Psalms 48:3
Psalms 48:3 in Multiple Translations
God is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be a fortress.
God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
God hath made himself known in her palaces for a refuge.
In its buildings God is seen to be a high tower.
God himself is in the city's fortresses; he is recognized as its defender.
In the palaces thereof God is knowen for a refuge.
God in her high places is known for a tower.
God has shown himself in her citadels as a refuge.
God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
All you that are earthborn, and you sons of men: both rich and poor together.
God is in the strong towers there, and he shows that he protects the people in that city.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 48:3
BAB
Word Study
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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 48:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְפֵ֥ה
נוֹף֮
מְשׂ֪וֹשׂ
כָּל
הָ֫/אָ֥רֶץ
הַר
צִ֭יּוֹן
יַרְכְּתֵ֣י
צָפ֑וֹן
קִ֝רְיַ֗ת
מֶ֣לֶךְ
רָֽב
יְפֵ֥ה
yâpheh
H3303
beautiful
Adj
נוֹף֮
nôwph
H5131
elevation
N-ms
מְשׂ֪וֹשׂ
mâsôws
H4885
rejoicing
N-ms
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ֫/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
הַר
har
H2022
mountain
N-ms
צִ֭יּוֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
Zion
N-proper
יַרְכְּתֵ֣י
yᵉrêkâh
H3411
flank
N-fd
צָפ֑וֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
Zaphon
N-fs
קִ֝רְיַ֗ת
qiryâh
H7151
town
N-fs
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
רָֽב
rab
H7227
many
Adj
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 48:3
יְפֵ֥ה
yâpheh
H3303
"beautiful"
Adj
Beautiful things in the Bible are described as fair, lovely, and pleasant, as seen in the Song of Solomon, which celebrates the beauty of love and relationships. The term is used to describe people, places, and things that bring joy and delight.
Definition: fair, beautiful, handsome
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] beautiful, beauty, comely, fair(-est, one), [phrase] goodly, pleasant, well. See also: Genesis 12:11; Proverbs 11:22; Psalms 48:3.
נוֹף֮
nôwph
H5131
"elevation"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a high place or elevation, like a mountain or hill. It describes a location's height or situation, as seen in various KJV translations. This concept is also related to H5297.
Definition: elevation, height
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: situation. Compare H5297 (נֹף). See also: Psalms 48:3.
מְשׂ֪וֹשׂ
mâsôws
H4885
"rejoicing"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a feeling of great joy or delight, like the rejoicing in Psalm 16:11. It's about being happy and celebrating something good. In the Bible, it often describes a positive emotional state.
Definition: exultation, joy, rejoicing
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: joy, mirth, rejoice. See also: Job 8:19; Isaiah 62:5; Psalms 48:3.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ֫/אָ֥רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַר
har
H2022
"mountain"
N-ms
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.
צִ֭יּוֹן
Tsîyôwn
H6726
"Zion"
N-proper
Zion refers to a mountain in Jerusalem, often used as another name for the city, especially in prophetic books like Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Definition: Zion = "parched place" another name for Jerusalem especially in the prophetic books Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: Zion. See also: 2 Samuel 5:7; Isaiah 49:14; Psalms 2:6.
יַרְכְּתֵ֣י
yᵉrêkâh
H3411
"flank"
N-fd
This word refers to the flank or side of something, and can also mean the rear or recess. It is used in the Bible to describe borders, coasts, or the sides of objects.
Definition: 1) flank, side, extreme parts, recesses 1a) side 1b) sides, recesses (dual) Aramaic equivalent: yar.kah (יַרְכָא "thigh" H3410)
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: border, coast, part, quarter, side. See also: Genesis 49:13; Isaiah 14:13; Psalms 48:3.
צָפ֑וֹן
tsâphôwn
H6828
"Zaphon"
N-fs
This word means 'north' and is used to describe a direction or location. In the Bible, it is often translated as 'north' or 'northern side'.
Definition: This name means north Also named: tsa.phon (צָפוֹן "Zaphon" H6829)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: north(-ern, side, -ward, wind). See also: Genesis 13:14; Jeremiah 6:22; Psalms 48:3.
קִ֝רְיַ֗ת
qiryâh
H7151
"town"
N-fs
This word refers to a town or city, a place where people live and work. It is used in the Bible to describe various urban areas.
Definition: 1) city, town 1a) in general 1b) in specific 1c) collective 1d) indefinite Aramaic equivalent: qir.yah (קִרְיָה "town" H7149)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: city. See also: Numbers 21:28; Isaiah 22:2; Psalms 48:3.
