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Psalms 60:2

Psalms 60:2 in Multiple Translations

You have shaken the land and torn it open. Heal its fractures, for it is quaking.

Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

Thou hast made the land to tremble; thou hast rent it: Heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.

By the power of your hand the earth is shaking and broken; make it strong again, for it is moved.

You have sent earthquakes on our land and split it apart. Now heal the cracks, for the land is still having tremors.

Thou hast made the land to tremble, and hast made it to gape: heale the breaches thereof, for it is shaken.

Thou hast caused the land to tremble, Thou hast broken it, Heal its breaches, for it hath moved.

You have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, for it quakes.

Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal its breaches; for it shaketh.

Hear, O God, my supplication: be attentive to my prayer,

When we were defeated, it was as though [MET] there was a big earthquake in our land that caused the ground to split open. So now, just as only you can cause the cracks in the land to disappear, help our army to be strong again, because it is as though our country is ◄falling apart/being destroyed►.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 60:2

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 60:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB בְּ/הַצּוֹת֨/וֹ אֶ֥ת אֲרַ֣ם נַהֲרַיִם֮ וְ/אֶת אֲרַ֪ם צ֫וֹבָ֥ה וַ/יָּ֤שָׁב יוֹאָ֗ב וַ/יַּ֣ךְ אֶת אֱד֣וֹם בְּ/גֵיא מֶ֑לַח שְׁנֵ֖ים עָשָׂ֣ר אָֽלֶף
בְּ/הַצּוֹת֨/וֹ nâtsâh H5327 to struggle Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
אֶ֥ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֲרַ֣ם ʼĂram Nahărayim H763 Aram-naharaim N-proper
נַהֲרַיִם֮ ʼĂram Nahărayim H763 Aram-naharaim N-proper
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM
אֲרַ֪ם ʼĂram Tsôwbâh H760 Aram-zobah N-proper
צ֫וֹבָ֥ה ʼĂram Tsôwbâh H760 Aram-zobah N-proper
וַ/יָּ֤שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יוֹאָ֗ב Yôwʼâb H3097 Joab N-proper
וַ/יַּ֣ךְ nâkâh H5221 to smite Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
אֱד֣וֹם ʼĔdôm H123 Edom N-proper
בְּ/גֵיא gayʼ H1516 Valley Prep | N-proper
מֶ֑לַח melach H4417 salt N-proper
שְׁנֵ֖ים shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj
עָשָׂ֣ר ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj
אָֽלֶף ʼeleph H505 thousand Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 60:2

