Psalms 50:12

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 50:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
Psalms 50:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 50

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12If I were hungry, I would not tell thee; For the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then believed they his words, etc.] And not till then; for this is observed, not to their commendation, but to show the slowness of their hearts to believe; they believed on sight, but not before, as Thomas did; whereas, “blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed”, (<432029>John 20:29). When they saw the Egyptians dead on the sea shore, then they believed the Lord, and his servant Moses; what he said by his servant Moses, that he would save them from the Egyptians, whom they should see no more, that is, alive, (<021413>Exodus 14:13,14,31). The Targum is, “and they believed in the name of his Word.” They sang his praise; Moses with the men, and Miriam with the women; the song…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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. And the fulness thereof - All that fills the world; all that exists upon it. The whole is at his disposal; to all that the earth produces he has a right. This language is used to show the absurdity of the supposition that he was in any way dependent on man, or that the offering of sacrifice could be supposed in any way to lay him under obligation. return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“world: Psa 24:1, Psa 24:2, Psa 115:15, Psa 115:16; Exo 19:5; Deu 10:14; Job 41:11; Co1 10:26-28 fulness: Psa 104:24, Psa 145:15, Psa 145:16; Gen 1:11, Gen 1:12, Gen 1:28-30, Gen 8:17 Psalms 50:14”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Sources and verification