Psalms 50:6
Psalms 50:6 in Multiple Translations
And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness; For God is judge himself. [Selah
And let the heavens make clear his righteousness; for God himself is the judge. (Selah.)
The heavens declare his decisions are right, for God himself is the judge. Selah.
And the heauens shall declare his righteousnes: for God is iudge himselfe. Selah.
And the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself [is] judge. Selah.
The heavens shall declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge. Selah.
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah.
To thee only have I sinned, and have done evil before thee: that thou mayst be justified in thy words and mayst overcome when thou art judged.
The angels in heaven declare, “God is righteous, and he is the supreme judge.” (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 50:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 50:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּגִּ֣ידוּ
שָׁמַ֣יִם
צִדְק֑/וֹ
כִּֽי
אֱלֹהִ֓ים
שֹׁפֵ֖ט
ה֣וּא
סֶֽלָה
וַ/יַּגִּ֣ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
to tell
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
שָׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
N-mp
צִדְק֑/וֹ
tsedeq
H6664
Righteousness
N-ms | Suff
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֱלֹהִ֓ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
שֹׁפֵ֖ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
V-Qal
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
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 50:6
וַ/יַּגִּ֣ידוּ
nâgad
H5046
"to tell"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.
Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported
Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.
שָׁמַ֣יִם
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.
צִדְק֑/וֹ
tsedeq
H6664
"Righteousness"
N-ms | Suff
Represents the idea of righteousness or justice, often referring to God's character or the standard for human behavior. It is closely tied to the concept of morality and what is right. The word is used to describe the ideal for human conduct and society.
Definition: This name means justice, righteousness Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] even, ([idiom] that which is altogether) just(-ice), (un-)right(-eous) (cause, -ly, -ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 119:138; Psalms 4:2.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֱלֹהִ֓ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
שֹׁפֵ֖ט
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 50:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 50:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 50:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 50:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 50:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 50:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 50:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 50:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 50:6
- Sermons on Psalms 50:6
Context — The Mighty One Calls
4He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:
5“Gather to Me My saints, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.”
6And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah
7“Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you: I am God, your God. 8I do not rebuke you for your sacrifices, and your burnt offerings are ever before Me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 97:6 | The heavens proclaim His righteousness; all the peoples see His glory. |
| 2 | Psalms 75:7 | but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another. |
| 3 | Psalms 89:5 | The heavens praise Your wonders, O LORD— Your faithfulness as well— in the assembly of the holy ones. |
| 4 | Revelation 19:2 | For His judgments are true and just. He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality. He has avenged the blood of His servants that was poured out by her hand.” |
| 5 | Romans 14:9–12 | For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.” So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God. |
| 6 | Psalms 9:16 | The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah |
| 7 | Psalms 7:3–5 | O LORD my God, if I have done this, if injustice is on my hands, if I have rewarded my ally with evil, if I have plundered my foe without cause, then may my enemy pursue me and overtake me; may he trample me to the ground and leave my honor in the dust. Selah |
| 8 | Revelation 20:11–12 | Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. |
| 9 | Romans 2:5 | But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. |
| 10 | John 5:22–23 | Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. |
Psalms 50:6 Summary
[This verse tells us that the whole universe, including the heavens, declares how righteous and just God is, and that He is the ultimate Judge of everything. This means that God is always fair and always does what is right, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4. Because of this, we can trust Him and know that He will judge us according to His perfect righteousness, as mentioned in Psalms 96:13. As we reflect on God's righteousness, we are invited to pause and consider the significance of His judgment in our lives, just like the word 'Selah' suggests.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the heavens proclaim God's righteousness?
This phrase suggests that all of creation testifies to God's justice and goodness, as seen in Psalms 19:1, where the heavens declare the glory of God.
Why does the verse say 'for God Himself is Judge'?
This statement emphasizes God's role as the ultimate Judge of the universe, who will judge His people, as mentioned in Psalms 50:4, and all will be held accountable to Him, as seen in Romans 14:12.
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' at the end of the verse?
The word 'Selah' is a Hebrew term that indicates a pause or a moment of reflection, inviting the reader to ponder the significance of God's righteousness and judgment, much like the pause in Habakkuk 3:3.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that God is always aware of our actions and will judge us according to His righteousness, as seen in Hebrews 4:13, and we should strive to live in a way that honors Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can proclaim God's righteousness in my own life, just like the heavens do?