מֶ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
רָֽב
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 48:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 48:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 48:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 48:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 48:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 48:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
- Sermons on Psalms 48:3
Context — Broken Bondage
1Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain.
2Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.
3God is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be a fortress.
4For behold, the kings assembled; they all advanced together. 5They saw and were astounded; they fled in terror.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zechariah 2:4–5 | and said to him, “Run and tell that young man: ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the multitude of men and livestock within it. For I will be a wall of fire around it, declares the LORD, and I will be the glory within it.’” |
| 2 | Psalms 125:1 | Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion. It cannot be moved; it abides forever. |
| 3 | Psalms 46:7 | The LORD of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah |
| 4 | Isaiah 37:33–36 | So this is what the LORD says about the king of Assyria: ‘He will not enter this city or shoot an arrow into it. He will not come before it with a shield or build up a siege ramp against it. He will go back the way he came, and he will not enter this city,’ declares the LORD. ‘I will defend this city and save it for My own sake and for the sake of My servant David.’” Then the angel of the LORD went out and struck down 185,000 men in the camp of the Assyrians. When the people got up the next morning, there were all the dead bodies! |
| 5 | Isaiah 4:5–6 | Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy, a shelter to give shade from the heat by day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and the rain. |
| 6 | Psalms 76:1–5 | God is known in Judah; His name is great in Israel. His tent is in Salem, His dwelling place in Zion. There He shattered the flaming arrows, the shield and sword and weapons of war. Selah You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains filled with game. The valiant lie plundered; they sleep their last sleep. No men of might could lift a hand. |
| 7 | 2 Chronicles 12:7 | When the LORD saw that they had humbled themselves, the word of the LORD came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves; I will not destroy them, but will soon grant them deliverance. My wrath will not be poured out on Jerusalem through Shishak. |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 20:1–37 | After this, the Moabites and Ammonites, together with some of the Meunites, came to make war against Jehoshaphat. Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the Sea; they are already in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, En-gedi). Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him. 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. Then the Spirit of the LORD came upon Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite from Asaph’s descendants, as he stood in the midst of the assembly. And he said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the LORD says: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army, for the battle does not belong to you, but to God. Tomorrow you are to march down against them. You will see them coming up the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the valley facing the Wilderness of Jeruel. You need not fight this battle. Take up your positions, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out and face them tomorrow, for the LORD is with you.’” Then Jehoshaphat bowed facedown, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down before the LORD to worship Him. And the Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up to praise the LORD, the God of Israel, shouting in a very loud voice. 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. Then Jehoshaphat and his people went to carry off the plunder, and they found on the bodies an abundance of goods and valuables —more than they could carry away. They were gathering the plunder for three days because there was so much. On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, where they blessed the LORD. Therefore that place is called the Valley of Beracah to this day. Then all the men of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat at their head, returned joyfully to Jerusalem, for the LORD had made them rejoice over their enemies. So they entered Jerusalem and went into the house of the LORD with harps, lyres, and trumpets. And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel. Then Jehoshaphat’s kingdom was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side. So Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem twenty-five years. His mother’s name was Azubah daughter of Shilhi. And Jehoshaphat walked in the way of his father Asa and did not turn away from it; he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD. The high places, however, were not removed; the people had not yet set their hearts on the God of their fathers. As for the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, from beginning to end, they are indeed written in the Chronicles of Jehu son of Hanani, which are recorded in the Book of the Kings of Israel. Later, Jehoshaphat king of Judah made an alliance with Ahaziah king of Israel, who acted wickedly. They agreed to make ships to go to Tarshish, and these were built in Ezion-geber. Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 14:9–15 | Then Zerah the Cushite came against them with an army of 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots, and they advanced as far as Mareshah. So Asa marched out against him and lined up in battle formation in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah. Then Asa cried out to the LORD his God: “O LORD, there is no one besides You to help the powerless against the mighty. Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on You, and in Your name we have come against this multitude. O LORD, You are our God. Do not let a mere mortal prevail against You.” So the LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah, and the Cushites fled. Then Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar. The Cushites fell and could not recover, for they were crushed before the LORD and His army. So the people of Judah carried off a great amount of plunder and attacked all the cities around Gerar, because the terror of the LORD had fallen upon them. They plundered all the cities, since there was much plunder there. They also attacked the tents of the herdsmen and carried off many sheep and camels. Then they returned to Jerusalem. |
Psalms 48:3 Summary
This verse tells us that God is present and active in the strongholds or places of protection within the city, providing safety and security for its inhabitants. It means that God is our protector and defender, and we can trust in His power and protection, just like a strong fortress keeps us safe from harm (Psalms 46:1, Proverbs 18:10). When we trust in God as our fortress, we can find peace and security in His presence, even in the midst of challenges or uncertainties. By seeking refuge in God, we can experience His protection and care, as described in Matthew 7:24-27.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God is in her citadels?
