Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.

PSALMS 50:22KJV
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Psalms 50:22 (KJV)

What does Psalms 50:22 mean?

Psalms 50:22 is a warning to those who ignore or forget God, urging them to pay attention before facing severe consequences that no one can rescue them from. The verse pictures God as able to "tear in pieces" those who disregard Him, with no one able to save them from His judgment.

In this psalm, God is speaking through the psalmist Asaph, addressing people who claim to be His but live as if He does not matter. The setting is a courtroom scene where God calls His people to account for their actions. The verse uses strong language to stress the seriousness of forgetting God and the reality that, if ignored, His judgment is unavoidable and absolute.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 50:22

  • "Consider" (בִּינוּ, binu) means to understand or pay careful attention. God is not just asking for a casual thought, but for deep reflection and recognition of the seriousness of the warning.
  • "Forget" (שָׁכַח, shakach) refers to neglecting or disregarding God, not just a momentary lapse but a pattern of living as if God is unimportant.
  • "God" (אֵל, El) is a general term for God, emphasizing His power and authority in this context.
  • "Pieces" (טָרַף, taref) means to tear apart, often used of wild animals attacking prey. This word paints a vivid picture of the total destruction that comes from God's judgment.
  • "Deliver" (נָצַל, natsal) means to rescue or save. The verse stresses that, once God acts in judgment, there will be no one able to rescue those who have ignored Him.

Why Psalms 50:22 matters

  • Psalms 50:22 clarifies that forgetting God is not a small or harmless thing; it brings real and severe consequences.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s role as both judge and rescuer, but also shows that rescue is impossible if His warning is ignored.
  • This warning ties into the larger message of Psalm 50, which calls for genuine relationship with God rather than empty ritual or outward religion.

Where else these words appear

“pieces” Hebrew H2963 · used in 22 verses

  • Genesis 37:33 And he knew it, and said, It is my son's coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.
  • Psalms 7:2 Lest he tear my soul like a lion, rending it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.
  • Ezekiel 22:25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in the midst thereof, like a roaring lion ravening the prey; they have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made her many widows in the midst thereof.

“God” Hebrew H433 · used in 56 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.
  • Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
  • Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.

“forget” Hebrew H7911 · used in 95 verses

  • Genesis 27:45 Until thy brother's anger turn away from thee, and he forget that which thou hast done to him: then I will send, and fetch thee from thence: why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?
  • Psalms 13:1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
  • Proverbs 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.