Psalms 62:11

KJV

God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power [belongeth] unto God.

KJV (with Strong's)

God {H430} hath spoken {H1696}{H8765)} once {H259}; twice {H8147} have I heard {H8085}{H8804)} this {H2098}; that power {H5797} belongeth unto God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

God has spoken once, I have heard it twice: strength belongs to God.

Berean Standard Bible

God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: that power belongs to God,

American Standard Version

God hath spoken once, Twice have I heard this, That power belongeth unto God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 62:11 stands as a profound and unwavering declaration of God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence, forming the bedrock of the psalmist's unshakeable trust. Through the emphatic Hebrew idiom, "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this," David expresses an unassailable conviction in the singular, unalterable truth that ultimate power belongs exclusively to God. This verse encapsulates the psalmist's deep reliance on divine strength amidst human frailty and opposition, affirming God's inherent capability to act, sustain, and deliver according to His immutable word, providing a theological anchor for enduring faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 62:11 serves as a climactic and definitive theological statement within [Psalm 62](/psalms/62 "Psalm 62 - My Soul Waits for God Alone"), a psalm of David's profound trust in God despite intense opposition and deceit. The psalm opens with David's resolute declaration that his soul finds its sole rest and salvation in God alone ([Psalm 62:1-2](/psalms/62-1-2 "Psalm 62:1-2 - My Soul Waits for God Alone")). He then contrasts this divine steadfastness with the fleeting, unreliable, and even treacherous nature of human power, wealth, and status, as exemplified by his enemies who seek his downfall with deceitful words ([Psalm 62:3-4](/psalms/62-3-4 "Psalm 62:3-4 - Enemies' Deceit and Futility")). David reiterates his call to his own soul to "wait in silence for God alone" ([Psalm 62:5](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5 - My Soul, Wait Only Upon God")), reinforcing his confidence in God as his rock and salvation ([Psalm 62:6-7](/psalms/62-6-7 "Psalm 62:6-7 - God My Rock and Salvation")). The declaration in verse 11, that all power belongs to God, provides the ultimate theological justification for this unwavering trust, leading directly into the concluding affirmation of God's steadfast love and righteous recompense in [Psalm 62:12](/psalms/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God's Steadfast Love and Recompense").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical backdrop for Psalm 62 is not explicitly stated, its themes resonate strongly with periods of profound personal adversity and betrayal in David's life, such as the relentless pursuit by King Saul or the painful rebellion led by his son Absalom. In the ancient Near East, power was often perceived as residing in formidable kings, mighty armies, or a pantheon of deities. However, the psalmist radically subverts these conventional understandings by unequivocally asserting that all true, enduring, and effective power resides solely in Yahweh, the God of Israel. The cultural significance of oaths, legal declarations, and emphatic pronouncements in ancient societies further illuminates the phrase "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this." This was a common Hebrew idiom used to convey absolute certainty and profound emphasis, akin to a legal double affirmation, where a truth is so undeniable it is as if it has been heard and confirmed multiple times. In a world where divine pronouncements were understood to be inherently binding and effective, God's word concerning His own power carried supreme, unchallengeable authority.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes prevalent not only in [Psalm 62](/psalms/62 "Psalm 62 - My Soul Waits for God Alone") but throughout the entire Psalter. Firstly, it emphatically declares **Divine Omnipotence**, asserting that all power, without any qualification or limitation, belongs intrinsically to God. This stands in stark contrast to the fleeting, unreliable, and often deceptive nature of human power, wealth, and status, which the psalmist explicitly dismisses as "a breath" and "a lie" in earlier verses (e.g., [Psalm 62:9](/psalms/62-9 "Psalm 62:9 - Men of Low Degree Are a Lie")). Secondly, the verse underscores the **Certainty and Immutability of God's Word**. The idiomatic expression "once; twice have I heard this" emphasizes that God's declaration regarding His power is not merely a singular utterance but an undeniable, profoundly confirmed reality—a truth so foundational it resonates with absolute conviction and leaves no room for doubt. This certainty of God's word is a recurring motif throughout the Psalms, providing a stable and unshakeable foundation for faith and trust. Finally, by establishing God as the sole possessor of all power, the verse lays the **Foundation for Trust and Security**. If all power belongs to God, then He is supremely capable of delivering, sustaining, and protecting His people, regardless of the circumstances or the apparent strength of their adversaries. This truth enables the psalmist to find profound peace and security in God alone, as eloquently articulated in [Psalm 62:6-7](/psalms/62-6-7 "Psalm 62:6-7 - God My Rock and Salvation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** The plural form of the Hebrew word, often used to refer to the supreme God, Yahweh. In this context, it emphasizes the singular, ultimate divine being who is the source of all authority and might. Its usage here underscores that the power declared is not merely a characteristic of a deity, but an inherent, defining attribute of the one true God, distinct from any human or false divine entity.
* **spoken (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This root verb signifies not just uttering words, but often implies a definitive declaration, a command, or an arranging of truth. When God "speaks," it carries the weight of divine authority and immutability. It highlights the active, intentional, and effective nature of God's communication, ensuring that His pronouncement about power is absolute and unchangeable, a settled decree from the divine throne.
* **power (Hebrew, _ʻôz'_):** This term denotes strength, might, and inherent capability, often carrying connotations of a fortress or refuge. It describes God's intrinsic and absolute ability to act, rule, and accomplish His will. Unlike human power, which is limited, transient, and often corruptible, God's _'oz'_ is boundless, eternal, and righteous, encompassing His active, dynamic strength manifested in creation, judgment, and salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God hath spoken once;":** This clause introduces the divine decree, emphasizing its singular origin and authoritative nature. It signifies that the truth about God's power is not a human speculation, a philosophical construct, or a matter of opinion, but a direct, unmediated revelation from God Himself. The "once" implies a definitive, settled declaration, unchangeable, eternally valid, and requiring no repetition or further confirmation from God's side.
* **"twice have I heard this;":** This is the emphatic Hebrew idiom, not a literal counting of two separate divine pronouncements. It signifies the psalmist's profound reception, deep internalization, and absolute conviction of the divine truth that God has declared. It highlights the psalmist's personal affirmation and the truth's undeniable resonance within his spirit, indicating an unshakeable certainty that leaves no room for doubt or re-evaluation. It is as if the truth has been so deeply impressed upon him that it is doubly confirmed.
* **"that power [belongeth] unto God.":** This is the immutable, central truth that God has declared and the psalmist has profoundly grasped and affirmed. The bracketed "belongeth" in the KJV clarifies the sense of possession and inherent attribute. It asserts that all might, strength, and authority originate from and reside in God alone. This is not a delegated power, but an intrinsic aspect of His divine nature, making Him the ultimate source, controller, and possessor of all things, ruling over all creation, human affairs, and spiritual realities.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 62:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound and emphatic message. The most prominent is the **Idiom** "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this," which is a common Hebrew expression for emphasis and certainty, not a literal count of two distinct divine utterances. This rhetorical device functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, underscoring the absolute reliability and immutability of the truth that follows. The verse itself is a powerful **Declaration**, a direct and unequivocal statement of divine attribute, which serves as a theological anchor for the entire psalm and for the psalmist's unwavering trust. There is also an implicit **Contrast** at play, setting God's eternal, absolute power against the unreliable, fleeting, and ultimately futile nature of human power, wealth, and status, which the psalmist discusses in the preceding verses (e.g., [Psalm 62:9](/psalms/62-9 "Psalm 62:9 - Men of Low Degree Are a Lie")). This contrast elevates God's power as the only stable, trustworthy, and ultimate reality in a world filled with instability and deception.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 62:11 serves as a foundational theological statement, declaring God's absolute and inherent power as the ultimate reality. This truth underpins the doctrines of divine sovereignty, omnipotence, and immutability. If all power belongs to God, then His purposes cannot be thwarted, His word is eternally reliable, and His ability to deliver and sustain His people is unquestionable. This divine attribute provides the ultimate basis for human trust, peace, and security, especially when faced with overwhelming circumstances or the apparent strength of evil. It reminds us that God is not merely powerful; He *is* power itself, the very source from which all other forms of strength derive and to which they are ultimately subordinate. This truth calls believers to a posture of humility and complete dependence on God, recognizing that our own strength is finite and fallible, while His is infinite, perfect, and unfailing.

