Psalms 46:2

Translation
King James Version
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
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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;
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Complete Jewish Bible
Therefore we are unafraid, even if the earth gives way, even if the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea,
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Berean Standard Bible
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is transformed and the mountains are toppled into the depths of the seas,
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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;
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World English Bible Messianic
Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas;
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Therefore will not we feare, though the earth be moued, and though the mountaines fall into the middes of the sea.
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Young's Literal Translation
Therefore we fear not in the changing of earth, And in the slipping of mountains Into the heart of the seas.
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See also
Psalms 23:4Hebrews 13:6Luke 21:9Luke 21:11Psalms 27:3Matthew 21:21Luke 21:33
In the KJVVerse 14,617 of 31,102

Study This Verse

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, 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), ultimately culminating in the triumphant declaration of God's presence and power (verses Psalms 46:7 and Psalms 46:11). 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 and Isaiah 37:36-37 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). 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). 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 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). 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. Thirdly, it reinforces the concept of Divine Refuge and Protection, building on Psalms 46:1 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).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Fear (Hebrew, yârêʼ', H3372): 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', H4171): 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', H2022): 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, 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.

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). 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. Practically, this can involve spending time in prayer, meditating on God's promises (like Isaiah 41:10), 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), 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). 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). 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). 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). In Him, we receive an "unshakable kingdom" (Hebrews 12:26-28), 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.

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Commentary on Psalms 46 verses 1–5

The psalmist here teaches us by his own example.

I. To triumph in God, and his relation to us and presence with us, especially when we have had some fresh experiences of his appearing in our behalf (Psa 46:1): God is our refuge and strength; we have found him so, he has engaged to be so, and he ever will be so. Are we pursued? God is our refuge to whom we may flee, and in whom we may be safe and think ourselves so; secure upon good grounds, Pro 18:10. Are we oppressed by troubles? Have we work to do and enemies to grapple with? God is our strength, to bear us up under our burdens, to fit us for all our services and sufferings; he will by his grace put strength into us, and on him we may stay ourselves. Are we in distress? He is a help, to do all that for us which we need, a present help, a help found (so the word is), one whom we have found to be so, a help on which we may write Probatum est - It is tried, as Christ is called a tried stone, Isa 28:16. Or, a help at hand, one that never is to seek for, but that is always near. Or, a help sufficient, a help accommodated to every case and exigence; whatever it is, he is a very present help; we cannot desire a better help, nor shall ever find the like in any creature.

II. To triumph over the greatest dangers: God is our strength and our help, a God all-sufficient to us; therefore will not we fear. Those that with a holy reverence fear God need not with any amazement to be afraid of the power of hell or earth. If God be for us, who can be against us; to do us any harm? It is our duty, it is our privilege, to be thus fearless; it is an evidence of a clear conscience, of an honest heart, and of a lively faith in God and his providence and promise: "We will not fear, though the earth be removed, though all our creature-confidences fail us and sink us; nay, though that which should support us threaten to swallow us up, as the earth did Korah," for whose sons this psalm was penned, and, some think, by them; yet while we keep close to God, and have him for us, we will not fear, for we have no cause to fear;

- Si fractus illabatur orbis,

Impavidum ferient ruinae

- Hor.

- Let Jove's dread arm

With thunder rend the spheres,

Beneath the crush of worlds undaunted he appears.

