Psalms 50:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →God rhetorically rejects the idea that He consumes or is sustained by the physical elements of sacrifice.
The Context of Psalms 50:13
God denies any bodily need for the physical elements of sacrifice.
What Does Psalms 50:13 Mean?
The rhetorical question expects a clear answer: no. God does not eat or drink. Sacrifice is not about feeding God or sustaining Him physically. This directly addresses a misunderstanding that was apparently present—that sacrifice functioned to feed the deity, as it did in pagan religions. God is neither hungry nor dependent on such nourishment.
By explicitly rejecting the notion that He consumes the sacrificial meat and blood, God clarifies that the purpose of the sacrificial system must lie elsewhere. The acts of sacrifice must have another meaning—one that involves the relationship between God and His people, not material sustenance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 50:13
What does Psalms 50:13 mean?
God rhetorically rejects the idea that He consumes or is sustained by the physical elements of sacrifice.
What is the context of Psalms 50:13?
God denies any bodily need for the physical elements of sacrifice.