Psalms 46:3
Psalms 46:3 in Multiple Translations
though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains tremble with the swelling thereof. [Selah
Though its waters are sounding and troubled, and though the mountains are shaking with their violent motion. (Selah.)
though the waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble as the waters surge violently! Selah.
Though the waters thereof rage and be troubled, and the mountaines shake at the surges of the same. Selah,
Roar — troubled are its waters, Mountains they shake in its pride. Selah.
though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah.
Though its waters shall roar and be disturbed, though the mountains shake with the swelling of it. Selah.
For the Lord is high, terrible: a great king over all the earth.
and if the water in the sea roars and foams, and the hills shake violently, we will not be afraid! (Think about that!)
Even if the waves in the sea get really big and loud, and if the mountains shake, even then we will not be frightened.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 46:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 46:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
כֵּ֣ן
לֹא
נִ֭ירָא
בְּ/הָמִ֣יר
אָ֑רֶץ
וּ/בְ/מ֥וֹט
הָ֝רִ֗ים
בְּ/לֵ֣ב
יַמִּֽים
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נִ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
בְּ/הָמִ֣יר
mûwr
H4171
to change
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וּ/בְ/מ֥וֹט
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הָ֝רִ֗ים
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
בְּ/לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
heart
Prep | N-ms
יַמִּֽים
yâm
H3220
West
N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 46:3
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
בְּ/הָמִ֣יר
mûwr
H4171
"to change"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
To change or exchange something, this word is used in the Bible to describe altering or replacing something. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe the changing of names or circumstances.
Definition: 1) to change, exchange 1a) (Niphal) to be changed 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to change, alter 1b2) to exchange
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, (ex-) change, remove. See also: Leviticus 27:10; Jeremiah 2:11; Psalms 15:4.
אָ֑רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וּ/בְ/מ֥וֹט
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
Conj | Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to shake or waver, like something that's unstable. It appears in books like Psalms and Proverbs, to describe things that are falling apart or unstable. The KJV translates it as 'be carried' or 'fall'.
Definition: 1) to totter, shake, slip 1a) (Qal) to totter, shake, slip 1b) (Niphal) to be shaken, be moved, be overthrown 1c) (Hiphil) to dislodge, let fall, drop 1d) (Hithpael) to be greatly shaken
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: be carried, cast, be out of course, be fallen in decay, [idiom] exceedingly, fall(-ing down), be (re-) moved, be ready, shake, slide, slip. See also: Leviticus 25:35; Psalms 62:3; Psalms 10:6.
הָ֝רִ֗ים
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-mp
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
בְּ/לֵ֣ב
lêb
H3820
"heart"
Prep | N-ms
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
יַמִּֽים
yâm
H3220
"West"
N-mp
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
Study Notes — Psalms 46:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 46:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 46:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 46:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 46:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 46:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 46:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 46:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 46:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 46:3
- Sermons on Psalms 46:3
Context — God Is Our Refuge and Strength
1God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.
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. 5God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 93:3–4 | The floodwaters have risen, O LORD; the rivers have raised their voice; the seas lift up their pounding waves. Above the roar of many waters— the mighty breakers of the sea— the LORD on high is majestic. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 5:22 | Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as the boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves surge, but they cannot prevail. They roar but cannot cross it. |
| 3 | Job 9:5–6 | He moves mountains without their knowledge and overturns them in His anger. He shakes the earth from its place, so that its foundations tremble. |
| 4 | Psalms 114:4–7 | the mountains skipped like rams, the hills like lambs. Why was it, O sea, that you fled, O Jordan, that you turned back, O mountains, that you skipped like rams, O hills, like lambs? Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, |
| 5 | Micah 1:4 | The mountains will melt beneath Him, and the valleys will split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope. |
| 6 | Judges 5:4–5 | O LORD, when You went out from Seir, when You marched from the land of Edom, the earth trembled, the heavens poured out rain, and the clouds poured down water. The mountains quaked before the LORD, the One of Sinai, before the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 7 | Nahum 1:5 | The mountains quake before Him, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles at His presence— the world and all its dwellers. |
| 8 | Matthew 7:25 | The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. |
| 9 | Isaiah 5:3 | “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. |
| 10 | Job 38:11 | and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? |
Psalms 46:3 Summary
This verse is saying that even when the world around us seems to be falling apart and everything is chaotic, God is still in control. The 'waters' and 'mountains' represent the big problems and challenges we face, but God is our refuge and strength, as stated in Psalms 46:1. We can trust in His power and sovereignty, just as the Psalmist does, and find comfort in His presence, as promised in Matthew 28:20. By trusting in God, we can have peace and confidence, even in the midst of turmoil, just like the city of God is described as being unshakeable in Psalms 46:4-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the waters to 'roar and foam' in Psalms 46:3?
This phrase is a metaphor for the chaotic and turbulent events that can occur in life, similar to the storms described in Psalms 107:23-27, but God is our refuge and strength in such times, as stated in Psalms 46:1.
How can we apply the image of the mountains quaking in the surge to our lives?
The image of the mountains quaking represents the instability and uncertainty of the world, but as believers, we can trust in God's power and sovereignty, just as the Psalmist does in Psalms 46:1-3, and find comfort in His presence, as promised in Matthew 28:20.
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' at the end of Psalms 46:3?