Observe here, 1. How threatening the danger is. We will suppose the earth to be removed, and thrown into the sea, even the mountains, the strongest and firmest parts of the earth, to lie buried in the unfathomed ocean; we will suppose the sea to roar and rage, and make a dreadful noise, and its foaming billows to insult the shore with so much violence as even to shake the mountains, Psa 46:3. Though kingdoms and states be in confusion, embroiled in wars, tossed with tumults, and their governments in continual revolution - though their powers combine against the church and people of God, aim at no less than their ruin, and go very near to gain their point - yet will not we fear, knowing that all these troubles will end well for the church. See Psa 93:4. If the earth be removed, those have reason to fear who have laid up their treasures on earth, and set their hearts upon it; but not those who have laid up for themselves treasures in heaven, and who expect to be most happy when the earth and all the works that are therein shall be burnt up. Let those be troubled at the troubling of the waters who build their confidence on such a floating foundation, but not those who are led to the rock that is higher than they, and find firm footing upon that rock. 2. How well-grounded the defiance of this danger is, considering how well guarded the church is, and that interest which we are concerned for. It is not any private particular concern of our own that we are in pain about; no, it is the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High; it is the ark of God for which our hearts tremble. But, when we consider what God has provided for the comfort and safety of his church, we shall see reason to have our hearts fixed, and set above the fear of evil tidings. Here is, (1.) Joy to the church, even in the most melancholy and sorrowful times (Psa 46:4): There is a river the streams whereof shall make it glad, even then when the waters of the sea roar and threaten it. It alludes to the waters of Siloam, which went softly by Jerusalem (Isa 8:6, Isa 8:7): though of no great depth or breadth, yet the waters of it were made serviceable to the defence of Jerusalem in Hezekiah's time, Isa 22:10, Isa 22:11. But this must be understood spiritually; the covenant of grace is the river, the promises of which are the streams; or the Spirit of grace is the river (Joh 7:38, Joh 7:39), the comforts of which are the streams, that make glad the city of our God. God's word and ordinances are rivers and streams with which God makes his saints glad in cloudy and dark days. God himself is to his church a place of broad rivers and streams, Isa 33:21. The streams that make glad the city of God are not rapid, but gentle, like those of Siloam. Note, The spiritual comforts which are conveyed to the saints by soft and silent whispers, and which come not with observation, are sufficient to counterbalance the most loud and noisy threatenings of an angry and malicious world. (2.) Establishment to the church. Though heaven and earth are shaken, yet God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved, Psa 46:5. God has assured his church of his special presence with her and concern for her; his honour is embarked in her, he has set up his tabernacle in her and has undertaken the protection of it, and therefore she shall not be moved, that is, [1.] Not destroyed, not removed, as the earth may be Psa 46:2. The church shall survive the world, and be in bliss when that is in ruins. It is built upon a rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. [2.] Not disturbed, not much moved, with fears of the issue. If God be for us, if God be with us, we need not be moved at the most violent attempts made against us. (3.) Deliverance to the church, though her dangers be very great: God shall help her; and who then can hurt her? He shall help her under her troubles, that she shall not sink; nay, that the more she is afflicted the more she shall multiply. God shall help her out of her troubles, and that right early - when the morning appears; that is, very speedily, for he is a present help (Psa 46:1), and very seasonably, when things are brought to the last extremity and when the relief will be most welcome. This may be applied by particular believers to themselves; if God be in our hearts, in the midst of us, by his word dwelling richly in us, we shall be established, we shall be helped; let us therefore trust and not be afraid; all is well, and will end well.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–5. Public domain.
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John ChrysostomAD 407
COMMENTARY ON PSALMS 46:1
Everything he shakes, he rocks, he moves when he wishes, so easy and trouble-free is everything for him.… So great is his power, you see, that he simply nods and all this happens. So how can we be afraid when we have such a Lord?
Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 46
Now then, such security received, what say they? "Therefore will not we fear, when the earth shall be confounded" [Psalm 46:2]. Just before anxious, suddenly secure; out of too great tribulations set in great tranquillity. For in them Christ was sleeping, therefore were they tossed: Christ awoke (as but now we heard out of the Gospel), He commanded the winds, and they were still. [Matthew 8:24-26] Since Christ is in each man's heart by faith, it is signified to us, that his heart as a ship in this world's tempest is tossed, who forgets his faith: as though Christ sleeping it is tossed, but Christ awaking comes tranquillity. Nay, the Lord Himself, what said He? "Where is your faith?" [Luke 8:25] Christ aroused, aroused up faith, that what had been done in the ship, might be done in their hearts. "A helper in tribulations, which found us out too much." He caused that therein should be great tranquillity.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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