Psalms 46:6
Psalms 46:6 in Multiple Translations
Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; the earth melts when He lifts His voice.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved: He uttered his voice, the earth melted.
The nations were angry, the kingdoms were moved; at the sound of his voice the earth became like wax.
Nations are in turmoil, kingdoms collapse. God raises his voice and the earth melts.
When the nations raged, and the kingdomes were moued, God thundred, and the earth melted.
Troubled have been nations, Moved have been kingdoms, He hath given forth with His voice, earth melteth.
The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved. He lifted his voice and the earth melted.
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
God is ascended with jubilee, and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.
Sometimes the people of many nations are terrified; kingdoms ◄are overthrown/cease to exist►; God speaks loudly like thunder, and the earth melts (OR, people everywhere become terrified) [MET].
You see, God is powerful, and he frightens the nations that don’t follow him. So they go wild and don’t think properly, and they get weak and useless. It’s like God just yells at those people and they finish up, like ice that melts in the hot sun.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 46:6
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 46:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
בְּ֭/קִרְבָּ/הּ
בַּל
תִּמּ֑וֹט
יַעְזְרֶ֥/הָ
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
לִ/פְנ֥וֹת
בֹּֽקֶר
אֱלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
בְּ֭/קִרְבָּ/הּ
qereb
H7130
entrails
Prep | N-ms | Suff
בַּל
bal
H1077
not
Part
תִּמּ֑וֹט
môwṭ
H4131
to shake
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
יַעְזְרֶ֥/הָ
ʻâzar
H5826
to help
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
לִ/פְנ֥וֹת
pânâh
H6437
Corner (Gate)
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בֹּֽקֶר
bôqer
H1242
morning
N-ms
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 46:6
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.
בְּ֭/קִרְבָּ/הּ
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
בַּל
bal
H1077
"not"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means not or nothing, often used to show something is absent or non-existent. It appears in various forms, like lest or neither. The KJV Bible translates it in different ways, including not or none.
Definition: not, hardly, else
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: lest, neither, no, none (that...), not (any), nothing. See also: 1 Chronicles 16:30; Psalms 140:12; Psalms 10:4.
תִּמּ֑וֹט
môwṭ
H4131
"to shake"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs
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.
יַעְזְרֶ֥/הָ
ʻâzar
H5826
"to help"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To help or aid is the meaning of this Hebrew word, used to describe God's protection or assistance. It is used in the Psalms to express trust in God's help and in the book of Exodus to describe God's aid to the Israelites.
Definition: 1) to help, succour, support 1a) (Qal) to help 1b) (Niphal) to be helped 1c) (Hiphil) to help
Usage: Occurs in 77 OT verses. KJV: help, succour. See also: Genesis 49:25; Job 26:2; Psalms 10:14.
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים
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.
לִ/פְנ֥וֹת
pânâh
H6437
"Corner (Gate)"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to turn or face something, like looking at a corner or a gate. It appears in descriptions of daily life and interactions, like in Genesis and Psalms. It's about changing direction or focus.
Definition: This name means corner, to turn, to turn back Another spelling of pin.nah (פִּנָּה "Corner( Gate)" H6438)
Usage: Occurs in 128 OT verses. KJV: appear, at (even-) tide, behold, cast out, come on, [idiom] corner, dawning, empty, go away, lie, look, mark, pass away, prepare, regard, (have) respect (to), (re-) turn (aside, away, back, face, self), [idiom] right (early). See also: Genesis 18:22; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 25:16.
בֹּֽקֶר
bôqer
H1242
"morning"
N-ms
The break of day or morning, a time of new beginnings, as in the morning sacrifices in Exodus 29:39 or the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week in John 20:1.
Definition: 1) morning, break of day 1a) morning 1a1) of end of night 1a2) of coming of daylight 1a3) of coming of sunrise 1a4) of beginning of day 1a5) of bright joy after night of distress (fig.) 1b) morrow, next day, next morning
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase]) day, early, morning, morrow. See also: Genesis 1:5; 1 Samuel 11:11; Psalms 5:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 46:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 46:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 46:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 46:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 46:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 46:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
- Sermons on Psalms 46:6
Context — God Is Our Refuge and Strength
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.
7The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah 8Come, see the works of the LORD, who brings devastation upon the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amos 9:5 | The Lord GOD of Hosts, He who touches the earth and it melts, and all its dwellers mourn— all the land rises like the Nile, then sinks like the river of Egypt— |
| 2 | Psalms 18:13 | The LORD thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded— hailstones and coals of fire. |
| 3 | Habakkuk 3:5–6 | Plague went before Him, and fever followed in His steps. He stood and measured the earth; He looked and startled the nations; the ancient mountains crumbled; the perpetual hills collapsed. His ways are everlasting. |
| 4 | 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. |
| 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 | Psalms 2:1–4 | Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 20:20–24 | Early in the morning they got up and left for the Wilderness of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood up and said, “Hear me, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld; believe in His prophets, and you will succeed.” Then Jehoshaphat consulted with the people and appointed those who would sing to the LORD and praise the splendor of His holiness. As they went out before the army, they were singing: “Give thanks to the LORD, for His loving devotion endures forever.” The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated. The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction. And when they had made an end to the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another. When the men of Judah came to a place overlooking the wilderness, they looked for the vast army, but there were only corpses lying on the ground; no one had escaped. |
| 8 | Psalms 68:8 | the earth shook and the heavens poured down rain before God, the One on Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. |
| 9 | Joshua 2:24 | “The LORD has surely delivered the entire land into our hands,” they said to Joshua. “Indeed, all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of us.” |
| 10 | Psalms 83:2–8 | See how Your enemies rage, how Your foes have reared their heads. With cunning they scheme against Your people and conspire against those You cherish, saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.” For with one mind they plot together, they form an alliance against You— the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. Even Assyria has joined them, lending strength to the sons of Lot. Selah |
Psalms 46:6 Summary
This verse is saying that even when the world seems to be falling apart and nations are in an uproar, God is still in control. When He speaks, His voice is so powerful that it can cause the earth to tremble and melt. This reminds us that God is all-powerful and sovereign over all things, as we see in Jeremiah 32:17 and Psalms 115:3. We can trust in His power and authority, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for nations to rage and kingdoms to crumble?
