Psalms 115:16
Psalms 115:16 in Multiple Translations
The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.
The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
The heavens are the heavens of Jehovah; But the earth hath he given to the children of men.
The heavens are the Lord's; but the earth he has given to the children of men.
The heavens belong to the Lord, but he has given the earth to humankind.
The heauens, euen the heauens are the Lordes: but he hath giuen the earth to the sonnes of men.
The heavens — the heavens [are] Jehovah's, And the earth He hath given to sons of men,
The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but he has given the earth to the children of men.
The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
The highest heavens belong to Yahweh, but he gave everything that is on the earth to us people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 115:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Psalms 115:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
שָׁ֭מַיִם
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
וְ֝/הָ/אָ֗רֶץ
נָתַ֥ן
לִ/בְנֵי
אָדָֽם
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
וְ֝/הָ/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Conj | Art | N-cs
נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
לִ/בְנֵי
bên
H1121
son
Prep | N-mp
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 115:16
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
שָׁ֭מַיִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
לַ/יהוָ֑ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
וְ֝/הָ/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Conj | Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
נָתַ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לִ/בְנֵי
bên
H1121
"son"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָדָֽם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 115:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 115:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 115:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 115:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 115:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 115:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 115:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 115:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 115:16
- Sermons on Psalms 115:16
Context — To Your Name Be the Glory
14May the LORD give you increase, both you and your children.
15May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
16The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.
17It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence. 18But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore. Hallelujah!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 8:6 | You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet: |
| 2 | Psalms 89:11 | The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded. |
| 3 | 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.” Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food. And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so. |
| 4 | 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. So now I have placed all these lands under the authority of My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon. I have even made the beasts of the field subject to him. |
| 5 | Genesis 9:1–3 | And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. The fear and dread of you will fall on every living creature on the earth, every bird of the air, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the fish of the sea. They are delivered into your hand. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you; just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you all things. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Psalms 144:5 | Part Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke. |
| 8 | 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? |
| 9 | 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? |
| 10 | Psalms 148:4 | Praise Him, O highest heavens, and you waters above the skies. |
Psalms 115:16 Summary
[This verse tells us that God is the ruler of the whole universe, including the highest heavens. He is the one who created and sustains everything, as we see in Psalms 19:1 and Romans 1:20. The earth, however, has been given to us to take care of, as stated in Genesis 1:28. We should live in a way that honors God and shows that we are thankful for the gift of life and the world around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the highest heavens belong to the LORD?
This means that God is the sovereign ruler of all things, including the heavenly realms, as seen in Psalms 103:19 and Isaiah 66:1. He is the one who created and sustains the universe.
Why does the verse say that the earth has been given to mankind?
This is because God has entrusted humanity with the care and stewardship of the earth, as stated in Genesis 1:28 and Psalms 8:6. We are to be responsible managers of God's creation.
How does this verse relate to our daily lives?
This verse reminds us that our lives are not our own, but are part of a larger story of God's creation and sovereignty, as seen in Romans 11:36 and Colossians 1:16. We should live in reverence and gratitude for God's gift of life and the world around us.
What is the significance of the contrast between the heavens and the earth in this verse?
The contrast highlights the difference between the realm of God's throne and the realm of human existence, as seen in Isaiah 57:15 and Hebrews 4:14. It reminds us of our humble place in God's creation and our dependence on Him.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for you to acknowledge God's sovereignty over the heavens and the earth in your daily life?
- How can you be a good steward of the earth and its resources, as entrusted to you by God?
- In what ways can you reverence and worship God as the Creator and Ruler of the universe?
- How does this verse affect your perspective on your place in the world and your relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 115:16
The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's,.... Not only the visible heavens, the airy and starry regions, which are within our sight; but the heaven of heavens, the third heaven, into which the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 115:16
The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. The heaven, (even) the heavens, are the Lord's; but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 115:16
Are the Lord’ s, to wit, in a peculiar manner, where he dwelleth in that light and glory to which no man can approach, and whence he beholdeth and disposeth all persons and things upon earth. But the earth hath he given to the children of men, for their habitation, possession, and use. But these words may be and are thus rendered by others, and the earth which (which particle is very oft understood) he hath given, &c. And then as the foregoing verse declared that God was the Creator of heaven and earth, , so this asserts that he is also their Lord and Governor, to dispose of all men and things as he pleaseth.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 115:16
Psalms 115:16 The heaven, [even] the heavens, [are] the LORD’ S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. Ver. 16. The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’ s] As the special place of his delight and dwelling; yet not so as if he were there cooped up and concluded; for God is immense and omnipresent, yea, totally present, wheresoever present. The heavens have a large place, but they have one part here, and another there; not so the Lord; he is not commensurable by the place, but everywhere all present. But the earth hath he given] Or, let out, as to his tenants at will, for he hath not made them absolute owners, to do therein what they will, and to live as they list. "Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton," James 5:5. A heavy charge. Calvin tells of a loose fellow that used in his cups to allege this text.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 115:16
16. The closing words of Psa 115:15 are developed. The heaven is Jehovah’s heaven; He has made it for His own dwelling-place (Psalms 115:3; Psalms 2:4); He is “the God of heaven” (Psalms 136:26; and often in the Aramaic of Ezra and Daniel). The LXX renders ungrammatically, ‘the heaven of heaven’ (Vulg. caelum caeli); hence P.B.V. ‘all the whole heavens.’ the earth &c.] Cp. Isaiah 45:18.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 115:16
The heaven - Hebrew, “The heavens.” Even the heavens are the Lord’s - A more literal and correct rendering of this would be, “The heavens are heavens for Jehovah.” That is, he has reserved the
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 115:16
16. The heaven, even the heavens—Hebrew, The heavens, the heavens to Jehovah; that is, belong to him. This prepares for the next utterance. The earth hath he given to the children of men—Hebrew, To the children of Adam.
Sermons on Psalms 115:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Psalm 115 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the acknowledgment of man's utter nothingness and the all-encompassing power of God. He emphasizes the vanity of idols and the importance of placing all confi |
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Of the Honour and Happiness of Man in a State of Innocence. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the honor and happiness of man in a state of innocence, focusing on Adam's creation and his placement in the Garden of Eden. He describes how Adam was endowed |
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The Book of Ruth #2 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of the book of Ruth in understanding God's plan of redemption. The book portrays the state of human loss and hopelessness, |
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Church, the Reigning Christ Is for You by Tim Conway | This sermon delves into Ephesians chapter 1, emphasizing the richness of its content and the significance of understanding the power and authority given to believers through Christ |
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The Man Upon the Throne Governs Everything by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the centrality of the Man upon the Throne in Ezekiel's vision, asserting that all of history and prophecy must be viewed through this lens. He explains |
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Our Daily Homily - Psalms by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of rooting ourselves in God's Word to maintain spiritual vitality and resilience against life's challenges. He draws parallels between the flou |
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Rev 12:10. the Heavenly Song of Victory by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar expounds on Revelation 12:10, celebrating the heavenly song of victory that proclaims the arrival of salvation, strength, and the kingdom of God, as the accuser is c |