בְּ/הַצּוֹת֨/וֹ nâtsâh H5327 "to struggle" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To desolate or lay waste, this word describes the destruction of a city or land. It is used in the book of Jeremiah to describe the fall of Jerusalem. The word implies a complete ruin.
Definition: 1) to struggle 1a) (Niphal) to struggle 1b) (Hiphil) to struggle
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be laid waste, runinous, strive (together). See also: Exodus 2:13; 2 Samuel 14:6; Psalms 60:2.
אֶ֥ת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲרַ֣ם ʼĂram Nahărayim H763 "Aram-naharaim" N-proper
Aram-naharaim refers to Mesopotamia, the land between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. In the Bible, it is mentioned as a region where Abraham's ancestors lived. This area is now modern-day Iraq.
Definition: § Aram-naharaim = "Aram of the two rivers" Mesopotamia
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Aham-naharaim, Mesopotamia. See also: Genesis 24:10; Judges 3:8; Psalms 60:2.
נַהֲרַיִם֮ ʼĂram Nahărayim H763 "Aram-naharaim" N-proper
Aram-naharaim refers to Mesopotamia, the land between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. In the Bible, it is mentioned as a region where Abraham's ancestors lived. This area is now modern-day Iraq.
Definition: § Aram-naharaim = "Aram of the two rivers" Mesopotamia
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Aham-naharaim, Mesopotamia. See also: Genesis 24:10; Judges 3:8; Psalms 60:2.
וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֲרַ֪ם ʼĂram Tsôwbâh H760 "Aram-zobah" N-proper
Aram-zobah was a region in the Bible, northeast of Damascus, mentioned in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles as a place of conflict. It was a land of strategic importance. The name means exalted station or conflict.
Definition: § Aram-zobah = "exalted station: exalted conflict" probably the land northeast of Damascus
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Aram-zobah. See also: Psalms 60:2.
צ֫וֹבָ֥ה ʼĂram Tsôwbâh H760 "Aram-zobah" N-proper
Aram-zobah was a region in the Bible, northeast of Damascus, mentioned in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles as a place of conflict. It was a land of strategic importance. The name means exalted station or conflict.
Definition: § Aram-zobah = "exalted station: exalted conflict" probably the land northeast of Damascus
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Aram-zobah. See also: Psalms 60:2.
וַ/יָּ֤שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
יוֹאָ֗ב Yôwʼâb H3097 "Joab" N-proper
Joab was a prominent Israelite, his name means Jehovah is father. He was King David's nephew and army general, playing a key role in the Bible, including in the books of Samuel and Kings.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.8.9 § Joab = "Jehovah is father" 1) son of David's sister Zeruiah and general of David's army 2) a Judaite descendant of Kenaz 3) a post exilic family
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: Joab. See also: 1 Samuel 26:6; 2 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 60:2.
וַ/יַּ֣ךְ nâkâh H5221 "to smite" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to strike or hit something, and it's used in many different ways, like in Exodus when God strikes down the Egyptians. It can also mean to punish or destroy, as seen in Isaiah. The word is used to describe God's judgment.
Definition: 1) to strike, smite, hit, beat, slay, kill 1a)(Niphal) to be stricken or smitten 1b) (Pual) to be stricken or smitten 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to smite, strike, beat, scourge, clap, applaud, give a thrust 1c2) to smite, kill, slay (man or beast) 1c3) to smite, attack, attack and destroy, conquer, subjugate, ravage 1c4) to smite, chastise, send judgment upon, punish, destroy 1d) (Hophal) to be smitten 1d1) to receive a blow 1d2) to be wounded 1d3) to be beaten 1d4) to be (fatally) smitten, be killed, be slain 1d5) to be attacked and captured 1d6) to be smitten (with disease) 1d7) to be blighted (of plants)
Usage: Occurs in 461 OT verses. KJV: beat, cast forth, clap, give (wounds), [idiom] go forward, [idiom] indeed, kill, make (slaughter), murderer, punish, slaughter, slay(-er, -ing), smite(-r, -ing), strike, be stricken, (give) stripes, [idiom] surely, wound. See also: Genesis 4:15; Joshua 10:20; 1 Samuel 29:5.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אֱד֣וֹם ʼĔdôm H123 "Edom" N-proper
Edom was the twin brother of Jacob and the region where he lived. He was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and his story is told in Genesis 25. Edom is also another name for Esau.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.25; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Israel (H3478); married to Oholibamah (H0173), Judith (H3067), Adah (H5711H) and Mahalath (H4258); father of: Eliphaz (H0464), Reuel (H7467), Jeush (H3266), Jalam (H3281) and Korah (H7141); also called Edom at Gen.25.30; 36.1,8,19,21; 1x,54; Another name of e.sav (עֵשָׂו "Esau" H6215G) § Edom = "red" 1) Edom 2) Edomite, Idumean-descendants of Esau 3) land of Edom, Idumea-land south and south east of Palestine
Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: Edom, Edomites, Idumea. See also: Genesis 25:30; 1 Chronicles 1:54; Psalms 60:2.
בְּ/גֵיא gayʼ H1516 "Valley" Prep | N-proper
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to a deep, narrow valley or gorge. It is also another name for Topheth, a place of child sacrifice in the Valley of Hinnom. The word describes a steep and dramatic landscape.
Definition: valley, a steep valley, narrow gorge Another name of to.phet (תֹּ֫פֶת "Topheth" H8612)
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: valley. See also: Numbers 21:20; Nehemiah 11:30; Psalms 23:4.
מֶ֑לַח melach H4417 "salt" N-proper
This Hebrew word refers specifically to salt that is easily pulverized and dissolved, often used to season food. It is also associated with salt pits, where salt was harvested. The word highlights the importance of salt in ancient Israelite life.
Definition: salt
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: salt(-pit). See also: Genesis 14:3; Judges 9:45; Psalms 60:2.
שְׁנֵ֖ים shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֣ר ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
אָֽלֶף ʼeleph H505 "thousand" Adj
A thousand, as in Exodus 20:6 where God shows love to thousands of people. It represents a large number or a company of people under one leader, like an army or a group of soldiers.
Definition: : thousand 1) a thousand 1a) as numeral 2) a thousand, company 2a) as a company of men under one leader, troops
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: thousand. See also: Genesis 20:16; Joshua 3:4; 2 Kings 18:23.

