Psalms 46:4
Psalms 46:4 in Multiple Translations
There is a river whose streams delight the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
There is a river whose streams make glad the resting-place of God, the holy place of the tents of the Most High.
A river flows to bring happiness to those in God's city, the holy place where the Most High lives.
Yet there is a Riuer, whose streames shall make glad the citie of God: euen the Sanctuarie of the Tabernacles of the most High.
A river — its rivulets rejoice the city of God, Thy holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, the holy place of the tents of the Most High.
There is a river, the streams of which shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.
He hath subdued the people under us; and the nations under our feet.
Blessings that come from God are like a river that makes everyone in the city where we worship God joyful. It is the city where the temple of God, who is greater than any other god, exists.
There is a river in God’s city, and it makes the people there happy. That place is God’s home. He is the greatest one of all.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 46:4
BAB
Word Study
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Psalms 46:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֶהֱמ֣וּ
יֶחְמְר֣וּ
מֵימָ֑י/ו
יִֽרְעֲשֽׁוּ
הָרִ֖ים
בְּ/גַאֲוָת֣/וֹ
סֶֽלָה
יֶהֱמ֣וּ
hâmâh
H1993
to roar
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יֶחְמְר֣וּ
châmar
H2560
to aggitate
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מֵימָ֑י/ו
mayim
H4325
Water (Gate)
N-mp | Suff
יִֽרְעֲשֽׁוּ
râʻash
H7493
to shake
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
הָרִ֖ים
har
H2022
mountain
N-mp
בְּ/גַאֲוָת֣/וֹ
gaʼăvâh
H1346
pride
Prep | N-fs | Suff
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
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 46:4
יֶהֱמ֣וּ
hâmâh
H1993
"to roar"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To make a loud noise, like roaring or moaning, is what this Hebrew word means. It can also imply a state of turmoil or commotion, like in the book of Jeremiah where it describes a city in uproar.
Definition: 1) to murmur, growl, roar, cry aloud, mourn, rage, sound, make noise, tumult, be clamorous, be disquieted, be loud, be moved, be troubled, be in an uproar 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to growl 1a2) to murmur (fig. of a soul in prayer) 1a3) to roar 1a4) to be in a stir, be in a commotion 1a5) to be boisterous, be turbulent
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: clamorous, concourse, cry aloud, be disquieted, loud, mourn, be moved, make a noise, rage, roar, sound, be troubled, make in tumult, tumultuous, be in an uproar. See also: 1 Kings 1:41; Song of Solomon 5:4; Psalms 39:7.
יֶחְמְר֣וּ
châmar
H2560
"to aggitate"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To be red means to have a reddish color. In the Bible, this word can also mean to be troubled or upset. The Hebrew word châmar is used to describe something that is red or fermented.
Definition: 1) to boil, foam, foam up, ferment 1a) (Qal) to boil, foam up 1b) (Poalal) to be troubled, be in turmoil
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: daub, befoul, be red, trouble. See also: Exodus 2:3; Psalms 75:9; Psalms 46:4.
מֵימָ֑י/ו
mayim
H4325
"Water (Gate)"
N-mp | Suff
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
יִֽרְעֲשֽׁוּ
râʻash
H7493
"to shake"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
In the Bible, this word means to shake or quake, often describing the earth or sky trembling with fear. It's used in the books of Psalms and Isaiah, describing God's power and majesty.
Definition: 1) to quake, shake 1a) (Qal) to quake, shake 1b) (Niphal) to be made to quake 1c)(Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to quake 1c2) to cause to spring or leap (of horse)
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: make afraid, (re-) move, quake, (make to) shake, (make to) tremble. See also: Judges 5:4; Jeremiah 49:21; Psalms 18:8.
הָרִ֖ים
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/גַאֲוָת֣/וֹ
gaʼăvâh
H1346
"pride"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Pride or majesty, describing something or someone that is impressive or arrogant, like the pride of life in 1 John. It can also mean ornament or swelling, like the swelling of the sea in Psalms.
Definition: 1) pride, majesty, a rising up 1a) a rising up, swelling (of the sea) 1b) majesty (of Israel) 1c) pride, haughtiness
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling. See also: Deuteronomy 33:26; Psalms 73:6; Psalms 10:2.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 46:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 46:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 46:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 46:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 46:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 46:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
- Sermons on Psalms 46:4
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.
