absolute sovereignty and ownership** over all creation, dismantling any anthropocentric notion that human offerings could somehow fulfill a deficiency in the divine. The subsequent verses, [Psalms 50:10-12](/psalms/50-10-12 "Psalms 50:10-12 - God's Universal Ownership"), explicitly elaborate on this, declaring God's ownership of "every beast of the forest" and "the cattle upon a thousand hills." Secondly, the verse delivers a sharp **critique of ritualism and externalism**, emphasizing that outward religious acts, when divorced from genuine faith, obedience, and a transformed heart, are utterly meaningless to God. The issue was never the sacrifices themselves, which God had commanded, but the perverted attitude with which they were offered, turning a spiritual act into a mere transaction. Finally, by rejecting the *need* for material sacrifices, the verse sets the stage for defining the **nature of true worship**, which is not transactional but profoundly relational, involving heartfelt thanksgiving, the keeping of vows, and a sincere calling upon God in times of trouble, as powerfully articulated in [Psalms 50:14-15](/psalms/50-14-15 "Psalms 50:14-15 - The Essence of True Worship: Thanksgiving and Vows").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **take (Hebrew, לָקַח, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root means "to take," "to receive," or "to acquire." The use of the negative ("I will take no") is profoundly significant. It asserts God's complete independence and self-sufficiency, implying that He lacks nothing and is not dependent on human provision to sustain Himself or His divine essence. His refusal to "take" is a declaration of His absolute fullness.
* **bullock (Hebrew, פַּר, _par'_):** Refers to a young bull, often specifically a male calf. This was a significant and costly animal, frequently prescribed for burnt offerings ([Leviticus 1:3](/leviticus/1-3 "Leviticus 1:3 - Burnt Offering of a Male Without Blemish")) and sin offerings, particularly for priests or the entire congregation. Its mention here signifies a valuable and common sacrificial animal, underscoring that even the most substantial and prescribed offerings are not *needed* by God.
* **he goats (Hebrew, עַתּוּד, _ʻattûwd'_):** Refers to male goats, often described as full-grown or leaders of the flock. These were also used in various sacrificial contexts, including peace offerings ([Leviticus 3:12](/leviticus/3-12 "Leviticus 3:12 - Peace Offering of a Goat")) and sin offerings. Paired with "bullock," it represents the full range of common, valuable animal sacrifices, emphasizing that God's declaration applies universally to all such offerings, regardless of their specific type or value.
* **folds (Hebrew, מִכְלָאָה, _miklâʼâh'_):** This word denotes a pen or enclosure specifically for flocks. Its inclusion emphasizes that the animals being discussed are those belonging to the worshipper, animals that would be taken from their personal property to be offered. This detail reinforces the idea that God is rejecting the notion of human provision for His needs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will take no bullock out of thy house":** This clause is a direct, emphatic statement from God to His covenant people. The phrase "thy house" refers to the Israelite's personal dwelling or property, from which they would bring their animals for sacrifice. God's declaration that He will "take no bullock" directly confronts the transactional mindset that may have developed, where people believed their offerings somehow benefited or supplied God. It asserts His absolute self-sufficiency and independence from human provision.
* **"[nor] he goats out of thy folds":** This second clause functions as a powerful parallel reinforcement of the first. "Thy folds" specifically refers to the enclosures where flocks of sheep and goats were kept, further emphasizing the source of these animals from the worshipper's own possessions. The conjunction "nor" strengthens the negation, making it unequivocally clear that this divine independence applies to all forms of animal sacrifice, regardless of the specific animal or its origin from their personal wealth. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's rejection of a need for human offerings.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 50:9 employs several powerful **literary devices** to convey its profound message with clarity and impact. Foremost is **Anthropomorphism**, where God speaks in human terms ("I will take") only to negate the very human need implied. This rhetorical strategy makes His point more relatable and impactful, allowing the audience to grasp the absurdity of thinking God *needs* anything from them. The verse also features clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the phrases "bullock out of thy house" and "he goats out of thy folds" convey the same core idea through different, yet closely related, imagery. This repetition intensifies the message of God's independence and the futility of a purely external offering. Furthermore, the use of **Rhetorical Negation** ("I will take no...") is highly effective. It is not merely a statement of fact but a direct challenge to a prevailing misconception, designed to provoke thought, correct a fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of God, and redefine the essence of true worship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 50:9 stands as a cornerstone verse in the biblical argument for the primacy of the heart over mere ritual in worship. It powerfully dismantles any transactional theology that might creep into religious practice, where individuals mistakenly believe they can "give" God something He needs or that their external acts obligate Him. Instead, this verse aligns seamlessly with a consistent prophetic theme throughout Scripture: God desires genuine relationship, heartfelt obedience, and a contrite spirit far more than the prescribed sacrifices themselves. The offerings, divinely instituted, were always intended to be expressions of a devoted heart, not substitutes for one. This verse, therefore, serves as a potent reminder that our worship, giving, and service are not about fulfilling any perceived lack in God, but rather about expressing our profound love, boundless gratitude, and humble submission to His sovereign will and absolute ownership of all things.

