Psalms 50:4
Psalms 50:4 in Multiple Translations
He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
He calleth to the heavens above, And to the earth, that he may judge his people:
His voice will go out to the heavens and to the earth, for the judging of his people:
He summons the heavens above and the earth to witness the judgment of his people.
Hee shall call the heauen aboue, and the earth to iudge his people.
He doth call unto the heavens from above, And unto the earth, to judge His people.
He calls to the heavens above, to the earth, that he may judge his people:
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
Wash me yet more from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
He comes to judge his people. He shouts to the angels in heaven and to the people on the earth.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 50:4
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 50:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִקְרָ֣א
אֶל
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
מֵ/עָ֑ל
וְ/אֶל
הָ֝/אָ֗רֶץ
לָ/דִ֥ין
עַמּֽ/וֹ
יִקְרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
מֵ/עָ֑ל
ʻal
H5920
height
Prep | N-ms
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הָ֝/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
לָ/דִ֥ין
dîyn
H1777
to judge
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
עַמּֽ/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 50:4
יִקְרָ֣א
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
מֵ/עָ֑ל
ʻal
H5920
"height"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to something high up, like a great height or even God Himself. It can also mean something is above or high up, like in Psalm 92:8 where God is the most High.
Definition: subst 1) height adv 2) above, upwards, on high
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: above, high, most High. See also: 2 Samuel 23:1; Hosea 7:16; Psalms 50:4.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ֝/אָ֗רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
לָ/דִ֥ין
dîyn
H1777
"to judge"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To judge or plead a cause is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe acting as a judge or governing.
Definition: 1) to judge, contend, plead 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as judge, minister judgment 1a2) to plead a cause 1a3) to execute judgment, requite, vindicate 1a4) to govern 1a5) to contend, strive 1b) (Niphal) to be at strife, quarrel Aramaic equivalent: din (דִּין "to judge" H1778)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: (come) with a straight course. See also: Genesis 6:3; Psalms 72:2; Psalms 7:9.
עַמּֽ/וֹ
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 50:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 50:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 50:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 50:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 50:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 50:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 50:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 50:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 50:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 50:4
- Sermons on Psalms 50:4
Context — The Mighty One Calls
2From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.
3Our God approaches and will not be silent! Consuming fire precedes Him, and a tempest rages around Him.
4He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that He may judge His people:
5“Gather to Me My saints, who made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” 6And the heavens proclaim His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. SelahCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 32:1 | Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. |
| 2 | Isaiah 1:2 | Listen, O heavens, and give ear, O earth, for the LORD has spoken: “I have raised children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against Me. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 31:28 | Assemble before me all the elders of your tribes and all your officers so that I may speak these words in their hearing and call heaven and earth to witness against them. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 4:26 | I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live long upon it, but will be utterly destroyed. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 30:19 | I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, |
| 6 | Micah 6:1–2 | Hear now what the LORD says: “Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, O mountains, the LORD’s indictment, you enduring foundations of the earth. For the LORD has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel: |
| 7 | John 5:22–23 | Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. |
| 8 | Isaiah 11:3–4 | And He will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what His eyes see, and He will not decide by what His ears hear, but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth and slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. |
| 9 | Psalms 98:9 | before the LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity. |
| 10 | Psalms 96:13 | before the LORD, for He is coming— He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness. |
Psalms 50:4 Summary
[God is calling the whole universe to witness as He judges His people, which means He wants to make sure everyone knows that His judgment is fair and just, as seen in Psalms 50:4. This is not just about punishing people, but about making things right and restoring His people to a right relationship with Him, as seen in Jeremiah 33:11. We can trust that God's judgment is motivated by love, as stated in John 3:16, and that He wants to see us holy and set apart for Himself, as seen in 1 Peter 1:15-16. As we consider God's judgment, we should remember to live in the fear of the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 1:7, and to obey His commands, as seen in John 14:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God summon the heavens and the earth to judge His people?
God summons the heavens and the earth to testify against His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 1:2, because He wants to make it clear that His judgment is just and fair, and that all creation will witness His righteousness.
What does it mean for God to judge His people?
Judging His people means that God will evaluate their actions and hearts, as stated in Psalms 7:8, and render a verdict based on their obedience or disobedience to His commands, as seen in Jeremiah 25:31 and Ezekiel 18:30.
Is God's judgment only for punishment, or is there a purpose behind it?