- How does the fact that God is my Judge impact my daily decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I reflect on God's righteousness and judgment, as indicated by the word 'Selah', and apply it to my life?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender to God's judgment and righteousness, and how can I do that?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 50:6
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness,.... That is, either the heavens shall bear witness to his justice and equity in judging his people; or the angels, the ministers of the Gospel, shall
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 50:6
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God is judge himself. Selah. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 50:6
The heavens shall declare his righteousness; which they were called to witness, . So was the earth also. But here he mentions the heavens only, as I humbly conceive, because they were the most impartial and considerable witness in the case; for men upon earth might be false witnesses, either through ignorance and mistake, or through prejudice, and partiality, and passion: but the angels understand things more thoroughly and certainly, and are so exactly pure and sinless, that they neither can nor will tell a lie for God; and therefore their testimony is more valuable. Or the meaning is, that God would convince the people of his righteousness, and of their own wickedness, by terrible thunders and lightnings, and storms, or other dreadful signs wrought by him in the heaven or the air; by which he did convince his people in two like cases, ,23, &c.; . God is Judge himself; in his own person, or immediately. God will not now reprove them, or contend with them, by his priests or prophets, with whom they may easily strive, as they used to do, but he will do it in an immediate and extraordinary manner from heaven; and therefore they shall be forced to acknowledge his righteousness, and their own unrighteousness; as they must needs do, when the contest is between them and that God who is the great Judge of the world, and cannot possibly do any unrighteous thing, , who exactly knows all their hearts and works, and cannot be deceived nor contradicted.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 50:6
Psalms 50:6 And the heavens shall declare his righteousness: for God [is] judge himself. Selah.Ver. 6. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness] Those catholic preachers, whose voice goeth out aloud to the end of the world, Psalms 19:4; Psalms 50:4. For God is Judge himself] And from him is no appeal; every transgression and disobedience from him shall receive a just recompense of reward, Hebrews 2:2, even those corruptions that are most inward, and lie up in the heart of the country, as it were; those pollutions not of flesh only, i.e. worldly lusts and gross evils, but of spirit also, 2 Corinthians 7:1, more spiritual lusts, as pride, presumption, formality, self-flattery, carnal confidence in external legal worships, the sin principally taxed in this Jewish people here in the next verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 50:6
(6) The heavens.—Here is an exceedingly fine touch. In obedience to the Divine summons the heavens are heard acknowledging the right of God to arraign the nations before Him in virtue of His moral sway. Render the verb in the present: And the heavens declare. The verse is adapted to Psalms 97:6. In the language of modern thought, order and law in the physical world are an evidence of an ordered moral government, and the obedience of the unconscious stars to that sway which, as Wordsworth says, “preserves them from wrong,” is a challenge to man to submit himself consciously to the same will.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 50:6
6. Better (unless we alter the vocalisation and render, and let the heavens declare), And the heavens declare his righteousness, For God is about to Judge. While the defendants are being gathered, the Psalmist hears the heavens, which have been summoned to witness the trial, solemnly proclaiming the justice of the Judge, as a guarantee of the impartiality of His judgement. This explanation is supported by the use of the perfect tense in Psalms 97:6, a passage which is obviously based upon this Psalm.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 50:6
And the heavens shall declare his righteousness - Shall make it known, or announce it. That is, the heavens - the heavenly inhabitants - will bear witness to the justness of the sentence, or will approve the sentence.
Sermons on Psalms 50:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Basics) 29. Praise Brings Deliverance by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God in difficult situations. He shares the story of King Jehoshaphat and how he led the people of Israel to victor |
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We Are Scattered Like Sheep Without a Shepherd by Ausbund | Leonhard Schiemer preaches about the persecution and suffering faced by believers, likening them to scattered sheep without a shepherd, hunted game birds, and lambs led back to tow |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.11 & 12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Daniel chapter 11 and the continuation of the angel Gabriel's message to Daniel. The chapter recounts historical events that were to take pla |
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The Eyes of God See It All by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the joy and assurance that comes from knowing God is sovereign and sees all injustices in the world. He reassures the righteous that God holds all power an |
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Commentary Notes - Obadiah by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler delves into the book of Obadiah, highlighting the prophetic message of divine retribution and the ultimate triumph of God's government. The Edomites, descendents of |
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As Thou Hast Said, Do Even So by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine reversal of fortunes as seen in the story of Mordecai and Haman, illustrating how God honors those who remain humble and faithful. He reflects on t |
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(The Church in the Last Days) 12 - the Harlot Church by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Word of God rather than the traditions of men. He encourages listeners to listen to the entire series of tape |