Psalms 115:16

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The heaven {H8064}, even the heavens {H8064}, are the LORD'S {H3068}: but the earth {H776} hath he given {H5414} to the children {H1121} of men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Heaven belongs to ADONAI, but the earth he has given to humankind.

Berean Standard Bible

The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.

American Standard Version

The heavens are the heavens of Jehovah; But the earth hath he given to the children of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 115:16 profoundly declares God's ultimate sovereignty over the celestial realms while simultaneously highlighting His gracious and intentional delegation of the earth to humanity. This verse serves as a foundational statement affirming divine ownership of all creation, particularly the heavens, and humanity's unique, divinely appointed role as stewards of the terrestrial sphere, underscoring both God's transcendent power and His benevolent design for human responsibility within His created order.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 115 is a powerful polemic against idolatry, contrasting the living, active God of Israel with the lifeless, impotent idols of the nations. It is part of the Egyptian Hallel (Psalms 113-118), traditionally sung during Passover, a time when Israel celebrated God's mighty acts of deliverance. The psalm begins by calling for God's glory to be revealed, not Israel's, and then directly challenges the nations' question, "Where is their God?" by describing the inert nature of idols (e.g., [Psalms 115:5](/psalms/115-5 "Psalms 115:5 - The Inability of Idols")). In stark contrast, the psalm extols the Lord as the Creator who "does whatever pleases him" ([Psalms 115:3](/psalms/115-3 "Psalms 115:3 - God's Sovereign Will")). Verse 16 serves as a climactic affirmation of God's absolute dominion, setting the stage for the psalmist's call to trust in the Lord, who is Israel's help and shield ([Psalms 115:9-11](/psalms/115-9 "Psalms 115:9-11 - Call to Trust in the Lord")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed in an ancient Near Eastern world saturated with polytheism and idol worship, Psalm 115:16 stands as a bold declaration of monotheistic truth. Surrounding cultures often attributed divine power to various gods associated with natural phenomena or specific geographical regions. The psalmist directly refutes this by asserting Yahweh's sole and absolute ownership of the heavens—the very realm where other deities were often thought to reside—and His deliberate act of entrusting the earth to humanity. This reflects an Israelite worldview where God is both transcendent (above creation) and immanent (involved in creation), actively governing all things. The concept of humanity's unique place as God's image-bearers, given dominion, traces back to the very beginning of the biblical narrative in [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account").
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core theological themes. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Divine Sovereignty and Transcendence**, emphasizing that God's dominion is not limited to a specific land or people but extends over the entire cosmos, particularly the vast and unapproachable heavens, as also seen in [Isaiah 66:1](/isaiah/66-1 "Isaiah 66:1 - God's Throne in Heaven"). Secondly, it highlights **Humanity's Delegated Authority and Stewardship**, revealing God's benevolent act of entrusting the earth to "the children of men." This is not an abdication of His ownership but a purposeful delegation of responsibility, echoing the creation mandate in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate") and the call to "work and keep" the garden in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Humanity's Role in Eden"). This theme underscores the sacred trust placed upon humanity to manage and care for the earth as God's representatives. Finally, it reinforces the **Contrast Between God and Idols**, demonstrating that while idols are inert and powerless, the true God is the active, sovereign Creator who not only owns all but also generously bestows gifts upon His creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heaven, even the heavens (Hebrew, _shamayim'_):** This word is a plural noun in Hebrew, often translated as "heavens" or "sky." Its repetition in the phrase "the heaven, even the heavens" (a form of merism or emphatic repetition) serves to emphasize the totality and vastness of the celestial realm, encompassing all levels of the sky, the cosmos, and even the spiritual dwelling place of God. It underscores God's absolute and uncontested dominion over the entire universe, from the visible atmosphere to the unseen spiritual dimensions.
* **Given (Hebrew, _natan'_):** This verb means "to give, grant, bestow, put, place." Its use here signifies a deliberate, intentional, and gracious act on God's part. It is not an accidental or passive relinquishment, but an active, sovereign decision to entrust the earth to humanity. This highlights the benevolent nature of God's relationship with humankind, indicating a divine gift rather than a human acquisition or usurpation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The heaven, [even] the heavens, [are] the LORD'S":** This opening clause unequivocally declares God's supreme ownership and sovereignty over the entire celestial sphere. The repetition of "heavens" emphasizes the limitless extent of His dominion, encompassing everything above the earth. It establishes God as the ultimate Creator and Master of the universe, whose authority is absolute and unquestionable. This statement serves as a theological anchor, grounding all subsequent understanding of creation and humanity's place within it in God's transcendent power.
* **"but the earth hath he given to the children of men":** In striking contrast to His absolute ownership of the heavens, this clause reveals God's gracious delegation of the earth to humanity. The phrase "children of men" (Hebrew: *b'nei adam*) refers to humankind generally, emphasizing their shared status as recipients of this divine gift. This "giving" implies not an abandonment of ownership by God, but a bestowal of stewardship, responsibility, and delegated authority, calling humanity to cultivate, manage, and care for the earthly realm as God's representatives.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Contrast**, setting God's absolute ownership of the heavens against His gracious delegation of the earth to humanity. This highlights both God's transcendence and His immanence. The phrase "the heaven, even the heavens" utilizes a form of **Merism**, where two extremes (or a repetition for emphasis) represent the totality, signifying God's dominion over the entire cosmos. There is also an implicit **Parallelism** between the two clauses, with the first establishing divine prerogative and the second detailing human responsibility, creating a balanced theological statement. The use of "the LORD'S" (Yahweh's) in the first clause, followed by "he" (God) in the second, maintains a consistent divine subject, reinforcing the singular source of both ultimate ownership and benevolent gifting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 115:16 is a cornerstone verse for understanding the biblical doctrine of creation and humanity's place within it. It establishes God's ultimate sovereignty as the Creator and Owner of all things, particularly the heavens, which symbolize His transcendent power and unapproachable glory. Yet, it simultaneously reveals His benevolent purpose in entrusting the earth to humanity. This "giving" is not an abdication but a delegation of responsibility, a sacred trust for humanity to act as stewards, cultivating and caring for creation under God's ultimate authority. This balance prevents both an over-spiritualized view that neglects earthly responsibility and a humanistic view that denies divine ownership. It calls for a humble yet active engagement with the world, recognizing that all resources and opportunities are gifts from God, to be managed for His glory and the good of His creation.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate and Dominion")
* [Psalm 8:6-8](/psalms/8-6 "Psalm 8:6-8 - Humanity's Crowned Glory and Dominion")
* [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ's Supremacy in Creation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This profound verse calls us to live with a dual awareness: profound reverence for God's ultimate sovereignty and a deep sense of responsibility for the earth He has entrusted to us. Knowing that "the heavens are the LORD'S" should inspire awe and worship, reminding us that our lives and all of creation are ultimately under His benevolent control. This perspective fosters humility, dispelling any notion of human autonomy or ultimate ownership. Simultaneously, the truth that "the earth hath he given to the children of men" compels us to active, responsible stewardship. This means caring for the environment, using resources wisely, promoting justice, and building societies that reflect God's design. Our work, our relationships, our consumption, and our advocacy should all be shaped by the understanding that we are temporary managers of a divine gift, accountable to the Giver. This verse challenges us to live out our God-given dominion not as exploitation, but as faithful service, seeking to bring flourishing to creation and glory to the Creator.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's ultimate ownership of the heavens impact your view of His power and transcendence?**
* **In what specific ways can you better live out your role as a steward of the earth, acknowledging it as a gift from God?**
* **How might this verse challenge a purely anthropocentric (human-centered) or purely materialistic worldview?**
* **What practical steps can you take to honor God's gift of the earth in your daily life, community, or profession?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that God has relinquished His control over the earth?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that God has relinquished His control or ownership of the earth. Rather, it speaks of a gracious delegation of responsibility. While the heavens are exclusively the Lord's in terms of His direct, unmediated dominion, He has *given* the earth to humanity as a sacred trust. This "giving" is a bestowal of stewardship and delegated authority, not an abdication of His ultimate sovereignty. God remains actively involved in sustaining and governing the earth, as seen throughout Scripture (e.g., [Psalm 104](/psalms/104 "Psalm 104 - God's Provision for Creation")). Humanity is called to manage the earth on God's behalf, accountable to Him for its care and development.