This phrase means that God is present and active in the strongholds or places of protection within the city, providing safety and security for its inhabitants, as seen in Psalms 46:1 where God is our refuge and strength.
How has God shown Himself to be a fortress?
God has demonstrated His fortress-like nature through His power and protection, as described in Psalms 91:2 where He is our refuge and fortress, and in Proverbs 18:10 where the name of the Lord is a strong tower.
What is the significance of God being a fortress in this context?
In this context, God being a fortress emphasizes His role as a protector and defender of His people, much like in Deuteronomy 33:27 where God is the eternal God who is our refuge.
How can we apply this concept of God as a fortress to our own lives?
We can apply this concept by trusting in God's power and protection, as encouraged in Psalms 37:3-4, and seeking refuge in Him during times of trouble or uncertainty, as seen in Psalms 57:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has been a fortress or place of protection in my life, and how can I express gratitude for these experiences?
- How can I trust in God's power and protection when faced with challenges or uncertainties, and what scriptures can I turn to for comfort and reassurance?
- In what ways can I seek to abide in God's presence and experience His fortress-like protection, as described in John 15:4-7?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'hide' in God as my fortress, as described in Psalms 32:7, and find peace and security in His presence?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 48:3
God is known in her palaces for a refuge. As there were palaces in Jerusalem; see Psalms 48:13; so there are in the church of Christ; every place in it is a palace fit for a king; and everyone that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 48:3
God is known in her palaces for a refuge. God is known in her palaces for a refuge - literally, 'a high place,' as in Psalms 46:7; Psalms 46:11.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
God is known to his people by sensible and long experience, and to all neighbouring nations by their own observation. In her palaces, i. e in the habitations, or to the inhabitants of that city. Possibly he may here point at the king’ s palace and the temple, which was the palace of the King of heaven; which two palaces God did in a singular manner protect, and by protecting them he protected the whole city and people. For a refuge; under whose shadow we are more safe and secure, than other cities are with their great rivers and impregnable fortifications.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
Psalms 48:3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.Ver. 3. God is known in her palaces for a refuge] As the city was an ornament to the whole country, so was God to the city, as being a common refuge to both; and as having his holy temple there, not a professed sanctuary for impiety, as Florus spitefully styled it, but far better deserving than Numa’ s new temple in Rome did, to be called πιστοωςκαιειρηνηςιερον, the sacrary of faith and peace, where the true God was truly worshipped, and found to be a very present help in trouble, the best bulwark.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
(3) Refuge.—See Note, Psalms 46:1. Prominence should be given to the idea of security from height. We might render, “God among her castles is known as a high and secure tower.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
Verse 3. God is known in her palaces for a refuge.] All those who worship there in spirit and truth, find God for their refuge. But the words may be understood: God is known for the defence of her palaces; and with this view of the subject agree the three following verses.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 48:3
3–8. Jehovah’s revelation of Himself as Zion’s protector in the recent discomfiture of her enemies.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 48:3
God is known in her palaces - The word rendered “palaces” here means properly a fortress, castle, or palace, so called from its height, from a verb, ארם 'âram, meaning to elevate, to lift up.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 48:3
1-3. These verses declare the glory of God in Zion, and the glory of Zion in the whole earth, first, for her strength and beauty, but chiefly as the abode and city of God.
Sermons on Psalms 48:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Zechariah by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the visions and messages received by the prophet Zechariah, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, the new covenant fellowship, the need for young and old |
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Service and Sovereignty by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the intertwined themes of service and sovereignty in the life of Jeremiah, illustrating how God calls individuals to serve despite their feelings of ina |
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Spiritual Ascendancy by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a great vision in our lives. He highlights how we often narrow down our perspectives and lose sight of God's purpose |
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In Nothing Be Anxious; but in Everything by Prayer by Hans R. Waldvogel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of learning from our experiences rather than complaining. He encourages the audience to do all things without murmuring and d |
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Of the Perseverance of the Saints. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, asserting that those who are truly regenerated and called by God will ultimately persevere in grace and be save |
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Exposition on Psalm 126 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about how man came into captivity through sin, being sold under sin by their own consent. However, redemption comes through faith in righteousness, as innoce |
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God's Call to the Life Above (Psalm 125:1-2) by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, unmovable and eternal, encouraging believers to rise above the valleys of life and dwell in the he |