Psalms 62:11
God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.
Original Language Analysis
דִּבֶּ֬ר
hath spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֬ר
hath spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
2 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
לֵאלֹהִֽים׃
God
H430
לֵאלֹהִֽים׃
God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
שָׁמָ֑עְתִּי
have I heard
H8085
שָׁמָ֑עְתִּי
have I heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
6 of 9
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Revelation 19:1And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:Job 33:14For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.Isaiah 26:4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:Job 40:5Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.John 19:11Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Matthew 6:13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.Psalms 59:17Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of my mercy.
Historical Context
The rhetorical pattern of God speaking 'once... twice' parallels wisdom literature's numerical sayings (Proverbs 30:15-31, Amos 1:3), emphasizing truths that demand attention and meditation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do God's power and mercy together shape your understanding of His character?
- What would be missing from your theology if you emphasized either power or mercy exclusively?
Analysis & Commentary
God's speaking 'once... twice' indicates emphatic revelation—truth firmly established (Job 33:14). The two truths are God's power and mercy (v. 12). Power without mercy yields tyranny; mercy without power yields sentimentality. God's character unites both, demonstrated supremely in the cross where justice and mercy kiss (Psalm 85:10).