5God is within her; she will not be moved. God will help her when morning dawns. 6Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 22:1–3 | Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the main street of the city. On either side of the river stood a tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and yielding a fresh crop for each month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be within the city, and His servants will worship Him. |
| 2 | Ezekiel 47:1–12 | Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through ankle-deep water. Then he measured off a thousand cubits and led me through knee-deep water. Again he measured a thousand cubits and led me through waist-deep water. Once again he measured off a thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough for swimming—a river that could not be crossed on foot. “Son of man, do you see this?” he asked. Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived, I saw a great number of trees along both banks of the river. And he said to me, “This water flows out to the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. When it empties into the Sea, the water there becomes fresh. Wherever the river flows, there will be swarms of living creatures and a great number of fish, because it flows there and makes the waters fresh; so wherever the river flows, everything will flourish. Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim they will spread their nets to catch fish of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea. But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. Along both banks of the river, fruit trees of all kinds will grow. Their leaves will not wither, and their fruit will not fail. Each month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will be used for food and their leaves for healing.” |
| 3 | Psalms 36:8–9 | They feast on the abundance of Your house, and You give them drink from Your river of delights. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. |
| 4 | Psalms 23:2 | He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. |
| 5 | Psalms 48:8 | As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the LORD of Hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish her forever. Selah |
| 6 | Psalms 87:3 | Glorious things are ascribed to you, O city of God. Selah |
| 7 | Revelation 21:2–3 | I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 6:6 | But now I have chosen Jerusalem for My Name to be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ |
| 9 | Isaiah 60:14 | The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. |
| 10 | Psalms 65:9 | You attend to the earth and water it; with abundance You enrich it. The streams of God are full of water, for You prepare our grain by providing for the earth. |
Psalms 46:4 Summary
Psalms 46:4 tells us that there is a river that brings joy and delight to the city of God, which is where God lives among His people. This river is a symbol of God's presence and provision, and it reminds us that He is always with us, even in difficult times (as seen in Psalms 23:4). Just like a river quenches our physical thirst, God's presence satisfies our spiritual longing, and we can experience this delight by trusting in Him and abiding in His love (as described in John 15:9-11). By focusing on God's presence and provision, we can find peace and joy, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the river in Psalms 46:4?
The river in Psalms 46:4 is a symbol of the presence and provision of God, similar to the river in Ezekiel 47:1-12, which represents the life-giving power of God's Spirit.
What is the city of God in Psalms 46:4?
The city of God in Psalms 46:4 refers to the dwelling place of God's people, where He is present and worshipped, as described in Hebrews 12:22-24, the heavenly Jerusalem.
How does the river delight the city of God?
The river delights the city of God by providing spiritual nourishment and joy, as seen in Psalms 36:8-9, where the people feast on the abundance of God's house and drink from the river of delights.
What does it mean that the Most High dwells in the holy place?
The Most High dwelling in the holy place means that God is present and active in the lives of His people, as stated in Psalms 90:1, where God is our dwelling place, and in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus promises to be with us always.
Reflection Questions
- What does the image of a river evoke in my heart, and how can I apply that to my spiritual life?
