King James Version

What Does Psalms 50:11 Mean?

Psalms 50:11 in the King James Version says “I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. mine: Heb. with me” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 50 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. mine: Heb. with me”

Psalms 50:11 · KJV

Context

9

I will take no bullock out of thy house, nor he goats out of thy folds.

10

For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills.

11

I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. mine: Heb. with me

12

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

13

Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine. In this judicial psalm where God summons His people to judgment, He asserts His comprehensive knowledge and absolute ownership of all creation. The Hebrew verb yada (יָדַע, "know") signifies intimate, experiential knowledge—not mere intellectual awareness but complete, personal acquaintance with every creature. This echoes God's knowledge of all things, including the thoughts and intents of human hearts (Psalm 139:1-4).

The phrase "fowls of the mountains" and "wild beasts of the field" (ziz sadai, זִיז שָׂדָי) encompasses all wildlife in creation's diverse habitats. The term ziz may refer to moving creatures or abundant life, emphasizing the vitality and multitude of God's creatures. The possessive "mine" reveals the theological point: God owns everything by right of creation. This undermines the notion that God needs sacrifices for sustenance, as pagan deities supposedly required.

The context (verses 9-13) reveals God's rebuke of empty ritualism. Israel mistakenly thought sacrifices somehow benefited God or obligated Him. This verse demolishes that notion—the Creator of all flesh requires nothing from His creatures. He doesn't need our offerings; rather, we need the relationship offerings represent. This anticipates the New Covenant emphasis on heart worship over mere external ritual (John 4:23-24, Romans 12:1).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 50 is an Asaphite psalm functioning as a covenant lawsuit (rib pattern) where God prosecutes His people for covenant violations. The literary form follows ancient Near Eastern treaty patterns where a sovereign would summon vassals to account for broken agreements. The psalm's theophanic opening (verses 1-6) depicts God coming from Zion in glory, similar to His appearance at Sinai.

In the ancient world, pagan religions operated on a quid pro quo basis—sacrifices fed the gods, who in turn blessed worshippers. Babylonian and Canaanite texts describe gods as dependent on human offerings for sustenance. Israel sometimes imported this corrupted theology, treating Yahweh as merely another deity to manipulate through ritual. God's declaration of ownership over all creatures directly confronts this pagan mindset.

The historical context likely involves periods when Israel's worship became formalistic and presumptuous—perhaps during the wilderness wanderings, the divided kingdom, or post-exilic restoration. The psalm reminds Israel that the Mosaic covenant never intended sacrifices to be ends in themselves but expressions of covenant relationship, gratitude, and obedience. The prophets (Isaiah 1:11-17, Amos 5:21-24, Micah 6:6-8) repeatedly echoed this message.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's ownership of all creation challenge modern consumerist attitudes that treat possessions as absolutely our own?
  2. In what ways might you be treating religious activities as transactions meant to obligate God rather than expressions of grateful relationship?
  3. What does it mean that God intimately knows every creature, and how should this affect your understanding of His knowledge of you?
  4. How can you move from ritualistic religious practice to authentic heart worship that honors God's true nature?
  5. What would change in your life if you fully embraced that everything you have belongs to God and is merely entrusted to your stewardship?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
יָ֭דַעְתִּי1 of 7

“I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כָּל2 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

ע֣וֹף3 of 7

“all the fowls”

H5775

a bird (as covered with feathers, or rather as covering with wings), often collectively

הָרִ֑ים4 of 7

“of the mountains”

H2022

a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)

וְזִ֥יז5 of 7

“and the wild beasts”

H2123

fulness of the breast

שָׂ֝דַ֗י6 of 7

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

עִמָּדִֽי׃7 of 7

“are mine”

H5978

along with

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 50:11 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 50:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:26Genesis 1:20-22Luke 12:24Job 39:13-18Ezekiel 14:15-16Psalms 104:12

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