Old Testament
Psalms 24:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness of it; the world, and those who dwell in it.
Compare translations
The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
What Psalms 24:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all creation. It declares that everything on earth, including the land, resources, and all living beings, belongs to the Lord. The phrase 'the fullness of it' suggests that not only the physical earth but also everything within it—its beauty, resources, and inhabitants—are under God's authority. This understanding invites believers to recognize their place in the world as stewards of God's creation. It also serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control and ownership over all things, encouraging humility and reverence in how we interact with the world around us. By acknowledging that the earth and everything in it belongs to God, we are called to live in a way that honors Him and respects His creation, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment and each other.
How to apply Psalms 24:1 to your life
Recognize that everything you have is a gift from God. Live with gratitude and responsibility, treating the earth and its resources with care. Engage in practices that honor God’s creation, such as recycling, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable initiatives.
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 Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth

Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. 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.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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 24:1
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 24:1
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 24:1 mean?
Psalms 24:1 means that God has complete authority over the earth and everything in it. It highlights His ownership of the world and all its inhabitants, reminding us of our role as caretakers of His creation.
What is the meaning of 'the fullness thereof' in Psalms 24:1?
'The fullness thereof' refers to all the resources, beauty, and life that the earth contains. It emphasizes that not only the land but everything within it belongs to God.
How does Psalms 24:1 relate to stewardship?
Psalms 24:1 relates to stewardship by reminding us that since the earth belongs to God, we are responsible for taking care of it. It encourages us to manage resources wisely and treat the environment with respect.
What themes are present in Psalms 24:1?
The themes in Psalms 24:1 include God's sovereignty, creation, stewardship, divine ownership, humility, and respect for nature. These themes highlight our relationship with God and our responsibility towards the earth.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.