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Psalms 48:9

Psalms 48:9 in Multiple Translations

Within Your temple, O God, we contemplate Your loving devotion.

We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

We have thought on thy lovingkindness, O God, In the midst of thy temple.

Our thoughts were of your mercy, O God, while we were in your Temple.

God, we recall your trustworthy love as we worship in the Temple.

We waite for thy louing kindnes, O God, in the middes of thy Temple.

We have thought, O God, of Thy kindness, In the midst of Thy temple,

We have thought about your loving kindness, God, in the middle of your temple.

We have thought of thy loving-kindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

Nor the price of the redemption of his soul: and shall labour for ever,

God, here in your temple we think about how you faithfully love us.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 48:9

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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 48:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר שָׁמַ֨עְנוּ כֵּ֤ן רָאִ֗ינוּ בְּ/עִיר יְהוָ֣ה צְ֭בָאוֹת בְּ/עִ֣יר אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ אֱלֹ֘הִ֤ים יְכוֹנְנֶ֖/הָ עַד עוֹלָ֣ם סֶֽלָה
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
שָׁמַ֨עְנוּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-1cp
כֵּ֤ן kên H3651 right Part
רָאִ֗ינוּ râʼâh H7200 Provider V-Qal-Perf-1cp
בְּ/עִיר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fs
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper
צְ֭בָאוֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 army N-cp
בְּ/עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fs
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
אֱלֹ֘הִ֤ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp
יְכוֹנְנֶ֖/הָ kûwn H3559 to establish V-o-Imperf-3ms | Suff
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
עוֹלָ֣ם ʻôwlâm H5769 forever N-ms
סֶֽלָה çelâh H5542 Selah Part
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 48:9

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁמַ֨עְנוּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
כֵּ֤ן 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.
רָאִ֗ינוּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" V-Qal-Perf-1cp
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.
בְּ/עִיר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
יְהוָ֣ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
צְ֭בָאוֹת tsâbâʼ H6635 "army" N-cp
This Hebrew word means a large group of people or things, often referring to an army or a campaign, and is also used to describe the Lord's hosts. It appears in the Bible as a name for God, emphasizing His power and authority. In the KJV, it's translated as 'host' or 'army'.
Definition: : army 1) that which goes forth, army, war, warfare, host 1a) army, host 1a1) host (of organised army) 1a2) host (of angels) 1a3) of sun, moon, and stars 1a4) of whole creation 1b) war, warfare, service, go out to war 1c) service
Usage: Occurs in 463 OT verses. KJV: appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare). See also: Genesis 2:1; 1 Samuel 17:55; Psalms 24:10.
בְּ/עִ֣יר ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
אֱלֹ֘הִ֤ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יְכוֹנְנֶ֖/הָ kûwn H3559 "to establish" V-o-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to set something up or establish it, like setting up a tent or appointing someone to a position, as seen in Isaiah 7:14.
Definition: : prepare/direct 1) to be firm, be stable, be established 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be set up, be established, be fixed 1a1a) to be firmly established 1a1b) to be established, be stable, be secure, be enduring 1a1c) to be fixed, be securely determined 1a2) to be directed aright, be fixed aright, be steadfast (moral sense) 1a3) to prepare, be ready 1a4) to be prepared, be arranged, be settled 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to establish, set up, accomplish, do, make firm 1b2) to fix, make ready, prepare, provide, provide for, furnish 1b3) to direct toward (moral sense) 1b4) to arrange, order 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be established, be fastened 1c2) to be prepared, be ready 1d) (Polel) 1d1) to set up, establish 1d2) to constitute, make 1d3) to fix 1d4) to direct 1e) (Pulal) to be established, be prepared 1f) (Hithpolel) to be established, be restored
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: certain(-ty), confirm, direct, faithfulness, fashion, fasten, firm, be fitted, be fixed, frame, be meet, ordain, order, perfect, (make) preparation, prepare (self), provide, make provision, (be, make) ready, right, set (aright, fast, forth), be stable, (e-) stablish, stand, tarry, [idiom] very deed. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 18:12; Psalms 5:10.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עוֹלָ֣ם ʻôwlâm H5769 "forever" N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
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 48:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 26:3 For Your loving devotion is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth.
2 Psalms 40:10 I have not covered up Your righteousness in my heart; I have declared Your faithfulness and salvation; I have not concealed Your loving devotion and faithfulness from the great assembly.
3 Psalms 77:10–14 So I said, “I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” I will remember the works of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will reflect on all You have done and ponder Your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who works wonders; You display Your strength among the peoples.
4 Psalms 63:2–3 So I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and glory. Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You.
5 2 Chronicles 20:5–13 Then Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the LORD in front of the new courtyard and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. Our God, did You not drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham Your friend? They have lived in the land and have built in it a sanctuary for Your Name, saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us—whether sword or judgment, plague or famine—we will stand before this temple and before You, for Your Name is in this temple. We will cry out to You in our distress, and You will hear us and save us.’ And now, here are the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, whom You did not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt; but Israel turned away from them and did not destroy them. See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of the possession that You gave us as an inheritance. Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” Meanwhile all the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, were standing before the LORD.
6 Psalms 104:34 May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD.
7 Luke 22:19–20 And He took the bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.
8 Song of Solomon 1:4 Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. The Friends We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. The Bride It is only right that they adore you.
9 Psalms 105:5–6 Remember the wonders He has done, His marvels, and the judgments He has pronounced, O offspring of His servant Abraham, O sons of Jacob, His chosen ones.
10 Isaiah 26:8 Yes, we wait for You, O LORD; we walk in the path of Your judgments. Your name and renown are the desire of our souls.

