Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The phrase "twice have I heard this" isn't just about hearing something again; it emphasizes that this truth about God's power is so crucial it needs to be understood with certainty, like a message confirmed by repetition. It highlights that God's word is not a suggestion but a bedrock reality, and the Psalmist has taken the time to internalize this profound declaration.
Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The psalmist has just contrasted the worthlessness of trusting in people or wealth with the ultimate reliability of God. In response, he declares that he has learned from God's direct word, and heard it repeatedly, that true power and strength reside solely with the Almighty, not with fickle human endeavors. This emphatic statement establishes God as the ultimate source of all authority and capability.
Why does the Psalmist say he heard something 'twice'? It’s more than just repetition; it’s about profound assurance.
When the Psalmist declares, 'Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this,' he's emphasizing the absolute certainty of what follows: 'that power belongs to God.'
Divine Assurance
The phrasing 'once... twice' is an ancient way to stress a truth, making it emphatically sure. It’s like God speaking directly, and then reinforcing it through His Word, creation, or personal experience. This isn't a casual observation; it's a deeply received revelation.
A Foundation for Trust
This repeated confirmation is crucial because it builds a solid foundation for trust. In a world where power shifts and human strength fails, knowing that ultimate power resides solely with God offers incredible security. It tells us where our ultimate hope should lie.
What does it truly mean that 'power belongs to God'? It's a statement that reshapes everything we think we know about control.
The core message here is that all power, in every sense, originates from and rests with God. This isn't just one attribute among many; it's His unique and supreme possession.
The Source of All Strength
This means no human, no nation, no force can ultimately rival or usurp God's authority. Human strength, political power, or even sheer force are temporary and limited. God's power is eternal, absolute, and the source from which all other power (if permitted) flows.
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The Implication for Us
Understanding that 'power belongs to God' frees us from misplaced trust. We’re warned against relying on people, wealth, or our own might (as the surrounding verses in Psalm 62 suggest). Instead, we are called to place our confidence in the One who truly holds all power, knowing He is our ultimate refuge and defender.
Understand the original words
'elohim · Hebrew Noun
The supreme, divine Being, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In biblical theology, God is the sole authority, possessing infinite sovereignty, holiness, and goodness.
'oz · Hebrew Noun
The ability, strength, or capacity to act and effect change. In scripture, true power is recognized as belonging inherently and exclusively to God, who uses it to govern creation and sustain His people.
This passage describes God speaking, sometimes once, sometimes twice, similar to Psalm 62:11, emphasizing God's communication and authority.
Isaiah 40:26This verse highlights God's supreme power in creation, echoing the Psalmist's declaration that 'power belongs to God' and underscoring His unique might.
Romans 2:6-8Paul connects God's impartial judgment to rendering to each according to his deeds, drawing a parallel to the truth that God's power is matched by His justice and mercy, as implied in the Psalm's broader context.
Jeremiah 10:6-7This passage contrasts God's incomparable power with the impotence of idols, reinforcing the Psalmist's assertion that true power resides solely with the Lord.
pulpitPsalms 62:11: "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God."
Verse 11. - God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this (comp. Job 33:14). When a thing is spoken twice, then assurance is made doubly sure. That power belongeth unto God. God, i.e., is the only ultimate Source of all power.
poolePsalms 62:11: "God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God."
Twice, i.e. frequently, as Job 33:14 , both immediately, as at Sinai, and by his holy prophets from time to time. That power belongeth unto God; that power is God’s prerogative; and consequently all creatures, either against or without him, are poor impotent things, to which no man can trust without certain disappointment, and God alone is fit to be trusted.
The phrase "twice have I heard this" isn't just about hearing something again; it emphasizes that this truth about God's power is so crucial it needs to be understood with certainty, like a message confirmed by repetition. It highlights that God's word is not a suggestion but a bedrock reality, and the Psalmist has taken the time to internalize this profound declaration.
The psalmist has just contrasted the worthlessness of trusting in people or wealth with the ultimate reliability of God. In response, he declares that he has learned from God's direct word, and heard it repeatedly, that true power and strength reside solely with the Almighty, not with fickle human endeavors. This emphatic statement establishes God as the ultimate source of all authority and capability.
The psalmist has just contrasted the worthlessness of trusting in people or wealth with the ultimate reliability of God. In response, he declares that he has learned from God's direct word, and heard it repeatedly, that true power and strength reside solely with the Almighty, not with fickle human endeavors. This emphatic statement establishes God as the ultimate source of all authority and capability.
"Once God has spoken; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God," — The phrase "twice have I heard this" isn't just about hearing something again; it emphasizes that this truth about God's power is so crucial it needs to be understood with certainty, like a message c…
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Last reviewed October 2026