This phrase is describing a time of great turmoil and upheaval among the nations, but even in the midst of this chaos, God is still in control, as seen in Psalms 2:1 and Psalms 9:5.
How does the earth melt when God lifts His voice?
This is a poetic expression of the power and authority of God's voice, which can cause even the earth to tremble and melt, as described in Psalms 29:3-5 and Nahum 1:5.
Is this verse talking about a specific historical event or a future event?
While this verse may be referring to a specific historical event, its language and imagery also point to the ultimate triumph of God over all nations and kingdoms, as described in Revelation 19:11-21 and Isaiah 2:10-22.
How can I apply this verse to my life today?
This verse reminds us that no matter what turmoil or chaos we may be experiencing, God is still in control and will ultimately triumph over all nations and kingdoms, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I see nations and kingdoms 'raging' in the world today, and how can I trust in God's sovereignty over these events?
- How does the image of the earth 'melting' when God lifts His voice challenge my understanding of God's power and authority?
- In what ways can I rest in the knowledge that God is in control, even when the world around me seems to be falling apart?
- How can I use this verse to comfort and encourage others who may be experiencing fear or uncertainty in the face of global turmoil?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 46:6
The Heathen raged,.... As they did at Christ's first coming, against him, his Gospel, and people; and which continued during the three first centuries; and then the Pagan kingdoms belonging to the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 46:6
The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
The heathen raged, to wit, against God, and against his people. He uttered his voice; either he thundered, or he spake to them in his wrath, as is said, . The earth melted; the inhabitants of the earth who were combined against Zion were dispirited and consumed.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
Psalms 46:6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.Ver. 6. The heathen raged] Among themselves, and against the Church (Christ mystical, as Psalms 2:1-2) with great three and fury: Quia ab ascensore suo Daemone perurgentur, as Bernard giveth the reason, because the devil rideth them, and spurreth them on. The kingdoms were moved] To remove and root out the Church, but that will not be; because in the thing wherein they deal proudly God is above them. See those three sweet similitudes, Zechariah 12:2-3; Zechariah 12:6. He ultered his voice] Thunder struck the enemies, and saved his people by a miracle of him mercy, Psalms 18:6-7. The earth melted] Contra naturam suam, quia est arida, saith Aben Ezra; against the nature thereof, for it is dry. By the earth some understand the enemies, who had almost filled the whole land with their multitudes.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
(6) The absence of conjunctions, and sudden change from the preterite to the future, lends a vividness to the picture. “Raged heathen, tottered kingdoms Gave with His voice (the signal) (and lo !) Melts the earth.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
Verse 6. The heathen raged] There had been terrible wars on all hands, and mighty states were crushed, when the poor Jews were, by the especial favour of God, kept in peace and safety. Kingdoms were moved while they were preserved. He uttered his voice] These words seem to refer to thunder, lightning, and earthquake. The expressions, however, may be figurative, and refer to the wars and desolations already mentioned. God gave the command; and one empire was cast down, and another was raised up.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 46:6
6. The heathen raged] Or, the nations roared;—a word commonly used of the tumultuous noise of a multitude or an army (Psalms 83:2; Isaiah 17:12). The same words (roared … were moved), which were used in Psalms 46:2-3 of convulsions of the earth, are applied to commotions among the nations; but the change of tense shews that while Psalms 46:2-3 are hypothetical, Psalms 46:6 refers to an actual experience. he uttered his voice] God has but to speak with His voice of thunder, and earth melts in terror: its inhabitants with all their proud Titanic boastings are dissolved. Cp. Isaiah 29:6; Isaiah 30:30 f; Exodus 15:15; Amos 9:5; Psalms 75:3; Psalms 76:8. The rhythm of short abrupt clauses without a conjunction recalls that of Exo 15:9-10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 46:6
The heathen raged - The nations were in commotion, or were agitated like the waves of the sea.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 46:6
6. The heathen raged—Compare Isaiah 10:24-34, on Sennacherib’s entrance into Judah, and 2 Kings 18:17-35, on his blasphemous boasting.
Sermons on Psalms 46:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Europe 2008) Session 1 - a Man Sent From God by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for a revival in London and the world. He mentions that before the Wesleyan revival, there were no gospel churches in London, but wh |
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What's Next? by Chuck Smith | The video titled "Jihad in America" explores the recruitment of young Muslims for the Jihad against the United States. It shows Muslim leaders giving speeches about using terrorism |
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Psalm 47 by Carl Armerding | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about a young boy who was fascinated by a particular object. The speaker then relates this story to the idea of putting our t |
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Exposition on Psalm 46 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the Psalms, emphasizing the revelation of secrets through Christ's sacrifice on the Cross, leading to the understanding that Christ is the end of the law |
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The Poor of the Land and the Pride of Jacob by John Piper | John Piper preaches on the message of Amos, a shepherd turned prophet, who delivered a warning of coming judgment upon the northern kingdom of Israel. Despite Amos' faithful procla |
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In the Midst of a Miracle by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that we may be in the midst of a miracle without realizing it, as we often feel discouraged when we see no evidence of God's work. He draws from Psalm 18 |
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Of the Conflagration of the Universe. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the universal conflagration of the universe, emphasizing the literal interpretation of biblical prophecies regarding the end times, particularly the burning o |