* [Jeremiah 32:17](/jeremiah/32-17 "Jeremiah 32:17 - God's Great Power and Outstretched Arm")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes His Purpose")
* [Ephesians 1:19](/ephesians/1-19 "Ephesians 1:19 - The Immeasurable Greatness of His Power")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 62:11 offers immense comfort, profound assurance, and clear direction for believers navigating a world often characterized by uncertainty, injustice, and the illusion of human control. When we are confronted with challenges that seem insurmountable, when human systems and leaders fail, or when our own strength proves insufficient, this verse powerfully redirects our gaze to the one true source of all power. It calls us away from self-sufficiency, from reliance on fleeting worldly resources, and from the deceptive allure of human influence, urging us instead to place our complete and exclusive trust in God alone. Knowing that ultimate power belongs to God provides a profound sense of peace amidst life's chaos, assuring us that He is sovereign over all things and His righteous purposes will ultimately prevail. This truth fosters a spirit of humility, reminding us of God's infinite superiority and our absolute dependence on Him, inspiring deep worship and awe for a God who is mighty to save, powerful to uphold His promises, and unwavering in His steadfast love. As [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ") affirms, it is through Christ, who embodies God's power, that we find the strength to face all things.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life are you currently tempted to rely on your own strength, worldly resources, or human connections instead of God's omnipotence?**
* **How does the absolute certainty of God's power ("once; twice have I heard this") bring you comfort, challenge your anxieties, or reshape your perspective on current difficulties?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally surrender control and trust more deeply in God's sovereign power in a particular situation?**
* **How does acknowledging God's inherent and absolute power lead you to a deeper sense of worship, humility, and confident dependence on Him?**

