Psalms 46:2

KJV

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore will not we fear {H3372}{H8799)}, though the earth {H776} be removed {H4171}{H8687)}, and though the mountains {H2022} be carried {H4131}{H8800)} into the midst {H3820} of the sea {H3220};

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore we are unafraid, even if the earth gives way, even if the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,

American Standard Version

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 46:2 stands as a profound declaration of unwavering trust in God's steadfastness amidst the most cataclysmic and terrifying circumstances imaginable. It asserts that the faithful will not succumb to paralyzing fear, even if the very foundations of the earth are violently shaken and the most stable elements of creation—the mountains—are plunged into chaotic depths. This verse encapsulates a radical confidence in God's sovereignty and ever-present help, providing an unshakeable anchor for the soul when all earthly stability seems to vanish.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 46:2 builds directly upon the foundational declaration of [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"), which states, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." This opening verse establishes the divine character and availability that undergirds the bold assertion of fearlessness in verse 2. The entire psalm is a "Song of Zion," a hymn of confidence and praise for God's protective presence in Jerusalem, often associated with divine deliverance. The imagery in verses 2-3, portraying cosmic upheaval ("though the earth be removed," "mountains be carried into the midst of the sea," "waters roar and be troubled," "mountains shake with the swelling thereof"), serves as a dramatic backdrop to highlight God's unshakeable nature and His dwelling in Zion (verses [Psalms 46:4-5](/psalms/46-4-5 "Psalms 46:4-5 - God's Presence in Zion")), ultimately culminating in the triumphant declaration of God's presence and power (verses [Psalms 46:7](/psalms/46-7 "Psalms 46:7 - The Lord of Hosts is With Us") and [Psalms 46:11](/psalms/46-11 "Psalms 46:11 - The Lord of Hosts is With Us")). The escalating imagery of natural chaos serves to magnify the absolute stability found in God alone.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the psalm's exact historical occasion is debated, many scholars link it to significant moments of divine intervention, particularly Judah's miraculous deliverance from the Assyrian invasion under King Hezekiah (circa 701 BC). The historical account in [2 Kings 19:35-36](/2_kings/19-35-36 "2 Kings 19:35-36 - The Angel of the Lord Defeats the Assyrians") and [Isaiah 37:36-37](/isaiah/37-36-37 "Isaiah 37:36-37 - Assyrian Army Destroyed") describes how God supernaturally destroyed the Assyrian army besieging Jerusalem, leading to Sennacherib's retreat. This event would have profoundly reinforced the belief in God as Jerusalem's impenetrable refuge. Culturally, mountains were symbols of permanence, strength, and stability, often associated with divine dwelling and covenant (e.g., [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God Appears on Mount Sinai")). Conversely, the sea often represented chaos, destructive forces, and the realm of primordial disorder in ancient Near Eastern myths and biblical cosmology (e.g., [Job 38:8-11](/job/38-8-11 "Job 38:8-11 - God's Power Over the Sea")). The imagery of mountains being "carried into the midst of the sea" would therefore evoke the most extreme form of cosmic disorder and existential threat, making the declaration of fearlessness all the more potent and counter-cultural.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several major theological themes within [Psalms 46](/psalms/46 "Psalms 46 - God Our Refuge") and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Unwavering Faith and Courage**, demonstrating that true courage is not the absence of danger but a profound trust in God's presence and power even when facing the most dire circumstances. This is a faith that transcends human strength and relies solely on divine assurance, echoing the call to "be strong and courageous" found throughout scripture (e.g., [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Presence and Courage")). Secondly, it highlights **God's Immutability and Sovereignty**. Despite the potential for the physical world—symbolized by the stable "earth" and "mountains"—to undergo violent and chaotic change, God remains constant and in ultimate control. His unchanging nature provides the ultimate stability when everything else is shaking, a theme also powerfully articulated in [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change"). Thirdly, it reinforces the concept of **Divine Refuge and Protection**, building on [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength") by asserting that God Himself is the ultimate shelter and source of security, even when the very foundations of existence seem to crumble. This trust in God transcends visible circumstances, allowing believers to find peace amidst chaos, as promised in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** This Hebrew word (H3372) denotes a range of emotions from terror and dread to reverence and awe. In this context, it refers to a paralyzing terror that would naturally arise from catastrophic events. The psalmist's emphatic declaration, "Therefore will not we fear," is not a denial of the natural human response to danger, but a conscious, faith-driven refusal to be overwhelmed by it. It implies an active choice to trust in God despite terrifying circumstances, rather than succumbing to despair, recognizing that true reverence for God displaces fear of anything else.
