Psalms 46:2
Psalms 46:2 in Multiple Translations
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas;
For this cause we will have no fear, even though the earth is changed, and though the mountains are moved in the heart of the sea;
So we will not be afraid though the earth shakes, though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea,
Therefore will not we feare, though the earth be moued, and though the mountaines fall into the middes of the sea.
Therefore we fear not in the changing of earth, And in the slipping of mountains Into the heart of the seas.
Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas;
Therefore will we not fear, though the earth shall be removed, and though the mountains shall be carried into the midst of the sea;
O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of Joy,
So, even if the earth shakes, we will not be afraid. Even if the mountains fall into the middle of the sea,
So we will never get frightened. Even if there is a big earthquake, and the mountains start to break up and fall into the sea, even then we will not be frightened.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 46:2
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 46:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
לָ֭/נוּ
מַחֲסֶ֣ה
וָ/עֹ֑ז
עֶזְרָ֥ה
בְ֝/צָר֗וֹת
נִמְצָ֥א
מְאֹֽד
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
לָ֭/נוּ
Prep | Suff
מַחֲסֶ֣ה
machăçeh
H4268
refuge
N-ms
וָ/עֹ֑ז
ʻôz
H5797
strength
Conj | N-ms
עֶזְרָ֥ה
ʻezrâh
H5833
help
N-fs
בְ֝/צָר֗וֹת
tsârâh
H6869
dearth
Prep | N-fp
נִמְצָ֥א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Niphal
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 46:2
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
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.
לָ֭/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
מַחֲסֶ֣ה
machăçeh
H4268
"refuge"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a safe place to go, like a shelter from a storm. It appears in the Bible as a place of hope and trust, where people can find refuge from danger. In Psalm 71:3, God is called a rock of refuge.
Definition: 1) refuge, shelter 1a) from rain or storm, from danger 1b) of falsehood
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust. See also: Job 24:8; Psalms 94:22; Psalms 14:6.
וָ/עֹ֑ז
ʻôz
H5797
"strength"
Conj | N-ms
Describes strength or might, including physical power, social status, or boldness, like the strength of God or a strong leader.
Definition: 1) might, strength 1a) material or physical 1b) personal or social or political
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: boldness, loud, might, power, strength, strong. See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 84:6; Psalms 8:3.
עֶזְרָ֥ה
ʻezrâh
H5833
"help"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means 'help' or 'aid', referring to assistance or support, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) help, succour, assistance 1a) help, succour 1b) one who helps
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: help(-ed, -er). See also: Judges 5:23; Psalms 60:13; Psalms 22:20.
בְ֝/צָר֗וֹת
tsârâh
H6869
"dearth"
Prep | N-fp
A vexer is someone who causes trouble or distress, like a rival wife, used in the Bible to describe relationships or situations that cause anguish or affliction, as seen in the book of Genesis.
Definition: death, destitution
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: adversary, adversity, affliction, anguish, distress, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 35:3; Psalms 116:3; Psalms 9:10.
נִמְצָ֥א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Niphal
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 46:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 46:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 46:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 46:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 46:2
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 46:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
- Sermons on Psalms 46:2
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 23:4 | Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. |
| 2 | Hebrews 13:6 | So we say with confidence: “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” |
| 3 | Psalms 27:3 | Though an army encamps around me, my heart will not fear; though a war breaks out against me, I will keep my trust. |
| 4 | Luke 21:9–11 | When you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be alarmed. These things must happen first, but the end is not imminent.” Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven. |
| 5 | Luke 21:33 | Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away. |
| 6 | Matthew 21:21 | “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. |
| 7 | Psalms 18:7 | Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger. |
| 8 | Psalms 82:5 | They do not know or understand; they wander in the darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. |
| 9 | 2 Peter 3:10–14 | But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, as you anticipate these things, make every effort to be found at peace—spotless and blameless in His sight. |
| 10 | Luke 21:25–28 | There will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves. Men will faint from fear and anxiety over what is coming upon the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” |
Psalms 46:2 Summary
[Psalms 46:2 tells us that even when the world around us seems to be falling apart, we don't have to be afraid. This is because God is our rock and our helper, as mentioned in Psalms 46:1. Just like how God was with the Israelites in the wilderness, providing for them and keeping them safe (Deuteronomy 1:31), He promises to be with us through all our troubles. By trusting in His power and love, we can face any challenge that comes our way, knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the earth to be 'transformed' in Psalms 46:2?
This phrase likely refers to catastrophic events that shake the foundations of the earth, similar to those described in Isaiah 24:19-20, reminding us that God is in control even in the midst of chaos.
Why are the mountains being 'toppled into the depths of the seas'?
This imagery symbolizes the most extreme and unimaginable disasters, yet even in such scenarios, the believer is called not to fear, trusting in God's sovereignty as seen in Job 38:4-7.
How can we 'not fear' when faced with such overwhelming catastrophes?
Our fearlessness comes from knowing God as our refuge and strength, as stated in Psalms 46:1, and understanding that His presence and power are greater than any earthly disaster, as promised in Isaiah 43:2.
