Psalms 48:6
Psalms 48:6 in Multiple Translations
Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.
Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
Trembling took hold of them there, Pain, as of a woman in travail.
Shaking came on them and pain, as on a woman in childbirth.
They shook all over, and were in agonizing pain like a woman giving birth,
Feare came there vpon them, and sorowe, as vpon a woman in trauaile.
Trembling hath seized them there, Pain, as of a travailing woman.
Trembling took hold of them there, pain, as of a woman in travail.
Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
Why shall I fear in the evil day? the iniquity of my heel shall encompass me.
Because they were very afraid, they trembled like a woman who is about to give birth to a child;
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 48:6
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 48:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵ֣מָּה
רָ֭אוּ
כֵּ֣ן
תָּמָ֑הוּ
נִבְהֲל֥וּ
נֶחְפָּֽזוּ
הֵ֣מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
רָ֭אוּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
תָּמָ֑הוּ
tâmahh
H8539
to astounded
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
נִבְהֲל֥וּ
bâhal
H926
to dismay
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
נֶחְפָּֽזוּ
châphaz
H2648
to hurry
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 48:6
הֵ֣מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
רָ֭אוּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
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.
תָּמָ֑הוּ
tâmahh
H8539
"to astounded"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to be amazed or stunned, like when God parts the Red Sea in Exodus. It describes a strong emotional response to something incredible. It's used in Psalm 48:5 to describe how kings are amazed by God's power.
Definition: 1) to be astounded, be stunned, be amazed, be dumbfounded 1a) (Qal) to be astounded 1b)(Hithpael) to astonish yourself, be astounded, be astonished at one another
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be amazed, be astonished, marvel(-lously), wonder. See also: Genesis 43:33; Isaiah 13:8; Psalms 48:6.
נִבְהֲל֥וּ
bâhal
H926
"to dismay"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.
Definition: 1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious 1a2) to be in haste, be hasty 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened 1b2) to dismay, terrify 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to hasten 1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste 1d2) to dismay, terrify
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make) haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble, vex. See also: Genesis 45:3; Psalms 6:4; Psalms 2:5.
נֶחְפָּֽזוּ
châphaz
H2648
"to hurry"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to hurry or flee in fear, like when someone is startled or alarmed. It appears in the Bible when describing people rushing away in panic. The KJV translates it as 'haste' or 'tremble'.
Definition: 1) to hurry, flee, hasten, fear, be terrified 1a) (Qal) to be in a hurry, be alarmed 1b) (Niphal) to be in a hurry
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste (away), tremble. See also: Deuteronomy 20:3; Job 40:23; Psalms 31:23.
Study Notes — Psalms 48:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 48:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 48:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 48:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 48:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 48:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 48:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 48:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 48:6
- Sermons on Psalms 48:6
Context — Broken Bondage
4For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together.
5They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror.
6Trembling seized them there, anguish like a woman in labor.
7With a wind from the east You wrecked the ships of Tarshish. 8As 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. SelahCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 13:13 | Labor pains come upon him, but he is an unwise son. When the time arrives, he fails to present himself at the opening of the womb. |
| 2 | Isaiah 13:6–8 | Wail, for the Day of the LORD is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands will fall limp, and every man’s heart will melt. Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear. |
| 3 | Isaiah 21:3 | Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see. |
| 4 | Daniel 5:6 | his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 30:6–7 | Ask now, and see: Can a male give birth? Why then do I see every man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor and every face turned pale? How awful that day will be! None will be like it! It is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved out of it. |
| 6 | Exodus 15:15–16 | Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed; trembling will seize the leaders of Moab; those who dwell in Canaan will melt away, and terror and dread will fall on them. By the power of Your arm they will be as still as a stone until Your people pass by, O LORD, until the people You have bought pass by. |
Psalms 48:6 Summary
[Psalms 48:6 tells us that when God's enemies saw His power, they were filled with trembling and anguish, like a woman in labor. This means that God's power is so great that it can evoke extreme fear and distress in those who oppose Him. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God is on our side, and that His power is available to us in times of need (Psalms 23:4, Romans 8:31). By trusting in God's power and provision, we can face challenging situations with confidence and courage.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for trembling to seize someone?
In Psalms 48:6, trembling seizing them refers to a state of intense fear or anxiety, similar to what is described in Exodus 15:15, where the chiefs of Edom were dismayed and the leaders of Moab were terrified.
Why is anguish compared to a woman in labor?
The comparison of anguish to a woman in labor, as seen in Psalms 48:6, is also found in Isaiah 13:8, where it symbolizes the extreme pain and distress that comes with judgment or disaster, and in John 16:21, where Jesus uses it to describe the sorrow that will turn to joy.
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event?
While Psalms 48:6 does not specify a particular event, the surrounding context suggests that it may be referring to a time when God delivered His people from their enemies, similar to the events described in Psalms 46:1-11 and 2 Chronicles 20:1-30.
How can I apply this verse to my life today?
This verse reminds us that God is still a God of wonder and awe, and when we face challenging situations, we can trust in His power and provision, just as the Israelites did, as described in Psalms 48:1-14 and Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt overwhelmed by fear or anxiety, and how did I respond to those situations?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and provision, especially in the face of uncertainty or adversity?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Psalms 48:6 to my relationships with others, particularly when they are going through difficult times?
- What are some ways that I can remember and reflect on God's past faithfulness in my life, and how can that shape my response to current challenges?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 48:6
Fear took hold upon them there,.... That is, either when they came up to the city, and passed by it, and saw what they did; or, as Kimchi observes, in the place where they thought to have made a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 48:6
Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail. Pain as of a woman in travail - at once sudden and violent (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 48:6
Partly at the tidings of Tirhakah’ s coming against them, , and partly for that terrible slaughter of their army there, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 48:6
Psalms 48:6 Fear took hold upon them there, [and] pain, as of a woman in travail.Ver. 6. Fear took hold upon them there] By "so" in the former verse, and "there" in this, the shameful flight of these enemies is lively deciphered, and, as it were, pointed at with the finger. So Psalms 14:5, "There were they in great fear: for God is in the generation of the righteous." And pain as of a woman in travail] Their grief was no less than their fear; and it came upon them, Certo, cito, subito, suddenly, sorely, irresistibly, inevitably.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 48:6
6. Trembling took hold of them there: Pangs, as of a woman in travail. Cp. Exodus 15:14-15; and for the phrase though in a different connexion, Isaiah 33:14, “Trembling hath taken hold of the godless.”
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 48:6
Fear took hold upon them there - Trembling seized them; they were filled with sudden consternation. That is, as soon as they saw the city, or had a distinct view of it, they became alarmed. And pain - Distress; anguish.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 48:6
4-8. In this division is noted the destruction of the people’s enemies. The kings were assembled—Pointing to a confederate army and a war council of the chiefs.
Sermons on Psalms 48:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Letter 134. by James Bourne | James Bourne emphasizes the importance of pastors being spiritually vigilant and diligent in their ministry, ensuring their message comes directly from the Lord to avoid worldly di |
|
Eternal Hell (1 of 2) by Art Katz | In this sermon transcript, the speaker expresses his frustration with the lack of preaching on the judgment of God and the impending return of Jesus as a judge. He longs for the re |
|
|
The Fire of God's Judgment by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher describes a horrifying train journey through Europe, where people were living in filth and despair. He emphasizes the need for a message on the judgmen |
|
Week of Meetings 06 Christ the Nazarene by David Clifford | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of working together in pairs, as exemplified by Jesus sending out his disciples two by two. He then goes on to desc |