* **Removed (Hebrew, _mûwr'_):** This verb (H4171) means "to alter" or "to dispose of," and by implication, "to change" or "to remove." In the context of the earth, it signifies a profound and violent alteration or displacement from its established order and stability. It evokes images of the very ground beneath one's feet losing its footing, symbolizing a complete breakdown of order and stability, whether literal or figurative. The psalmist contemplates a scenario where the most fundamental elements of existence are violently disturbed.
* **Mountains (Hebrew, _har'_):** This word (H2022) refers to a mountain or range of hills, often used figuratively for stability, strength, or even promotion. In ancient Near Eastern thought and biblical imagery, mountains often symbolize permanence and strength. The idea of mountains being "carried into the midst of the sea" is therefore a hyperbole for the ultimate disruption of all that is perceived as solid and unshakeable. It represents the collapse of the most fundamental structures of existence, highlighting the extreme nature of the chaos from which God provides salvation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore will not we fear":** This opening clause is a resolute declaration of defiance against fear. The "therefore" links it directly to the preceding verse, [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"), where God is identified as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Because God is who He is—our ultimate security—the appropriate response to even the most terrifying circumstances is a steadfast refusal to yield to fear. This is not a naive optimism, but a deep-seated confidence rooted in divine character and an active choice to trust Him above all else.
* **"though the earth be removed":** This phrase introduces the first hypothetical, yet cataclysmic, scenario. The "earth" here represents the very ground beneath our feet, the foundation of human existence and stability. The verb "removed" (H4171, _mûwr'_) suggests a violent alteration, a shaking, or being dislodged from its place. It evokes images of earthquakes, landslides, or a complete disintegration of the world as we know it, symbolizing profound societal, political, or personal upheaval that threatens the very fabric of life.
* **"and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;":** This second hypothetical scenario intensifies the imagery of chaos. Mountains, typically seen as immutable symbols of strength, permanence, and security, are depicted as being violently dislodged and thrown into the "midst of the sea." The "sea" (H3220, _yâm'_) often represents chaos, danger, and the unknown in biblical cosmology. This hyperbole paints a picture of ultimate cosmic disorder, where the most stable elements of creation are swallowed by destructive forces. Despite such unimaginable catastrophe, the psalmist declares an unwavering, God-given courage, rooted in the certainty of God's presence.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 46:2 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Hyperbole** is central to the verse, with the vivid imagery of the "earth being removed" and "mountains being carried into the midst of the sea." These are extreme, impossible scenarios, designed to describe the absolute worst-case circumstances imaginable, emphasizing that even in such ultimate chaos, the believer will not fear. This exaggeration serves to magnify the steadfastness of God and the profound faith He inspires. **Symbolism** is also prominent, with the "earth" representing the foundation of life and stability, and "mountains" embodying strength, permanence, and security. Conversely, the "sea" symbolizes chaos, danger, and the unknown, often associated with destructive forces. The dramatic juxtaposition of these symbols highlights the radical nature of the trust placed in God. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Antithesis** between the instability and potential upheaval of the physical world and the unshakeable, immutable nature of God, which is the underlying source of the psalmist's fearlessness. The verse sets up a dramatic contrast between cosmic upheaval and divine tranquility, reinforcing God's absolute sovereignty over all creation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 46:2 stands as a powerful testament to the theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering presence in the midst of human and cosmic turmoil. It teaches that true security is not found in stable circumstances or earthly foundations, which are inherently ephemeral, but in the immutable character and active presence of God. This radical trust allows believers to transcend natural fear, anchoring their hope in the One who remains constant when all else is in flux. The verse anticipates the New Testament emphasis on a peace that surpasses understanding and a faith that overcomes the world, rooted in the unshakeable kingdom of God.