### FAQ

**What does "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase is a powerful Hebrew idiom emphasizing absolute certainty and profound conviction, rather than a literal count of two separate utterances. It's a rhetorical device used to underscore the undeniable truth of what follows. Imagine someone saying, "I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times!" – they don't mean a thousand literal times, but that the message is utterly firm and undeniable. In [Psalms 62:11](/psalms/62-11 "Psalms 62:11 - God's Power Declared"), it means that God's declaration about power belonging to Him is a singular, immutable truth that the psalmist has internalized and affirmed with the deepest certainty, leaving no room for doubt or re-evaluation. It highlights both the divine origin of the truth and the psalmist's personal, unshakeable conviction of this foundational reality.

**How does God's power, as declared in this verse, relate to human responsibility and free will?**

Answer: [Psalms 62:11](/psalms/62-11 "Psalms 62:11 - God's Power Declared") emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence, meaning all power originates from and is ultimately controlled by Him. This does not negate human responsibility or free will, but rather frames it within the context of God's overarching plan and providential governance. While humans genuinely make choices and bear responsibility for their actions, their ability to act, and the ultimate outcome of their actions, are always subject to God's supreme power and providential oversight. God's power ensures that His ultimate purposes will prevail, even amidst human choices that may seem to oppose Him. It means that even our freedom operates within the boundaries of His divine will and power, as seen in passages like [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - Man Plans His Way, But the Lord Directs His Steps") or [Acts 17:28](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being").

**Is this verse primarily about God's power to punish or His power to save?**

Answer: While God's power certainly includes His ability to judge and punish evil, the primary emphasis in [Psalms 62:11](/psalms/62-11 "Psalms 62:11 - God's Power Declared"), especially within the broader context of [Psalm 62](/psalms/62 "Psalm 62 - My Soul Waits for God Alone"), is on God's power as a source of salvation, deliverance, and steadfast love for those who trust in Him. The psalmist is surrounded by enemies and deceit, yet he finds refuge and hope in God's power to protect and save. The very next verse, [Psalm 62:12](/psalms/62-12 "Psalm 62:12 - God's Steadfast Love and Recompense"), explicitly links God's power with His steadfast love and His just recompense, implying that His power is exercised in accordance with His righteous and loving character. Therefore, it's primarily a declaration of God's benevolent power to uphold His people and fulfill His promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 62:11, declaring with absolute certainty that "power belongeth unto God," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's power, the Word through whom all things were created and by whom they are sustained, as profoundly affirmed in [Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, the Creator and Sustainer"). The myriad miracles Jesus performed—healing the sick with a word, casting out demons with authority, calming raging storms with a command, and raising the dead to life—were not merely acts of compassion but direct, undeniable demonstrations of the divine power residing in Him, proving His inherent authority over all creation, sin, and death. His resurrection from the dead is the supreme manifestation of God's power, a power that is now dynamically at work in believers, as [Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Power in Christ's Resurrection") proclaims, raising us to new life and seating us with Him in heavenly places. Indeed, the gospel itself is described by Paul as "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes" in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel"). Thus, the omnipotent power David trusted in, the power that belongs intrinsically to God, is fully revealed, made accessible, and personally experienced by humanity through Christ, who now reigns with all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), inviting all to find their rest and security in His boundless might.

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

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Job 33:14

¶ For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not.

Isaiah 26:4

Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH [is] everlasting strength:

Job 40:5

Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.

Psalms 68:34

Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency [is] over Israel, and his strength [is] in the clouds.

Psalms 68:35

O God, [thou art] terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel [is] he that giveth strength and power unto [his] people. Blessed [be] God.

John 19:11

Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power [at all] against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.