Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

PSALMS 96:11KJV
Know the Bible

Psalms 96:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 96:11 mean?

Psalms 96:11 calls for all of creation—the heavens, the earth, and the sea—to join in joyful celebration. The verse uses vivid language to show that not only people but the entire natural world is invited to express gladness and praise.

In this psalm, the writer (traditionally understood as David) is urging everything in existence to rejoice because of God’s greatness and reign. The setting is one of worship, where the psalmist is inviting both people and nature itself to respond to God’s presence and rule with joy and exuberance.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 96:11

  • "Heavens" (שָׁמַיִם, shamayim, H8064) refers to the sky or the spiritual realm above. The call for the heavens to rejoice suggests that praise is not limited to earth but extends to all creation.
  • "Rejoice" (שָׂמַח, samach, H8055) means to be glad or joyful. This word often conveys a deep, expressive happiness, not just a quiet contentment.
  • "Earth" (אֶרֶץ, erets, H776) points to the whole world, not just a specific land or people. The invitation is broad and inclusive.
  • "Glad" (גִּיל, gil, H1523) is a word for exulting or being joyful, often with movement or shouting, showing an active, outward expression.
  • "Sea" (יָם, yam, H3220) and "roar" (רָעַם, raam, H7481) together paint a picture of the sea making a loud, thunderous sound, as if even the ocean is joining in the celebration.
  • "Fulness" (מְלוֹא, melo, H4393) means everything that fills the sea, emphasizing that nothing is left out of this call to praise.

Why Psalms 96:11 matters

  • Psalms 96:11 shows that worship and joy are not just human activities but are pictured as involving all of creation, highlighting the scope of God’s reign.
  • The verse helps clear up the idea that only people are called to praise God; instead, it poetically includes the heavens, earth, and sea.
  • This verse connects to the larger theme of Psalms 96, which celebrates God’s kingship and calls for universal recognition of His greatness, setting the stage for the following verses that continue this theme of all creation responding to God.

Where else these words appear

“roar” Hebrew H7481 · used in 13 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein.
  • Psalms 18:13 The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.

“fulness” Hebrew H4393 · used in 36 verses

  • Genesis 48:19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.
  • 1 Samuel 28:20 Then Saul fell straightway all along on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samuel: and there was no strength in him; for he had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.
  • Isaiah 31:4 For thus hath the LORD spoken unto me, Like as the lion and the young lion roaring on his prey, when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice, nor abase himself for the noise of them: so shall the LORD of hosts come down to fight for mount Zion, and for the hill thereof.

“glad” Hebrew H1523 · used in 44 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 16:31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
  • Psalms 89:16 In thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in thy righteousness shall they be exalted.
  • Isaiah 35:2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the LORD, and the excellency of our God.

“rejoice” Hebrew H8055 · used in 145 verses

  • Exodus 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
  • Psalms 33:21 For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.
  • Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.