Lyrics
Raditional
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the fish of the sea in His hands
He's got the birds of the air in His hands
He's got the fish of the sea in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the gamblin' man in His hands
He's got the sinner man in His hands
He's got the gamblin' man in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the little bitsy baby in His hands
He's got the little bitsy baby in His hands
He's got the little bitsy baby in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got everybody here in His hands
He's got you and me, brother, in His hands
He's got everybody here in His hands
He's got the whole world...
He's got the whole world in His hands
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands expresses divine rule and care through a simple sequence of widening examples. The repeated refrain begins with the whole world, then names creatures, sinners, an infant, and the gathered community. That movement gives the spiritual a broad vision: no part of creation and no kind of person exists beyond the reach of God. Repetition makes the claim easy to remember while allowing each new verse to add another dimension to it.
The images may call to mind biblical passages that describe the earth as belonging to the Lord and even small creatures as known by God. Mentioning the gambling man and the sinner also keeps the song from limiting providence to the respectable or secure. Its final lines bring the theme close to home by naming everybody present and family bonds. The lyric therefore joins majesty with tenderness, presenting the God who holds the world as attentive to particular lives within it.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 24:1 The psalm declares that the earth, the world, and all its inhabitants belong to the Lord.
- Matthew 10:29-31 Jesus describes God’s care for small creatures and for each person.
- Isaiah 40:12 The prophet pictures God measuring the waters and heavens by his hand.