- How can I experience the delight of the river in my daily life, and what are some ways I can drink from its streams?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's presence and provision, like the city of God in Psalms 46:4, even in times of turmoil and uncertainty?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of God's dwelling place in my heart, and what are some practical ways to abide in His presence?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 46:4
[There] is a river,.... The allusion is either to the river Kidron, which ran by Jerusalem; or to the waters of Shiloah, which by different courses and branches, ran through the city of Jerusalem,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 46:4
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
He either speaks of, or at least alludes to, the river of Kidron, , and its two streams or rivulets flowing from it, Gihon and Shiloah, , which being small and contemptible, or still or gentle waters, are not unfitly opposed to the vast and unruly waters of the sea. He insinuates the weak condition of God’ s church as to outward advantages, that they had not one sea to oppose to another, but only a small river; which though in itself despicable, yet was sufficient to refresh and defend them in spite of all their enemies. And as the sea and waters thereof, ,3, are to be understood metaphorically, as all agree, so also in all probability are this river and streams; which therefore may design the gracious presence, and assistance, and blessing of be Lord, (which is very frequently described under the name of waters, as 12:3 , &c.,) or the Lord himself, who is expressly said to be unto the city of Zion, for its defence, a place of broad rivers and streams, ,21, which probably alludes to this text, or at least explains it. Shall make glad, i.e. shall not barely defend it from utter ruin, but preserve it from danger, and give great occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving. The city of God, i.e. Zion or Jerusalem, so called also @ . Of the tabernacles, i.e. of the tabernacle, the plural number for the singular, as ; the place where God’ s holy tabernacle is settled.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
Psalms 46:4 [There is] a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy [place] of the tabernacles of the most High.Ver. 4. There is a river, &c.] Interea civitas Dei, amidst all these garboils and hurly-burlies abroad the Church shall be helped with a little help, as Daniel 11:34, that, through weaker means, she may see God’ s greater strength. That contemptible brook Kidron (whereof read John 18:1, compassing some part only of the city Jerusalem, or passing through the middle of it, as some write), together with the riverets Siloe and others that run into it, shall be able, through God, to save her from the power and greatness of her enemies. Confer Isaiah 8:6, and this place shall be the better understood. The holy place of the tabernacles] This was the beauty and bulwark of Jerusalem, viz. the temple, the continued sincere service of God; this was the tower of the flock, and the stronghold of the daughter of God’ s people, Micah 4:8. See Isaiah 26:1-2. And these rivers of the sanctuary, these waters of life, drawn with joy out of the wells of salvation, the precious promises, made glad the city of God, the consciences of believers, and caused them to triumph over all troubles.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
(4) A river . . .—Heb., nâhar, i.e., a perennial stream, as distinguished from nâchal, a torrent bed dry except in the rainy season. Plainly, then, the “Cedron” is not here alluded to. But many commentators think “Siloam” is intended. (See Stanley, Sinai and Palestine, p. 180, and comp. Isaiah 12:3; Ezekiel 47:1-5; John 7:37.) There may not, however, be any such local allusion. The river, flowing calmly and smoothly along, may be only a symbol of the peace and blessing of the Divine presence, as the tumult and tempest of the sea in the last verse are of the world’s noisy troubles. Indeed, the LXX. (comp. Prayer Book version) seems to connect the river of this verse with the waters of the preceding. Streams.—See Note on Psalms 1:3, where the same word occurs.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
Verse 4. There is a river, the streams whereof] The Chaldee understands the river, and its streams or divisions, as pointing out various peoples who should be converted to the faith, and thus make glad the city of God, Jerusalem, by their flowing together to the worship of the true God. But the river may refer to the vast Medo-Persian army and its divisions: those branches which took Babylon; and, instead of ruining and destroying the poor Jews, preserved them alive, and gave them their liberty; and thus the city of God, and the tabernacle of the Most High, were gladdened.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 46:4
4–7. The Presence of God the joy and security of His people.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 46:4
There is a river - There is no allusion here to any particular stream or river, but the image is designed to represent a state of peace and calm security in contrast with the rough and troubled ocean.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 46:4
4. A river—The word denotes a perennial river, as distinguished from a winter torrent. The streams whereof—That is, its divisions, or channels. The idea is, that of a copious, living stream distributed by pipes and aqueducts.
Sermons on Psalms 46:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Short Excerpt by William Booth | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of salvation and its ability to deliver and purify the soul. The sermon encourages the listener to find joy in the salvation offer |
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Inexhaustible Resources in Christ by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their personal journey of faith and acknowledges their own stubbornness. They believe that we are living in the end times and that Satan is |
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Prophetic Reality Versus Fantasy by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalence of fantasy and escapism in our culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. He highlights the example of a space-theme |
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Sons of Korah #4: Victory: Psalms 46 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that although God does not promise a life without distress or problems, He does promise to be our help in times of distress. The preacher re |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 41-46 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the deep spiritual thirst that people have and the various ways they try to satisfy it. They observe that many individuals seek fulfillment th |
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The Redeemer Shall Come Out of Zion by Paul Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of taking back areas of our lives and bringing them into alignment with God's perfecting. He highlights the darkness and hurt |
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The Apocalypse - Revelation 1:5-20 by Steve Gallagher | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of praise waiting for God in our hearts, comparing it to a grand orchestra waiting for royalty to enter. The preac |