Is this verse suggesting that believers will never experience fear?
While believers are called to trust in God and not fear, it's natural to feel fear in the face of danger; the key is to not let fear control us, but instead, let our trust in God's goodness and power, as seen in Romans 8:28, guide our responses.
Reflection Questions
- What are the deepest fears that I need to surrender to God's care today?
- How does remembering God's sovereignty in creation, as seen in Genesis 1:1, help me face my fears with courage?
- In what ways can I apply the promise of God being my 'ever-present help in times of trouble' from Psalms 46:1 to my current challenges?
- What would it look like for me to trust in God's strength and refuge in the midst of a personal 'earthquake' or crisis?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 46:2
Therefore will not we fear,...., The consideration of the Lord's being the refuge, strength, and help of his people, in all times of trouble and distress, has a great influence on their faith and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 46:2
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed - literally, 'in the
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
Though there should be nothing but shakings, and confusions, and desolations in all the nations round about us; which are oft expressed by such metaphors, as ,22 Rev 6:14.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
Psalms 46:2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Ver. 2. Therefore will we not fear, though the earth, &c.] No, not in the greatest concussions of states and revolutions in nature. Earthquakes are very dreadful, and lay whole cities on heaps sometimes, as Antioch often, which was therehence called Yεοπολις (Lege Plin. lib. 2, cap. 83, 88); but though not some part only, but the whole earth should be turned topsy-turvy, as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down, 2 Kings 21:13; yea, though heaven and earth should be mingled, Hebrews 12:26, in this also the believer would be confident, because God is with him, Psalms 23:4; Psalms 27:1, whose praise and promise is to see to his servants’ safety in the greatest dangers, and to set them out of the gunshot. And though the mountains be carried inlo the midst of the sea] Though all the world should be reduced again into that first chaos of confusion (Horat. Od. 3, lib. 3). Si fractus illabatur orbis, Impavidum ferient ruinae.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
(2) Though the earth be removed.—Literally, at the changing of the earth. Possibly with the same figure implied, which is expressed, Psalms 102:26, of the worn-out or soiled vesture. The psalmist was thinking of the sudden convulsion of earthquake, and figures Israel fearless amid the tottering kingdoms and falling dynasties. Travellers all remark on the signs of tremendous volcanic agency in Palestine. It is interesting to compare the heathen poet’s conception of the fearlessness supplied by virtue (Hor. Ode 3:3).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
Verse 2. Therefore will not we fear] Let what commotions will take place in the earth, we will trust in the all-powerful arm of God. Probably the earthquake referred to, here means political commotions, such as those mentioned under the title; and by mountains, kings or secular states may be intended.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 46:2
2. Therefore will we not fear, though earth should change, And the mountains be moved into the heart of the seas. Cp. Horace’s description of the dauntlessness of the just man (Odes iii. 3. 7), Si fractus illabatur orbis, Impavidum ferient ruinae. The words are to be understood literally (Isaiah 54:10), and not metaphorically, as “a vivid sketch of utter confusion, dashed in with three or four bold strokes, an impossible case supposed in order to bring out the unshaken calm of those who have God for ark in such a deluge” (Maclaren). At the same time they suggest the thought of the upheaval and commotion of the nations, and (Psalms 46:3) the flood of invasion beating against mount Zion and threatening to overwhelm it. Cp. Psalms 46:6; Isaiah 17:12-13.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 46:2
Therefore will not we fear - Our confidence in God shall be unshaken and abiding. Having Him for our refuge and strength Psalms 46:1, we can have nothing to fear. Compare Psalms 56:3.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 46:2
2. The all-sufficiency of divine aid precludes fear. The earth be removed—The most stable and abiding of figures. Psalms 104:5; Ecclesiastes 1:4. Mountains—Emblems of strength and firmness.Job 9:6; Psalms 18:7.
Sermons on Psalms 46:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Tribulation by Corrie Ten Boom | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being in solitary confinement and how he found solace in singing hymns. He emphasizes the importance of memorizing and |
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David in Training for Kingship by R. Edward Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the contrast between David's seemingly peaceful nature as a musician and poet, and his ultimate destiny as a great warrior. The speaker emphas |
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a.b. Simpson Quotes by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the distinction between superficial and mature Christians, noting that true maturity comes from a close relationship with the Lord, which alleviates fears a |
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Lessons From the Recent Earthquake by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the recent earthquake, drawing lessons from the Great Lisbon Earthquake of 1755. He emphasizes the majesty and power of God, the sinfulness of the worl |
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Be Not Dismayed; for I Am Thy God by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes God's tender reassurance in times of fear, reminding us that He is always with us and upholds us with His righteousness. He highlights the repeated promises |
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Unshaken in Christ by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the steadfastness and immovability that comes from having God in the midst of our lives. Drawing inspiration from Psalms 46:2, 3, 5, he emphasizes the |
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Gods Presence by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is interested in each individual as if they were the only person in the world. He uses the story of Elisha and his servant to illus |