Study Notes — Psalms 60:2

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Chronicles 7:14 and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.
2 Hosea 6:1 Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us to pieces, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bind up our wounds.
3 Isaiah 30:26 The light of the moon will be as bright as the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter—like the light of seven days—on the day that the LORD binds up the brokenness of His people and heals the wounds He has inflicted.
4 Ezekiel 34:16 I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak; but the sleek and strong I will destroy. I will shepherd them with justice.’
5 Isaiah 5:25 Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people; His hand is raised against them to strike them down. The mountains quake, and the corpses lay like refuse in the streets. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.
6 Psalms 18:7 Then the earth shook and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains trembled; they were shaken because He burned with anger.
7 Jeremiah 48:38 On all the rooftops of Moab and in the public squares, everyone is mourning; for I have shattered Moab like an unwanted jar,” declares the LORD.
8 Jeremiah 4:24 I looked at the mountains, and behold, they were quaking; all the hills were swaying.
9 Jeremiah 10:10 But the LORD is the true God; He is the living God and eternal King. The earth quakes at His wrath, and the nations cannot endure His indignation.
10 Jeremiah 14:17 You are to speak this word to them: ‘My eyes overflow with tears; day and night they do not cease, for the virgin daughter of my people has been shattered by a crushing blow, a severely grievous wound.

Psalms 60:2 Summary

This verse, Psalms 60:2, is a cry to God to heal the brokenness and turmoil in the world, which is a result of His judgment, as seen in the shaking of the land. The psalmist asks God to restore and heal the land, just as we can ask Him to heal our own brokenness and fears, as promised in Jeremiah 30:17, where God says He will restore and heal His people. The verse reminds us that, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, we can trust in God's power to bring healing and peace, as expressed in Isaiah 41:10, where God says He will strengthen and help us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'shaken the land and torn it open' in Psalms 60:2?

This phrase is a metaphor for the tumultuous and chaotic events that God allows to happen in the world, as seen in Psalms 46:2-3, where the psalmist writes about the earth giving way and mountains falling into the heart of the sea. It signifies a time of great upheaval and distress.

Why does the psalmist ask God to 'heal its fractures'?

The psalmist asks God to heal the fractures of the land because, just as a physical wound needs healing, the spiritual and emotional wounds of God's people need divine restoration, as promised in Isaiah 61:1, where the prophet speaks of binding up the brokenhearted and proclaiming freedom to the captives.

Is the 'quaking' of the land a reference to a natural disaster or a spiritual condition?

While the 'quaking' of the land may be a reference to a natural disaster, it can also be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual turmoil and fear that can grip God's people in times of uncertainty, as seen in Psalms 55:22, where the psalmist writes about casting his cares on the Lord because He sustains him.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's judgment and mercy?

