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Psalms 50:12

Psalms 50:12 in Multiple Translations

If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and the fullness thereof.

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

If I had need of food, I would not give you word of it; for the earth is mine and all its wealth.

If I were hungry, I wouldn't tell you, for the earth and everything in it are mine.

If I bee hungry, I will not tell thee: for the world is mine, and all that therein is.

If I am hungry I tell not to thee, For Mine [is] the world and its fulness.

If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.

Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels.

So, if I were hungry, I would not tell you to bring me some food, because everything in the world belongs to me!

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 50:12

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Psalms 50:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אִם אֶ֭רְעַב לֹא אֹ֣מַר לָ֑/ךְ כִּי לִ֥/י תֵ֝בֵ֗ל וּ/מְלֹאָֽ/הּ
אִם ʼim H518 if Conj
אֶ֭רְעַב râʻêb H7456 be hungry V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
אֹ֣מַר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לָ֑/ךְ Prep | Suff
כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj
לִ֥/י Prep | Suff
תֵ֝בֵ֗ל têbêl H8398 world N-fs
וּ/מְלֹאָֽ/הּ mᵉlôʼ H4393 fullness Conj | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 50:12

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֶ֭רְעַב râʻêb H7456 "be hungry" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To be hungry is what this Hebrew verb means, and it is used in stories like Exodus and Matthew to describe physical need. Hunger is a basic human experience, and the Bible often uses it to illustrate spiritual longing.
Definition: 1) to be hungry, be voracious 1a) (Qal) to be hungry 1b) (Hiphil) to allow one to be hungry, allow to hunger
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: (suffer to) famish, (be, have, suffer, suffer to) hunger(-ry). See also: Genesis 41:55; Proverbs 19:15; Psalms 34:11.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֹ֣מַר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לָ֑/ךְ "" Prep | Suff
כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לִ֥/י "" Prep | Suff
תֵ֝בֵ֗ל têbêl H8398 "world" N-fs
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
וּ/מְלֹאָֽ/הּ mᵉlôʼ H4393 "fullness" Conj | N-ms | Suff
Fullness means having everything that is needed, like a full container or a complete amount. It can also mean a large quantity, like a multitude of things.
Definition: 1) fulness, that which fills 1a) fulness, handful 1b) mass, multitude 1c) fulness, that which fills, entire contents 1d) full length, full line
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] all along, [idiom] all that is (there-) in, fill, ([idiom] that whereof...was) full, fulness, (hand-) full, multitude. See also: Genesis 48:19; Psalms 89:12; Psalms 24:1.

Study Notes — Psalms 50:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Exodus 19:5 Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.
2 Deuteronomy 10:14 Behold, to the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, and the earth and everything in it.
3 Psalms 24:1–2 The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
4 1 Corinthians 10:26–28 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat anything set before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience—
5 Job 41:11 Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.
6 Psalms 115:15–16 May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.
7 Genesis 1:28–30 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.” Then God said, “Behold, I have given you every seed-bearing plant on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit contains seed. They will be yours for food. And to every beast of the earth and every bird of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth—everything that has the breath of life in it—I have given every green plant for food.” And it was so.
8 Psalms 145:15–16 The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
9 Genesis 8:17 Bring out all the living creatures that are with you—birds, livestock, and everything that crawls upon the ground—so that they can spread out over the earth and be fruitful and multiply upon it.”
10 Psalms 104:24 How many are Your works, O LORD! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.

Psalms 50:12 Summary

This verse reminds us that God is all-powerful and doesn't need anything from us, including food or sacrifices. He owns everything in the world and has the power to provide for Himself and His people, as seen in Psalms 104:27-28, which says God gives food to all creatures. This truth should inspire us to trust and worship Him with gratitude and obedience, knowing that He is our loving and generous Provider, as expressed in Matthew 6:26 and Philippians 4:19.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when God says 'the world is Mine, and the fullness thereof'?

