Old Testament
Psalms 50:1
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Mighty One, God, the LORD, has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
Compare translations
The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.
What Psalms 50:1 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the psalmist emphasizes the authority and power of God, referred to as 'The Mighty One.' It highlights that God has spoken to all of creation, calling the earth from east to west, symbolizing His dominion over the entire world. The phrase 'from the rising of the sun to its setting' suggests that God's message and presence are universal and timeless, reaching every corner of the earth. This declaration serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His active role in the world. It also sets the stage for the themes of judgment and worship that follow in the psalm, indicating that God is not only a creator but also a judge who calls people to account for their actions. The verse invites readers to recognize God's greatness and to respond to His call with reverence and obedience, acknowledging His rightful place as the supreme authority in their lives.
How to apply Psalms 50:1 to your life
This verse encourages us to acknowledge God's authority in our lives and the world around us. We should respond to His call by living in a way that honors Him, recognizing His presence in every aspect of our daily lives. Worship and obedience are essential responses to His greatness.
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 50:1
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 50:1
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 50:1 teach about God's authority?
Psalms 50:1 emphasizes God's supreme authority by referring to Him as 'The Mighty One.' It illustrates that God speaks with power and commands the attention of all creation, symbolized by the earth being called from the rising to the setting sun. This highlights His dominion over the entire world and serves as a reminder of His role as both creator and judge.
How does Psalms 50:1 relate to worship?
This verse sets the stage for themes of worship by reminding us of God's greatness and sovereignty. It calls us to recognize His authority and respond with reverence and obedience. Worship is not just about singing or rituals; it's about acknowledging God's rightful place in our lives and living in a way that honors Him.
What does 'from the rising of the sun to its setting' mean?
The phrase 'from the rising of the sun to its setting' signifies the universality of God's call and presence. It indicates that God's message reaches every corner of the earth, emphasizing that His authority and sovereignty are not limited by geography or time. This reinforces the idea that all creation is under His dominion.
How can I apply Psalms 50:1 in my daily life?
You can apply Psalms 50:1 by consciously acknowledging God's authority in your life. This means making decisions that honor Him, being aware of His presence in your daily activities, and responding to His call through acts of worship and obedience. Living with this awareness can transform how you interact with the world and others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.