Psalm 115:16

Translations

Modern

The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.

Traditional

The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

Literal

The heavens of the heavens are unto YHWH, and the earth He has given to the sons of man.

Latin

Cælum cæli Domino; terram autem dedit filiis hominum.

Original

Hebrew

English

The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.

Notes

Psalms 115:16–18

The highest heavens belong to the LORD: God's exaltation starts in heaven (Psalm 113:4), far above the gods of other nations. The earth also belongs to him (Psalm 47:9; 95:4).
The dead cannot participate in God’s blessings. The living praise God in thanksgiving for his blessings (Psalm 79:13).

Psalms 115:1–18

This is a song of thanksgiving for God's blessings. The community gives all glory to the Lord, the true source of hope and blessing. Those who trust in idols feel great disappointment. The Creator's blessing extends to future generations (Psalm 115:14), especially to the priests (115:12).

Psalms 113:1–118:29

These psalms are called the Egyptian Hallel. Hallel means “praise.” Jewish people use these psalms during Passover, which began when God brought Israel out of Egypt in the exodus. The people recite Psalms 113–114 before the Passover meal, and Psalms 115–118 are recited afterward.

Psalms 111:1–117:2

The word Hallelujah! is repeated throughout this group of psalms.

Related verses

Psalm 8:6
You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet:
Psalm 89:11
The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded.
Genesis 1:28–30
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.”
Jeremiah 27:5–6
By My great power and outstretched arm, I made the earth and the men and beasts on the face of it, and I give it to whom I please.
Genesis 9:1–3
And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.
Deuteronomy 32:8
When the Most High gave the nations their inheritance, when He divided the sons of man, He set the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the sons of God.
Isaiah 66:1
This is what the LORD says: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or where will My place of repose be?
Psalm 144:5
Part Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke.
Psalm 148:4
Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies.
Lamentations 3:66
You will pursue them in anger and exterminate them from under Your heavens, O LORD.
John 14:2
In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?

Psalm 115:16

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Parallels?

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Translations

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Notes

Related verses

Parallels

Glossary

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