This statement emphasizes God's sovereignty and ownership over all creation, as seen in Psalms 24:1, which says 'The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.'

Is God saying He doesn't need our offerings or sacrifices?

While God doesn't need our sacrifices to sustain Himself, as seen in this verse, He does desire our heartfelt worship and obedience, as expressed in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, which encourages us to fear God, walk in His ways, and serve Him with all our heart and soul.

How does this verse relate to God's provision for His people?

This verse highlights God's ability to provide for Himself and His people, much like He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, as described in Exodus 16:4-36, where He gave them manna and quail to eat.

What does it mean for God to say 'If I were hungry, I would not tell you'?

This statement emphasizes God's independence and self-sufficiency, as seen in Acts 17:25, which says God 'is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can acknowledge and honor God's sovereignty over all creation in my daily life?
  2. How does the reality of God's self-sufficiency impact my prayers and requests to Him?
  3. In what ways can I reflect God's character of generosity and provision in my relationships with others?
  4. What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for God's majesty and power, as expressed in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 50:12

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee,.... Or "say to thee" (w); ask for anything for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof; with which, was the former his case, he could satisfy himself; see Psalms 24:1.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 50:12

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 50:12

If I wanted or desired any thing, as I do not, being the all-sufficient God, I would not tell thee, that thou mightest supply my wants. The fulness thereof, i.e. all those creatures wherewith it is replenished.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 50:12

Psalms 50:12 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world [is] mine, and the fulness thereof.Ver. 12. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee] I would not employ thee to cater or purvey for me. But it befalls not God to be hungry, as not only heathens held, and, therefore, said that their Jove was gone into Ethiopia to be feasted, but some carnal Jews also, who conceived that a fat sacrifice was as acceptable to God as a fat dinner was to themselves (Homer. Lucian). For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof] Quicquid avium volitat, quicquid piscium natat, quicquid ferarum discurrit, as Seneca hath it; all is the Lord’ s, he made all, maintaineth all, and may, therefore, at his pleasure make use of any; he needeth not be beholden; but the truth is, he needeth not any such broken supports. See Psalms 24:7.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 50:12

(9-18) Notice the fine tone of irony that pervades this rebuke, the best weapon against ritualistic errors.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 50:12

Verse 12. The world is mine, and the fulness thereof.] Ye cannot, therefore, give me any thing that is not my own.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 50:12

12. the world is mine &c.] Cp. Psalms 24:1; Psalms 89:11; Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 10:14; Job 41:11; 1 Corinthians 10:26.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 50:12

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee - I should not have occasion to apply to you; I should not be dependent on you. For the world is mine - The earth; all that has been created.

Sermons on Psalms 50:12

SermonDescription
John Piper The Supremacy of God in Prayer by John Piper In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving God in a way that honors Him and responds to His infinite blessings. He believes that prayer is the key to achievin
Zac Poonen Being a Dignified Ambassador for Christ by Zac Poonen Zac Poonen emphasizes the dignity of being an ambassador for Christ, comparing it to the dignified conduct of ambassadors from powerful nations. He highlights that true ambassadors
Gladys Aylward Testimony - Part 1 by Gladys Aylward In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their experience of being the only missionary in a heathen government and their journey of spreading the Gospel in South Shansey. Desp
Warren Wiersbe How to Suffer Successfully by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not relying on feelings or circumstances, but instead turning to the word of God. He highlights the example of the apostle
Paris Reidhead Cost of Discipleship - Part 9 by Paris Reidhead In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downfall of the people at Frining Eye, who had initially experienced God's holiness and protection. However, within just three generations
Paul Washer Time Is Short… Don't Waste Your Life by Paul Washer In this sermon, Paul Washer shares a powerful message about surrendering our lives to God. He tells a story about a man who opens an old trunk and dedicates every part of himself t
Norman Grubb Law and Grace - Part 1 by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of God and His purpose for mankind. He highlights the difference between seeing God face to f

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