Old Testament
Psalms 50:9
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God is expressing that He does not need the sacrifices of bulls or goats from His people.
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
I will take no bull out of your house, nor male goats out of your folds.
I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God is expressing that He does not need the sacrifices of bulls or goats from His people. The context of this statement is a reminder that God is not dependent on material offerings or rituals. Instead, He desires genuine worship and a sincere heart. The sacrifices mentioned were part of the Old Testament law, but God emphasizes that mere outward compliance is not what pleases Him. He wants His people to understand that true worship comes from a place of gratitude and obedience, rather than just fulfilling religious obligations. This verse challenges believers to reflect on their motivations for worship and to ensure that their actions align with a heartfelt devotion to God.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Psalms 50:9 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine our own worship practices. Are we simply going through the motions, or are we engaging with God sincerely? It reminds us that God values our hearts and intentions more than our material offerings. We should strive for authenticity in our relationship with Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 50:9 mean about sacrifices?
Psalms 50:9 conveys that God does not require material sacrifices like bulls or goats from His people. This verse emphasizes that God is not dependent on these offerings, as He owns everything. Instead, He desires genuine worship that comes from a sincere heart, highlighting the importance of inner devotion over mere ritual compliance.
How can I apply Psalms 50:9 to my worship today?
To apply Psalms 50:9 in your worship, reflect on your motivations for engaging with God. Ensure that your worship is not just a routine or obligation, but a heartfelt expression of gratitude and love. Focus on building a sincere relationship with God, prioritizing authenticity and intention over material offerings or traditional practices.
What does this verse teach about God's expectations?
This verse teaches that God's expectations go beyond external rituals and sacrifices. He values the condition of our hearts and our genuine desire to worship Him. It challenges believers to move past superficial acts of worship and to cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God that is rooted in sincerity and obedience.
Why does God not need sacrifices according to Psalms 50:9?
God does not need sacrifices because He is the Creator of all things and does not lack anything. Psalms 50:9 illustrates that material offerings do not impress God; rather, He seeks a relationship characterized by true worship and heartfelt devotion. This underscores the idea that God desires our love and obedience more than our rituals.

The Book of Psalms
Psalm 1: Two Paths
This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.
Unlock the full Psalms summary
Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.
The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.
What you get
Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English
How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points
Permanent access — read anytime, on any device
Best value • Save over 90%
One-time purchase • Access anytime
ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.
Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.