**How does this verse relate to contemporary environmental concerns?**

Answer: Psalms 115:16 provides a foundational theological framework for environmental ethics. By stating that "the earth hath he given to the children of men," it establishes humanity's unique role as stewards of creation. This implies a moral obligation to care for the environment, use its resources responsibly, and protect its biodiversity, not merely for human benefit but as an act of worship and obedience to the Creator. It counters the idea that humanity has absolute rights to exploit the earth and instead promotes a posture of humble and responsible management. Our actions regarding the environment are therefore an expression of our understanding of God's ownership and our delegated authority, echoing the original mandate in [Genesis 2:15](/genesis/2-15 "Genesis 2:15 - Humanity's Mandate to Tend Eden").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 115:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. While the verse declares God's ownership of the heavens and humanity's stewardship of the earth, Christ embodies the perfect union of both. As the Son of God, He is fully divine, sharing in the Father's ultimate sovereignty over "the heaven, even the heavens," for "all things were created by him, and for him" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator and Sustainer")). Yet, in His incarnation, He became one of "the children of men," taking on human flesh to dwell on the earth ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Incarnation of the Word")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus perfectly fulfilled humanity's stewardship mandate, demonstrating righteous dominion over creation (e.g., calming storms, [Mark 4:39](/mark/4-39 "Mark 4:39 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and ultimately reclaiming the earth from the curse of sin. He is now the ascended Lord, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission and Christ's Authority")), perfectly bridging the gap between God's heavenly dominion and humanity's earthly responsibility. Through Christ, believers are empowered to exercise their stewardship in a way that truly honors God, anticipating the day when new heavens and a new earth will be established, where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 8:6

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all [things] under his feet:

Psalms 89:11

The heavens [are] thine, the earth also [is] thine: [as for] the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them.

Genesis 1:28

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Genesis 1:30

And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein [there is] life, [I have given] every green herb for meat: and it was so.

Jeremiah 27:5

I have made the earth, the man and the beast that [are] upon the ground, by my great power and by my outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it seemed meet unto me.

Jeremiah 27:6

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

Genesis 9:1

¶ And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.