The word 'Selah' is a musical term that indicates a pause or a moment of reflection, inviting the reader to stop and consider the significance of what has just been said, much like the pauses in Psalms 3:2 and Psalms 24:6, and to reflect on God's power and majesty.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Psalms 46:3 is part of a larger description of God's power and protection, which is contrasted with the turmoil and chaos of the world, and it sets the stage for the declaration of God's presence and help in Psalms 46:4-5, which is reminiscent of God's promise to be with His people in Isaiah 41:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'waters' and 'mountains' in my life that seem to be 'roaring and foaming' right now, and how can I trust God to be my refuge in those situations?
- In what ways do I tend to focus on the chaos and turmoil around me, rather than on God's power and sovereignty, and how can I shift my focus to trust in Him more?
- What are some ways that I can 'pause' and reflect on God's presence and power in my life, just as the word 'Selah' invites us to do?
- How can I apply the truth of God's sovereignty and power to my daily life, especially in times of uncertainty or turmoil, and what promises from Scripture can I cling to in those moments?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 46:3
[Though] the waters thereof roar [and] be troubled,.... The noise of which causes men's hearts to fail them for fear, Lu 21:25; [though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 46:3
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. (Though) the waters thereof roar, and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 46:3
Though the sea be very tempestuous, and its waters (by which a multitude of people is oft signified, as ,15) rage, to Wit, against us, as appears from the following verses. Though its raging waves assault mighty princes and kingdoms, and make them shake and be ready to fall down.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 46:3
Psalms 46:3 [Though] the waters thereof roar [and] be troubled, [though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.Ver. 3. Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled] Heb. Be mudded; yet we will not fear, viz. with base distrustful fear, Ut omnes procellae horribili cum boatu circumsonent. Tauti est experientiam sensumque auxilii divini habere. The tempestuous rising and roaring of the sea is so terrible, that Aristotle saith, whosoever feareth it not is either mad or senseless (Ethic. 3. 7). Fear not, saith the angel to St Paul himself in that dreadful storm, Acts 27:24, which implieth that be was afraid with a natural fear; and he might be so without sin. An awful fear of God is consistent with faith; neither is any believer guilty of a stoic apathy. The very devils believe and tremble, James 2:19. The apostle’ s word there implieth that they roar as the sea roareth, and shriek horribly.
Though the mountains shake, &c.] As sometimes promontories fall with the force and impetuous beating of the sea upon them. Admit all this and more (whether in a sense literal or alle. gorical; set forth it is in a strain high and hyperbolic), yet we will bear up, and be bold to believe that all shall go well with us. Id quod Propheta miris verborum figuris additis iilustrat (Beza).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 46:3
(3) Though the waters . . .—The original is very expressive in its conciseness: “They roar, they foam, its waters.” Comp. Homer’s equally concise description, including in three words the “rush,” the “swell,” and the “roar” of ocean (Iliad, xxiii. 230). Swelling.—Or, pride. (Comp. Job 38:11.) The change in construction in this verse seems to confirm the suspicion that the refrain has dropped away.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 46:3
Verse 3. Though the waters thereof roar] Waters, in prophetic language, signify people; and, generally, people in a state of political commotion, here signified by the term roar. And by these strong agitations of the people, the mountains - the secular rulers, shake with the swelling thereof - tremble, for fear that these popular tumults should terminate in the subversion of the state. This very people had seen all Asia in a state of war. The Persians had overturned Asia Minor, and destroyed the Babylonian empire: they had seen Babylon itself sacked and entered by the Persians; and Cyrus, its conqueror, had behaved to them as a father and deliverer. While their oppressors were destroyed, themselves were preserved, and permitted to return to their own land.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 46:3
3. As the text stands this verse must be treated, as in the A.V. and R.V., as a continuation of Psa 46:2. But the symmetrical structure of the Ps., resembling that of Psalms 42-43, makes it probable that the refrain (Psalms 46:7; Psalms 46:11) has been lost. If it is restored, we may render: Let the waters thereof rage and foam I Let the mountains quake at the proud swelling thereof! Jehovah of hosts is with us, The God of Jacob is our high fortress. Be all around us never so threatening, we are secure in the presence and protection of Jehovah. For the ‘proud swelling’ of the sea cp. Psalms 89:9.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 46:3
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled - The waters of the sea. The idea is, that they would not be afraid though everything should be in commotion, and be as unsettled as the restless waves of the ocean.
Sermons on Psalms 46:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Knowing the Voice of Jesus in Your Storm by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and significance of the voice of the Lord. The voice of God brings revelation, mercy, and guidance to His people, leading them thr |
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(The Royal Psalms) Part 1 by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the kingship of Christ as the foundation for our faith. He emphasizes that every person must begin with the ba |
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Babylon Is Falling by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the emergence of a new wave of Holy Ghost music in the church. He emphasizes the importance of worship and praise, particularly through the r |
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The Power of His Presence by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revelation of God's presence in our lives. She highlights the importance of being honest before God and allowing Him to revea |
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Homily 9 on the Statues by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom commends those who have stopped swearing, emphasizing the importance of caring for the salvation of others and the need for constant vigilance in upholding moral st |
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The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes by John Wesley | John Wesley addresses the terrifying reality of earthquakes as divine judgments from God, emphasizing that they serve as a reminder of human sinfulness and the need for repentance. |
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The Wisdom of Men and the Power of God by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the contrast between the apostle Paul's experience and language, standing in weakness, fear, and trembling, and the common ministers of the gospel who r |