Old Testament
Psalms 115:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's, but the earth he has given to the children of men.
Compare translations
The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD’s: but the earth hath he given to the children of men.
What Psalms 115:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights the distinction between the heavens and the earth in relation to God's authority and human responsibility. It states that while God reigns over the heavens, He has entrusted the earth to humanity. This suggests that humans have a significant role in caring for and managing the earth. The phrase 'children of men' indicates that all people share this responsibility. It emphasizes the idea that while God is sovereign over all creation, He has given us the privilege and duty to steward the earth. This stewardship includes taking care of the environment, making ethical decisions, and living in a way that honors God’s creation. The verse serves as a reminder of our role in the world and the importance of recognizing both God's authority and our responsibilities as caretakers of the earth.
How to apply Psalms 115:16 to your life
Understanding that the earth is entrusted to us encourages responsible living. We should actively engage in caring for the environment, making sustainable choices, and promoting justice and compassion in our communities. This stewardship reflects our respect for God's creation and our commitment to His purposes.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Moses's story: Israel Enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Moses
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 115:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 115:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 115:16 mean?
Psalms 115:16 means that while God has authority over the heavens, He has given humans the responsibility to manage and care for the earth. This highlights the relationship between divine sovereignty and human stewardship.
What is the significance of 'children of men' in Psalms 115:16?
The phrase 'children of men' in Psalms 115:16 signifies that all people are entrusted with the responsibility of caring for the earth. It emphasizes that this duty is shared among humanity.
How does Psalms 115:16 relate to environmental stewardship?
Psalms 115:16 relates to environmental stewardship by reminding us that we are responsible for taking care of the earth. It encourages us to make sustainable choices and respect God's creation.
What themes are present in Psalms 115:16?
The themes present in Psalms 115:16 include God's sovereignty, human responsibility, stewardship of the earth, and the relationship between divine authority and our role as caretakers.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.