God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.

PSALMS 62:11KJV
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What does Psalms 62:11 mean?

Psalms 62:11 says that God has made a clear and repeated declaration: all true power and strength belong to Him alone. The verse emphasizes that this is a lesson the psalmist has heard more than once, underlining its certainty and importance.

In this psalm, David is speaking, reflecting on his trust in God during times of trouble and opposition. He stresses that no matter what people may claim or pursue, only God truly possesses power. The verse serves as a reminder that human strength is limited, and ultimate authority rests with God.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 62:11

  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): This is the common Hebrew word for God, used here to stress God's supreme authority and majesty.
  • "Power" (עֹז, oz): This word means strength or might. The verse highlights that all real strength is found in God, not in human rulers or armies.
  • "Spoken" (דָּבַר, dabar): This word means to speak or declare. The use of "spoken once; twice have I heard" is a Hebrew way of stressing certainty and emphasis, showing that this truth is firmly established.

Why Psalms 62:11 matters

  • Psalms 62:11 clears up the idea that power is something humans can truly possess or control; it insists that all power ultimately comes from God.
  • The verse connects to the wider psalm, where David contrasts trusting in God with trusting in people or wealth, making this statement a central theme.
  • The repeated hearing ("once...twice") underlines how important and unchanging this truth is, encouraging readers to remember and rely on it.

Where else these words appear

“this” Hebrew H2098 · used in 15 verses

  • Exodus 15:13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation.
  • Psalms 12:7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.
  • Psalms 142:3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

“power” Hebrew H5797 · used in 92 verses

  • Exodus 15:2 The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him.
  • Psalms 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
  • Proverbs 10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city: the destruction of the poor is their poverty.