Psalm 96:11
ESV
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
NIV
Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
NASB
May the heavens be joyful, and may the earth rejoice; May the sea roar, and all it contains;
CSB
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice; let the sea and all that fills it resound.
NLT
Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise!
KJV
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.
NKJV
Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
What does Psalm 96:11 mean?
Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 96, verse-level content coming soon!Psalm 96:7–13 adds details to an earlier call for worship (Psalm 96:1–6). Those praising the Lord should recognize His power, glory, and holiness. The psalmist emphasizes God's sovereignty over the entire world. This also implies His right to judge everyone and everything. The psalm ends with a hopeful look to the future when the Lord will rule the earth directly (Revelation 20:4).
The psalmist calls on all people—of the entire world—to give proper worship to God. Because of His divine nature and the miracles He has done, the Lord deserves to be praised. Other so-called "gods" are nothing. Those who worship the Lord should celebrate His holiness, power, and judgment. One day, the Lord will return and rule the entire earth in perfect justice.
