King James Version

What Does Psalms 115:15 Mean?

Psalms 115:15 in the King James Version says “Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 115 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.”

Psalms 115:15 · KJV

Context

13

He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. and: Heb. with

14

The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

15

Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth.

16

The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.

17

The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.

Read Psalms 115 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. The blessing concludes by grounding divine favor in divine identity. Blessed of the LORD (berukhim atem l'Yahweh, בְּרוּכִים אַתֶּם לַיהוָה) uses the passive participle, indicating a settled state: you ARE blessed, not merely you will receive blessing. It's identity before activity, being before doing.

The phrase which made heaven and earth (oseh shamayim va'aretz, עֹשֵׂה שָׁמַיִם וָאָרֶץ) is foundational. The Creator of all things can certainly bless His people. This title appears in the Bible's first verse (Genesis 1:1) and in Abrahamic encounters (Genesis 14:19, 22). It distinguishes Yahweh from territorial or limited deities. Pagan gods ruled specific domains (sea, war, fertility), but Israel's God created and rules all.

The logic is irrefutable: if God made heaven and earth, He owns them (Psalm 24:1). If He owns all, He can dispose of all as He wills. If He chooses to bless His people, no force in heaven or earth can prevent it. Idol gods 'made by hands' are impotent; the God who made hands is omnipotent.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The creation confession ('maker of heaven and earth') was Israel's primary apologetic against pagan polytheism. Babylonian religion credited creation to multiple gods emerging from primordial chaos (Enuma Elish). Canaanite religion divided cosmic control among the pantheon. Israel's radical monotheism claimed one God spoke all things into existence. This confession distinguished true religion from false, the living God from dead idols. It became the creedal foundation: Apostles' Creed and Nicene Creed both begin 'I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.'

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding yourself as 'blessed' (present tense, settled identity) rather than merely 'hoping to be blessed' change your spiritual posture?
  2. What practical difference does it make that the God who blesses you is the same God who created everything?
  3. How might regularly confessing God as 'maker of heaven and earth' guard against functional atheism (living as if He has limited power or authority)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בְּרוּכִ֣ים1 of 6

“Ye are blessed”

H1288

to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as

אַ֭תֶּם2 of 6
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לַיהוָ֑ה3 of 6

“of the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֹ֝שֵׂ֗ה4 of 6

“which made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

שָׁמַ֥יִם5 of 6

“heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

וָאָֽרֶץ׃6 of 6

“and earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 115:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 115:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 134:3Revelation 14:7Genesis 1:1Genesis 14:19Psalms 121:2Psalms 96:5

Test Your Knowledge

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