God's judgment is not only for punishment, but also for restoration and refinement, as seen in Zechariah 13:9 and Malachi 3:3, to make His people holy and set apart for Himself, as stated in Leviticus 20:26 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
How should we respond to the fact that God will judge His people?
We should respond with humility, repentance, and a desire to obey God's commands, as seen in Psalms 51:17 and 1 John 1:9, and to live in the fear of the Lord, as stated in Proverbs 1:7 and Acts 9:31, knowing that His judgment is motivated by love and a desire to see His people holy and conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 8:29.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean for me to be judged by God, and how should I prepare for that day?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my loyalty and faithfulness to God, so that I may be counted among His saints, as seen in Psalms 50:5?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's righteousness and justice, as proclaimed by the heavens in Psalms 50:6?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to repent and turn to God, so that I may be refined and purified by His judgment?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 50:4
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth,.... To hear what he shall say, when he will no longer keep silence; and to be witnesses of the justice of his proceedings; see Isaiah 1:2.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 50:4
He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 50:4
Either to heaven and earth themselves, and so it is a figure called prosopopoeia; or to the inhabitants of them, all angels and men, whom he calls in for witnesses and judges of the equity of his present proceedings. Compare 32:1. That he may judge his people, to wit, in their presence and hearing.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 50:4
Psalms 50:4 He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people.Ver. 4. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth] That these dumb creatures may be as so many speaking evidences against an unworthy people, and witnesses of God’ s righteous dealings against them. See Deuteronomy 32:1 Isaiah 1:2 Micah 6:2. The Chaldee thus paraphraseth, He will call the high angels from above; and the just of the earth from beneath.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 50:4
(4) He shall call.—Better, He calls. The poet actually hears the summons go forth calling heaven and earth as witnesses, or assessors (comp. Micah 6:2), of the judgment scene. (Comp. Deuteronomy 4:26; Deuteronomy 32:1; Isaiah 1:2; Micah 1:2; 1Ma 2:37.) Israel, politically so insignificant, must have been profoundly conscious of the tremendous issues involved in its religious character to demand a theatre so vast, an audience so august.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 50:4
4. He shall call to the heavens from above] Better, in continuation of the preceding verse, Let him call to the heavens above. The object of the summons is ‘that he may judge his people.’ Heaven and earth, the whole world of nature, are summoned to be witnesses of the judgement, for they are far older than man, and have watched the whole course of Israel’s history. Cp. Deuteronomy 4:26; Deuteronomy 4:32; Deuteronomy 31:28; Deuteronomy 32:1; Isaiah 1:2; Micah 1:2; Micah 6:1-2. The poetical idea finds a strange equivalent in the conception of modern science that every action is recorded by a corresponding physical change, so that Nature is in truth a witness to the actions of man[25]. [25] See Babbage, Ninth Bridgewater Treatise, ch. 9., “On the Permanent Impression of our Words and Actions on the Globe we inhabit.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 50:4
He shall call to the heavens from above - He will call on all the universe; he will summon all worlds.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 50:4
4. The heavens… the earth—These are summoned as witnesses, as Deuteronomy 4:26; Deuteronomy 30:19
Sermons on Psalms 50:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Way to Paradise by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the word of God and accepting Jesus as one's advocate. He encourages the listeners to come out on God's side |
|
God Gives Blessing to Produce Fruit by George Warnock | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of God's work in producing spiritual fruit in the lives of believers. He compares the rain that waters plants and produces bea |
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America's Godly Heritage by John Franklin | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of the early pilgrims and Puritans who settled in America, seeing themselves as a type of the children of Israel. The sermon referenc |
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(Radical Jesus) 6 Radical Standard by Glenn Meldrum | In this sermon, the speaker uses a metaphor of a friend creating a paradise for ants to illustrate the warped and perverted nature of humanity. He references Moses' prophetic song |
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The Rock in Scripture by Ken Baird | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the attributes of God, highlighting His truth, righteousness, and perfection. Moving on to verse 15, the preacher focuses on the |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 520 by Don Courville | In this sermon, the speaker begins by introducing the morning message, which will continue in the next week's program. He calls upon the heavens and the earth to listen to his word |
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Letter 149 by James Bourne | James Bourne shares his personal struggles with fear, sin, and doubts, especially in the face of death and judgment, despite being involved in writing and speaking to others about |