Psalms 50:11
I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
God doesn't just know of the wild creatures; the phrase "are mine" or literally "are with me" signifies that they are under his care and dominion, a constant presence in his sight, proving he needs nothing from us to sustain himself. He could easily provide for any need from his own vast creation, which belongs entirely to him. This highlights how truly independent God is and that our offerings are not to fill a void in His existence.
God is speaking directly to His people, Israel, about their religious practices. He's not impressed by their outward sacrifices because He owns all of creation, from the wild birds on the mountains to every creature that moves in the fields. He doesn't need their offerings; He already possesses everything and can summon any animal for His purposes.
Ever wonder if God really sees the smallest creatures or the wildest beasts? This verse paints a stunning picture of His detailed awareness.
The psalm declares, "I know all the fowls of the mountains, and all that moves in the field is mine." This isn't just a casual observation; it's a profound statement of God's comprehensive knowledge. He knows every bird, not just the common ones but those in the high, remote mountains. He knows everything that stirs in the fields – every insect, every mammal, every creeping thing. This detailed knowledge isn't just about cataloging; it speaks to His active care and providential oversight over every aspect of His creation, no matter how small or wild.
We often think of ownership in human terms, but this verse redefines it on a cosmic scale. Who really owns everything?
The psalm follows its declaration of knowledge with a powerful assertion of ownership: "...and all that moves in the field is mine." This statement powerfully underscores that God is the ultimate Owner of all creation. The wild animals, the creatures of the mountains, the bustling life in the fields – they all belong to Him. This isn't just about possession; it means God has absolute authority and the right to use His creation as He pleases. It directly challenges any notion that humans could offer God something He needs or lacks, because He is the self-sufficient source of everything.
This passage emphasizes God's sovereignty and dominion over all creation, including the birds and beasts, which directly echoes the sentiment in Psalm 50:11 that all creatures belong to Him.
Matthew 6:26Jesus points out that God feeds the birds of the air, showing His intimate knowledge and care for even the smallest creatures, reinforcing the psalmist's declaration that all birds and beasts are known and owned by God.
Job 12:7-10This passage directly asks the question, 'But ask the animals, and they will teach you,' and then affirms that 'the life of every living thing is in his hand,' aligning with Psalm 50:11's assertion of God's ownership and knowledge of all creatures.
Psalm 8:5-8This psalm marvels at humanity's place in God's creation, noting that God has put everything under their feet, including the birds and animals, thus highlighting the overarching dominion of God expressed in Psalm 50:11.
Acts 17:24-25Paul declares that God 'made the world and everything in it' and 'gives life and breath to everything,' underscoring the truth that all creation, including the birds and wild beasts, belongs to God and is sustained by Him.
pulpitPsalms 50:11: "I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine."
Verse 11. - I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine; literally, are 'with me. All creation is God's, known to him, and owned by him, to be dealt with at his pleasure. How, then, should he need gifts from men?
gillPsalms 50:11: "I know all the fowls of the mountains: and the wild beasts of the field are mine."
I know all the fowls of the mountains,.... God not only knows them, but takes care of them; not a sparrow fails to the ground without his knowledge, and all the fowls of the air are fed by him, Matthew 10:29 ; and therefore needed not their turtledoves and young pigeons, which were the only fowls used in sacrifice; and the wild beasts of the field are mine; which are mentioned in opposition to dome…
God doesn't just know of the wild creatures; the phrase "are mine" or literally "are with me" signifies that they are under his care and dominion, a constant presence in his sight, proving he needs nothing from us to sustain himself. He could easily provide for any need from his own vast creation, which belongs entirely to him. This highlights how truly independent God is and that our offerings are not to fill a void in His existence.
God is speaking directly to His people, Israel, about their religious practices. He's not impressed by their outward sacrifices because He owns all of creation, from the wild birds on the mountains to every creature that moves in the fields. He doesn't need their offerings; He already possesses everything and can summon any animal for His purposes.
God is speaking directly to His people, Israel, about their religious practices. He's not impressed by their outward sacrifices because He owns all of creation, from the wild birds on the mountains to every creature that moves in the fields. He doesn't need their offerings; He already possesses everything and can summon any animal for His purposes.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Psalms 50:11 is available in the Sola app.
"I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine." — God doesn't just know of the wild creatures; the phrase "are mine" or literally "are with me" signifies that they are under his care and dominion, a constant presence in his sight, proving he needs…