This verse highlights the tension between God's judgment and mercy, as seen in the contrast between God's shaking of the land and His healing of its fractures, reflecting the balance between God's justice and mercy, as expressed in Psalms 103:8-10, where the psalmist writes about God's compassion and mercy towards those who fear Him.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are the 'fractures' in my own life that I need to ask God to heal, and how can I trust in His power to restore me?
  2. How can I, like the psalmist, acknowledge God's sovereignty over the turmoil and chaos in my life, and ask Him to bring healing and peace?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of trusting in God's power to 'heal the fractures' of my life, even when I don't understand the circumstances surrounding me?
  4. What does it mean for me to 'quake' before God, and how can I surrender my fears and doubts to Him, just as the psalmist does in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Psalms 60:2

Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it,.... As is frequently done by an earthquake; which, whatever natural causes there may be of it, is always to be ascribed to God.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 60:2

Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh. Thou hast made the earth to tremble - an image for political convulsion and rending of the nation. Heal the breaches thereof.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 60:2

Made the earth to tremble; a poetical and hyperbolical expression, signifying great and dreadful changes among the people, as , compared with ,27. See also . Heal the breaches thereof; reconcile all those differences which our civil wars have made among us.

Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 60:2

Psalms 60:2 Thou hast made the earth to tremble; thou hast broken it: heal the breaches thereof; for it shaketh.Ver. 2. Thou hast made the earth to tremble] By sundry fearful and dismal fractions and concussions in our state. Thou hast broken it] In allusion to earthquakes. Heal the breaches thereof] Remedy the disorders, and cure the diseases, like a good physician. The Greeks call a king αναξαβακος, Medela from his healing office; God is Jehovah, the physician, the Sun of righteousness hath healing under his wings. For it shaketh] Nutat ac mox ruitura videtur it will surely down if not timely shored up.

Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 60:2

(2) Earth.—Rather, land; since, though the image is drawn from an earthquake, in which the solid ground trembles and buildings totter and fall (comp. Isaiah 30:13), the convulsion described is political, not physical.

Cambridge Bible on Psalms 60:2

2. Thou hast made &c.] R.V. Thou hast made the land to tremble; thou hast rent it. The disaster is compared to an earthquake, which is often used as a symbol of great catastrophes and especially of divine judgement (Psalms 18:7; Psalms 46:3; Psalms 46:6; Isaiah 24:18 ff). ‘The breaches’ may be the rents and rifts in the solid ground, or by a very natural transition, the state is further compared to the buildings shattered by the earthquake and threatening to fall (Psalms 42:3; Isaiah 30:13; and for heal = repair, see Jeremiah 19:11).

Barnes' Notes on Psalms 60:2

Thou hast made the earth to tremble - This refers, doubtless, to some calamity that might be compared with an earthquake - some disaster, discomfiture, or defeat that had shaken their hopes, as a city is shaken by an earthquake.

Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 60:2

2. Earth to tremble… broken… breaches… shaketh—Fearful words, descriptive of an earthquake, to which the army and nation, tottering, reeling, breaking, under the shock of disastrous war, are now compared.

Sermons on Psalms 60:2

SermonDescription
George Fox Epistle 109 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the importance of patience and unity among believers, urging them to refrain from judging and speaking ill of one another, as such actions sow discord and all
David Wilkerson Hell-Shaking Prayer by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer, focusing on the story of Daniel who prayed fervently despite facing opposition and the threat of the lion's den. It highlights the
Leonard Ravenhill A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo
David Wilkerson "Where Are the Praying People?" by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the speaker's strong desire to remain separate from the sinful influences of the world, committing to prayer, Bible reading, and standing against immorality.
Oswald J. Smith Can We Have a Revival? by Oswald J. Smith In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his son who became a pastor after accepting Jesus as his Savior at the age of five. He emphasizes the importance of reachi
David Wilkerson A Powerful Warning - Lest We Forget the Message by David Wilkerson This sermon emphasizes the urgency of taking the Word of God seriously and being prepared for His soon coming. It calls for a return to intimacy with Christ, dependence on God, and
Leonard Ravenhill "America Rejecting the Light" by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon delves into the concept of God's potential withdrawal of protection from a nation that has been abundantly blessed but has turned away from Him. It explores the idea th

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