Old Testament
Psalms 50:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
These things you have done, and I kept silence; you thought that I was altogether such a one as yourself. But I will reprove you and set them in order before your eyes.
Compare translations
These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.
What Psalms 50:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God addresses the people who have sinned, highlighting their misconception that His silence means approval of their actions. They mistakenly believe that God is like them, failing to recognize His holiness and justice. God asserts that He will not remain silent forever; He will confront their wrongdoings and make them aware of their sins. This serves as a reminder that God's patience should not be mistaken for indifference. Instead, He is preparing to bring their actions to light, emphasizing the importance of accountability and repentance. The verse underscores the need for self-examination and understanding that God’s nature is far beyond human limitations. It calls for a recognition of divine authority and the seriousness of sin, urging individuals to align their lives with God's standards rather than their own flawed perceptions.
How to apply Psalms 50:21 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our actions and not take God's silence as a sign of approval. We should regularly examine our lives against God's standards, seek repentance for our wrongdoings, and understand that accountability is essential in our relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 50:21
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 50:21
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 50:21 mean?
Psalms 50:21 means that God is addressing people who have sinned, pointing out that His silence does not mean He approves of their actions. It emphasizes that God will eventually confront their wrongdoings and hold them accountable.
What is the significance of God's silence in Psalms 50:21?
In Psalms 50:21, God's silence signifies patience rather than approval. The verse warns that just because God has not acted immediately, it does not mean He is indifferent to sin.
What does 'I will reprove you' mean in Psalms 50:21?
'I will reprove you' in Psalms 50:21 means that God will correct or rebuke those who have sinned. It highlights God's commitment to justice and accountability for actions.
How does Psalms 50:21 relate to accountability?
Psalms 50:21 relates to accountability by reminding individuals that they will be held responsible for their actions. It stresses the importance of recognizing one's sins and the need for repentance.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.