* [Deuteronomy 31:6](/deuteronomy/31-6 "Deuteronomy 31:6 - God's Presence and Courage")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Hebrews 12:26-28](/hebrews/12-26-28 "Hebrews 12:26-28 - The Unshakable Kingdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world constantly assailed by uncertainty, natural disasters, economic turmoil, and personal crises, Psalms 46:2 offers profound encouragement and a vital spiritual compass. It challenges us to examine the true source of our security and peace. When our personal "earth" feels like it's being "removed" through loss, illness, job instability, or relational breakdown, or when our "mountains" of perceived stability—finances, health, reputation—are "carried into the sea" through unexpected adversity, this verse calls us to shift our gaze from the shifting sands of our circumstances to the unshakeable rock of God's character. It reminds us that our courage is not self-generated, but flows from the conviction that God is sovereign, present, and actively working even in the midst of chaos. This allows us to cultivate a profound inner peace that is not dependent on external conditions, but on an unwavering trust in the One who holds all things together, enabling us to face life's storms with a quiet confidence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "earth" and "mountains" in your life that you rely on for stability, and how might the prospect of their "removal" or "being carried into the sea" challenge your faith?**
* **How does the declaration "Therefore will not we fear" challenge your natural inclination to fear in times of crisis, and what practical steps can you take to embody this defiance?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's presence and sovereignty when facing seemingly overwhelming circumstances, allowing His peace to guard your heart and mind?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean believers will never experience fear?**

Answer: No, the verse does not imply that believers are immune to the natural human emotion of fear. Rather, it is a declaration of resolute trust and defiance against being *overwhelmed* or *controlled* by fear. The Hebrew word for "fear" (H3372, _yârêʼ'_) can denote a paralyzing terror. The psalmist's statement, "Therefore will not we fear," is an act of faith, a conscious choice to anchor oneself in God's presence and power, even when facing circumstances that would naturally induce terror. It is about choosing faith over panic, and trust over despair, knowing that God is "a very present help in trouble" ([Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength")). It is a command to the will, not a description of an absence of feeling.

**How can I apply this verse when I'm facing a personal "earthquake" or "tsunami" in my life?**

Answer: Applying Psalms 46:2 in personal crises involves intentionally shifting your focus from the magnitude of your problems to the immensity of God. First, acknowledge the reality of the "shaking" you're experiencing, but then actively choose not to be consumed by fear. Remind yourself of God's character as your refuge and strength, as described in [Psalms 46:1](/psalms/46-1 "Psalms 46:1 - God Our Refuge and Strength"). Practically, this can involve spending time in prayer, meditating on God's promises (like [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")), seeking wise counsel, and finding community with other believers who can support you. The goal is to anchor your soul in God's unchanging nature, allowing His peace to guard your heart and mind ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")), enabling you to stand firm even when everything around you seems to crumble.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 46:2 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's unshakeable presence and the foundation upon which all true stability rests. While the psalm speaks of God as the refuge amidst cosmic upheaval, the New Testament reveals Jesus as the one through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, the Sustainer of All Things")). He is the ultimate "refuge" in whom we find strength, and the "very present help" in every trouble. Jesus demonstrated His authority over the very forces of nature described in Psalms 46:2 when He calmed the storm with a word, rebuking the wind and waves, causing His disciples to marvel, "What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!" ([Matthew 8:23-27](/matthew/8-23-27 "Matthew 8:23-27 - Jesus Calms the Storm")). He is the secure foundation, the "wise builder" who builds his house on the rock, so that when the rains come and the floods rise, it does not fall ([Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders")). Ultimately, the fearlessness declared in Psalms 46:2 is made possible for believers through Christ, who conquered sin, death, and the power of fear itself, offering His disciples a peace that the world cannot give ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus Gives Peace")). In Him, we receive an "unshakable kingdom" ([Hebrews 12:26-28](/hebrews/12-26-28 "Hebrews 12:26-28 - The Unshakable Kingdom")), ensuring that even if the earth is removed and the mountains carried into the sea, our ultimate hope and security remain eternally steadfast in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou [art] with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Luke 21:9

But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end [is] not by and by.

Luke 21:11

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.

Psalms 27:3

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this [will] I [be] confident.

Matthew 21:21

Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

Luke 21:33

Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.