Psalms 48:9 Summary

Psalms 48:9 means that when we are in God's presence, we think about how much He loves us. It's like taking time to remember all the good things He has done for us, and being thankful for His care. This is similar to what David expressed in Psalms 23:1-4, where he trusted in God's guidance and provision. By contemplating God's loving devotion, we can grow closer to Him and trust Him more, just like it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to contemplate God's loving devotion?

Contemplating God's loving devotion means thinking deeply about His love and care for us, as seen in Psalms 48:9, and remembering His faithfulness, as promised in Deuteronomy 7:9 and Psalms 103:17.

Why is the temple significant in this verse?

The temple represents a place of worship and closeness to God, where believers can experience His presence and reflect on His loving devotion, as also seen in Psalms 27:4 and Isaiah 6:1-5.

How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?

By taking time to reflect on God's love and faithfulness, as in Psalms 48:9, we can cultivate a deeper sense of trust and devotion, similar to the trust expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.

What is the relationship between God's temple and His loving devotion?

God's temple is a symbol of His presence and love, and contemplating His loving devotion within the temple, as in Psalms 48:9, reminds us of His constant care and provision, as also promised in Matthew 28:20 and Hebrews 13:5.

Reflection Questions

  1. How have you experienced God's loving devotion in your life, and how can you share that with others?
  2. What are some ways you can cultivate a deeper sense of contemplation and reflection on God's love in your daily life?
  3. How does remembering God's faithfulness, as in Psalms 48:9, impact your trust and obedience to Him?
  4. In what ways can you apply the concept of contemplating God's loving devotion to your relationships with others, and how might it change the way you interact with them?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 48:9

We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God,.... Jarchi interprets it, "we have waited for thy lovingkindness"; to see thy salvation; and some, as Ben Melech observes, explain it of hope and

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 48:9

We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple. The second part: separated from the first by the "Selah" (Psalms 48:8).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 48:9

It hath been the matter of our serious and deep meditation, when we have been worshipping there in thy temple. For when the priests were offering incense or sacrifice, the religious people exercised themselves in holy meditation or secret prayer to God, as may be gathered from , and many other places of Scripture, and from the nature of the thing. Or, we have silently or patiently waited for, as some ancient and other interpreters render it.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 48:9

Psalms 48:9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple.Ver. 9. We have thought upon thy lovingkindness] Heb. We have silently mused or minded, as being amazed, or rather amazed, thereat, not able to speak for a while, we were so transported when we met in thy temple for the purpose to praise thee, as for thy lovingkindness towards us, so for thy power and justice exercised on our enemies.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 48:9

(9) Thy temple.—This verse seems to indicate a liturgic origin for the psalm.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 48:9

Verse 9. We have thought of thy loving-kindness] We went to thy temple to worship thee; we meditated on thy goodness; we waited for a display of it; and the panic that in the first instance struck us, was transferred to our enemies; and fear took hold upon them, they marvelled, were troubled, and hasted away.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 48:9

9–14. The lessons of deliverance.

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 48:9

We have thought of thy loving-kindness, O God - We have reflected on, or meditated on.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 48:9

9-13. Here begins the special strain of thanksgiving and praise. We have thought… in the midst of thy temple—The king and people had repaired to the temple to ask counsel of God. See 2 Chronicles 20:3-13, to which this alludes.

Sermons on Psalms 48:9

SermonDescription
Bob Jennings Faithfulness-God, Christ, Man by Bob Jennings In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the faithfulness of God in the battle against sin. He shares a story of a girl who was possessed by a demon and how Jesus fought and deliver
David Wilkerson A Revelation of God's Mercy by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes God's immense mercy and lovingkindness, as expressed in Psalms, acknowledging that despite our failings and sins, God's love remains steadfast and forgiv
Bob Hoekstra David Relying Upon the Lord's Lovingkindness by Bob Hoekstra Bob Hoekstra preaches on David's reliance on the Lord's lovingkindness, which is better than life itself. Lovingkindness, akin to grace, encompasses God's zealous, loyal, and merci
W.H. Griffith Thomas More Than My Necessary Food by W.H. Griffith Thomas W.H. Griffith Thomas preaches about the importance of abiding in Christ and the secret to spiritual permanence through faithfulness in the outward and inner life, emphasizing the n
C.H. Spurgeon Spiritual Revival: The Need of the Christian by C.H. Spurgeon C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual revival among Christians, urging believers to recognize that true religion is solely the work of God. He points out that many
J.C. Philpot The Thorn in the Flesh, or Strength Made Perfect in Weakness by J.C. Philpot J.C. Philpot preaches about the trials and temptations faced by the servants of God, using the example of the apostle Paul's thorn in the flesh and the messenger of Satan to highli
T. Austin-Sparks "Thy Way Was in the Sea" (Psalm 77) by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks reflects on Psalm 77, where Asaph, a once joyful choir master, finds himself in despair due to the absence of God's evident presence and power in his life. Asaph's

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