* [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice")
* [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - God Desires Mercy, Not Sacrifice")
* [Matthew 9:13](/matthew/9-13 "Matthew 9:13 - Jesus Quotes Hosea on Mercy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 50:9 serves as an enduring and penetrating challenge to all believers across generations. In an age where religious activity can easily devolve into performance, obligation, or even a means of self-justification, this verse calls us back to the very heart of authentic worship. It compels us to deeply examine our motivations: are our acts of service, our financial contributions, our regular attendance at church, or our public displays of piety offered out of a genuine, overflowing love for God, or are they mere rituals we perform to assuage guilt, gain favor, or maintain a respectable image? God is not dependent on our "bullocks" or "he-goats"—our time, talents, or treasures—as if He lacks anything or needs our provision to be complete. He invites us to offer them as expressions of devotion, gratitude, and obedience, recognizing His absolute ownership of all things. True worship, then, is not about what we *give* to God to make Him complete, but about what we *offer* of ourselves in response to who He already is: the self-sufficient, sovereign Creator and Sustainer of all. This profound understanding liberates us from the burden of trying to impress God and invites us into the liberating joy of simply loving and obeying Him from a transformed heart.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be offering "sacrifices" to God (e.g., time, money, service) that are devoid of genuine heart devotion or a true understanding of His sovereignty?**
* **How does understanding God's absolute self-sufficiency and ownership change my perspective on giving and serving within my community or church?**
* **What does it mean for me to "offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High" ([Psalms 50:14](/psalms/50-14 "Psalms 50:14 - Offer Thanksgiving and Pay Vows")) in my daily life, beyond mere ritualistic adherence?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse mean God doesn't want us to give offerings or serve Him?**

Answer: No, absolutely not. This verse is not a rejection of offerings or service, but a profound clarification of the *motivation* and *understanding* behind them. God is not *dependent* on human offerings; He is the Creator and Owner of everything. Therefore, when we give or serve, it is not to supply a lack in God, but rather an act of worship, gratitude, and obedience that flows from a heart devoted to Him. The psalm itself goes on to say, "Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High" ([Psalms 50:14](/psalms/50-14 "Psalms 50:14 - Offer Thanksgiving")). The issue was the Israelite's heart attitude: performing rituals without genuine faith or obedience. God desires a relationship, not a transaction. Our giving and service are invited as expressions of our love and recognition of His sovereignty, as seen in passages like [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice").

**How does this relate to the Old Testament sacrificial system? Was it all pointless?**

Answer: The Old Testament sacrificial system, as detailed in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - The Book of Burnt Offerings"), was divinely ordained by God and served crucial purposes. It provided a means for atonement for sin, taught the seriousness of sin and the need for a substitute, and offered a way for people to express thanksgiving, make vows, and commune with God. It was never pointless. However, the prophets consistently highlighted that the *effectiveness* of these rituals was tied to the *heart condition* of the worshipper. When people performed the sacrifices as mere external acts, devoid of genuine repentance, faith, or obedience to God's moral law, the rituals became empty and displeasing to God. Psalms 50:9, along with other prophetic critiques (e.g., [1 Samuel 15:22](/1_samuel/15-22 "1 Samuel 15:22 - Obedience Better Than Sacrifice"), [Hosea 6:6](/hosea/6-6 "Hosea 6:6 - Mercy, Not Sacrifice")), emphasizes that God always desired the heart behind the offering, not just the offering itself. The system ultimately foreshadowed the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 50:9, with its declaration of God's independence from animal sacrifices, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrificial system, while divinely instituted and crucial for its time, was always a temporary and typological shadow, pointing forward to the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). Jesus's death on the cross completely fulfilled the need for "bullocks" and "he-goats," rendering them obsolete as a means of atonement for sin. As the author of Hebrews powerfully argues, Christ, through His own blood, entered the holy places once for all, having obtained eternal redemption ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Therefore, our worship in the New Covenant is no longer centered on animal offerings but on spiritual sacrifices, offered through Christ. We are now called to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). Furthermore, we are to offer "the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")), and to "do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" ([Hebrews 13:16](/hebrews/13-16 "Hebrews 13:16 - Doing Good and Sharing")). This aligns perfectly with Jesus's teaching that true worship is "in spirit and truth" ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23-24 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), a worship that flows from an internal transformation wrought by the Spirit, rather than external rituals or material offerings.

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

Micah 6:6

¶ Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, [and] bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

Micah 6:8

He hath shewed thee, O man, what [is] good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

Isaiah 43:23

Thou hast not brought me the small cattle of thy burnt offerings; neither hast thou honoured me with thy sacrifices. I have not caused thee to serve with an offering, nor wearied thee with incense.

Isaiah 43:24

Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

Psalms 69:31

[This] also shall please the LORD better than an ox [or] bullock that hath horns and hoofs.

Hebrews 10:4

For [it is] not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

Hebrews 10:6

In burnt offerings and [sacrifices] for sin thou hast had no pleasure.