A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, even the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.

PSALMS 50:1KJV
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Psalms 50:1 (KJV)

What does Psalms 50:1 mean?

Psalms 50:1 announces that God, described as mighty and as the LORD, has spoken with authority to the whole earth, summoning everyone from the east to the west. This verse introduces a message from God that is meant for all people, not just a specific group.

The heading tells us this is a psalm written by Asaph, who was one of King David’s chief musicians. The verse sets the stage for God addressing the entire world, emphasizing His power and the universal scope of His words. The language highlights that God’s reach and concern extend everywhere the sun rises and sets, signaling that what follows is important for all humanity.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 50:1

  • The word אֵל (El, "mighty") is often used for God and emphasizes strength and power, setting a tone of authority right from the start.
  • The word אֱלֹהִים (Elohim, "God") is a general term for God, used here alongside אֵל (El) and יְהוָה (YHWH, "the LORD"), which together stress the fullness and majesty of God’s identity.
  • The word יְהוָה (YHWH, "the LORD") is God’s personal name in the Hebrew Bible, highlighting a relationship with His people but also His absolute authority.
  • The phrase מִמִּזְרַח־שֶׁמֶשׁ עַד־מְבוֹאוֹ (mimmizrach-shemesh ‘ad-mevo’o, "from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof") is a poetic way to say “from east to west,” showing that God’s call is to everyone, everywhere.

Why Psalms 50:1 matters

  • Psalms 50:1 makes it clear that God’s message is not limited to Israel or a small audience; it is directed to the whole world, which is important for understanding the universal themes in the psalm.
  • The use of multiple names for God in one verse highlights both His power and His personal relationship with people, which sets the tone for the seriousness and authority of what He is about to say.
  • This verse prepares the reader for the rest of the psalm, which will contain God’s words of judgment and instruction, making it clear that what follows is not just advice but a divine summons.

Where else these words appear

“down” Hebrew H3996 · used in 24 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:30 Are they not on the other side Jordan, by the way where the sun goeth down, in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the champaign over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
  • 2 Kings 16:18 And the covert for the sabbath that they had built in the house, and the king's entry without, turned he from the house of the LORD for the king of Assyria.
  • Jeremiah 38:14 Then Zedekiah the king sent, and took Jeremiah the prophet unto him into the third entry that is in the house of the LORD: and the king said unto Jeremiah, I will ask thee a thing; hide nothing from me.

“Asaph” Hebrew H623 · used in 41 verses

  • 2 Kings 18:18 And when they had called to the king, there came out to them Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, which was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder.
  • 1 Chronicles 26:1 Concerning the divisions of the porters: Of the Korhites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph.
  • Nehemiah 12:46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

“Psalm” Hebrew H4210 · used in 57 verses

  • Psalms 3:1 A Psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. LORD, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
  • Psalms 38:1 A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
  • Psalms 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. O God, the heathen are come into thine inheritance; thy holy temple have they defiled; they have laid Jerusalem on heaps.

“rising” Hebrew H4217 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 27:13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
  • Joshua 16:5 And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;
  • 1 Chronicles 26:17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.