King James Version

What Does Psalms 50:1 Mean?

Psalms 50:1 in the King James Version says “A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the g...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. of: or, for Asaph”

Psalms 50:1 · KJV

Context

1

A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof. of: or, for Asaph

2

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.

3

Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The majestic introduction: 'The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.' Three divine names (El, Elohim, Yahweh) emphasize God's comprehensive sovereignty. He summons the whole earth--universal jurisdiction for universal judgment.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The threefold divine naming intensifies solemnity. God speaks as cosmic Creator and covenant Lord, addressing not just Israel but all creation as audience and witness to divine lawsuit.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does the psalm use three divine names in succession?
  2. What does calling 'from the rising of the sun unto the going down' indicate about God's scope of authority?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
אֵ֤ל׀1 of 10

“The mighty”

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֱֽלֹהִ֡ים2 of 10

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

יְֽהוָ֗ה3 of 10

“even the LORD”

H3068

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

דִּבֶּ֥ר4 of 10

“hath spoken”

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

וַיִּקְרָא5 of 10

“and called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אָ֑רֶץ6 of 10

“the earth”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מִמִּזְרַח7 of 10

“from the rising”

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east

שֶׁ֝֗מֶשׁ8 of 10

“of the sun”

H8121

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

עַד9 of 10
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מְבֹאֽוֹ׃10 of 10

“unto the going down”

H3996

an entrance (the place or the act); specifically sunset or the west; also (adverb with preposition) towards

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 50:1 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 50:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 113:3Matthew 25:32Joshua 22:22Amos 3:8Jeremiah 32:18-19Nehemiah 9:6

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