Psalms 46:3

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah

American Standard Version (1901)

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains tremble with the swelling thereof. [Selah

Bible in Basic English

Though its waters are sounding and troubled, and though the mountains are shaking with their violent motion. (Selah.)

Free Bible Version

though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble as the waters surge violently! Selah.

Geneva Bible 1599

Though the waters thereof rage and be troubled, and the mountaines shake at the surges of the same. Selah,

King James (Authorized) Version

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

One Unity Resource Bible

though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah ·contemplation with musical interlude·.

Translation for Translators

and if the water in the sea roars and foams, and the hills shake violently, we will not be afraid! (Think about that!)

Unlocked Literal Bible

though its waters roar and rage, and though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah

Noah Webster Bible

Though its waters shall roar and be disturbed, though the mountains shake with the swelling of it. Selah.

World English Bible

though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah.

Young's Literal Translation

Roar — troubled are its waters, Mountains they shake in its pride. Selah.

Context

God Is Our Refuge and Strength

²Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas, ³though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah ⁴There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

Summary

This verse reassures believers of God's constant presence and protection in times of trouble and chaos. It conveys the message that even when the world seems to be falling apart and facing great upheaval, God remains a steadfast refuge and source of strength. The imagery of mountains shaking and waters roaring symbolizes the unpredictability and challenges of life, yet the psalmist declares unwavering trust in God's unfailing care. Ultimately, the verse encourages faith in God's sovereignty and the assurance that He will sustain His people through all circumstances.

Commentary

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

swelling--well represents the pride and haughtiness of insolent foes.

John Gill Bible Commentary

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,.... The noise of which causes men's hearts to fail them for fear, Luk 21:25; though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. All these figurative expressions denote the hurlyburlies, confusions, and disorders that have been or will be in the world; amidst all which the people of God have no reason to fear; for it is always well with the righteous, let it go how it will with others. The passage may be applied to the destruction of Jerusalem, and the wars preceding it, and the dispersion of the Jews upon it; when true believers in Christ found him to be their refuge, strength, and help in that time of trouble, such as never was the like, and were safe and without fear; and Aben Ezra, a Jewish commentator, thinks it is right to interpret this psalm concerning the wars of Jerusalem: moreover, these words may be applied to any other time of calamity, through war or persecution, that has been since; as also to any that is to come; as to the slaying of the witnesses, the hour of temptation that will try all that are upon the earth; and even to the day of judgment, when heaven and earth shall flee away from the face of the Judge; when the heavens shall be folded up as a garment, and the earth, and all that is therein, shall be burnt up, and the whole world of the ungodly shall be thrown into the utmost panic, the saints will be safe with Christ, and ever happy with him; and, in the worst of times in this world, God is always their covenant God, their shield, portion, and exceeding great reward; Christ is their Redeemer and Saviour, their city of refuge, and strong hold; and though they may be plundered of their goods and property, they have a better and a more enduring substance in heaven; an estate, an inheritance there, that can never be taken away; and even should their enemies kill the body, that is the utmost they can do; their souls are safe in the hands of Christ; their life is hid with him; and when he shall appear, they shall appear with him in glory; and therefore they may well say, "we will not fear" (w). Selah; on this word; see Gill on Psa 3:2. (w) "Si fractus illabatur orbis", &c. Horat. Carmin. l. 3. Ode. 3. v. 7.