Psalms 46:3

Translation
King James Version
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Though the waters H4325 thereof roar H1993 H8799 and be troubled H2560 H8799, though the mountains H2022 shake H7493 H8799 with the swelling H1346 thereof. Selah H5542.
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Complete Jewish Bible
even if its waters rage and foam, and mountains shake at its turbulence.
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Berean Standard Bible
though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah
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American Standard Version
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains tremble with the swelling thereof. [Selah
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World English Bible Messianic
though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Though the waters thereof rage and be troubled, and the mountaines shake at the surges of the same. Selah,
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Young's Literal Translation
Roar--troubled are its waters, Mountains they shake in its pride. Selah.
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See also
Jeremiah 5:22Psalms 93:3Psalms 93:4Job 9:5Job 9:6Micah 1:4Psalms 114:4
In the KJVVerse 14,618 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Psalm 46:3 vividly portrays a world in extreme upheaval, where the very foundations of stability—the roaring, troubled waters and the shaking mountains—are profoundly disturbed. This powerful imagery serves to underscore the psalm's central declaration: that even amidst the most profound chaos and existential threats, God remains an unshakable refuge and an ever-present help, demonstrating His supreme sovereignty over all creation and all earthly powers. The verse sets a dramatic stage for the subsequent revelation of God's steadfast presence and His ultimate triumph over all disorder.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Psalm 46:3 functions as a dramatic elaboration on the psalmist's foundational declaration of trust in God, articulated in Psalm 46:1-2. Having established God as "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble," and proclaiming an unwavering lack of fear "though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea," verse 3 intensifies this cataclysmic imagery. It paints a more detailed and terrifying picture of the forces at play, moving from a general statement of cosmic collapse to specific, sensory descriptions of roaring waters and trembling mountains. This progression magnifies the terrifying nature of the chaos, thereby accentuating the extraordinary power and security found in God alone. The psalm then contrasts this external turmoil with the tranquil "river" that makes glad the "city of God" in Psalm 46:4, ultimately culminating in the repeated, comforting refrain: "The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge" (Psalm 46:7 and Psalm 46:11).
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Many scholars link Psalm 46 to God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian siege under Sennacherib, as recorded in 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37. The imagery of "roaring waters" and "shaking mountains" would have deeply resonated with an ancient Near Eastern audience. In this cultural context, the sea often symbolized untamed, chaotic forces, representing the tumultuous nations, primordial chaos, or the abyss, as seen in various creation myths. Mountains, conversely, typically represented stability, permanence, and divine dwelling places, particularly Mount Zion as God's chosen abode. The idea that even these fundamental elements—the chaotic sea and the stable mountains—could be disturbed by "swelling" or "shaking" underscored an upheaval of cosmic proportions. This signified the most extreme threats imaginable, whether from natural disasters or, more commonly in prophetic literature, from overwhelming enemy armies and the unrest of nations.
  • Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several major theological themes within Psalm 46 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights Divine Sovereignty Amidst Turmoil, asserting God's ultimate control even when the world seems to unravel. The extreme descriptions of chaos serve to magnify the Lord's power, demonstrating that no force, natural or geopolitical, is beyond His dominion. This concept is foundational to biblical faith, echoing the Lord's power over chaos in Job 38:8-11. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Unshakable Security in God, contrasting the severity of external threats with the steadfastness found only in the Almighty. The psalm implies that true security is not derived from stable earthly conditions but from an active trust in God's presence and power, a theme beautifully articulated in Isaiah 26:3. Finally, the verse powerfully conveys God's Overpowering Might, portraying forces of immense destructive potential that are nonetheless subject to God's will. This imagery serves to comfort believers by reminding them that the Lord is capable of subduing any opposition and bringing order out of chaos, just as He did in the creation account in Genesis 1.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Roar (Hebrew, hâmâh', H1993): A primitive root; to make a loud sound (like English 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor; clamorous, concourse, cry aloud, be disquieted, loud, mourn, be moved, make a noise, rage, roar, sound, be troubled, make in tumult, tumultuous, be in an uproar. This verb vividly describes a tumultuous, boisterous, and often menacing sound. In Psalm 46:3, it conveys the overwhelming and threatening sound of chaotic waters, implying not just noise but a violent, uncontrolled force.
  • Troubled (Hebrew, châmar', H2560): A primitive root; also as denominative (from חֵמָר); properly, to boil up; hence, to ferment (with scum); to glow (with redness); to smear with pitch; daub, befoul, be red, trouble. This word signifies agitation, ferment, or disturbance. When applied to water, it suggests a violent churning or frothing, indicating that the waters are not merely loud but are in a state of violent, internal turmoil, bubbling with unrest and potentially destructive energy. This complements "roar" by adding a visual and kinetic dimension to the chaos.
  • Shake (Hebrew, râʻash', H7493): A primitive root; to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust); make afraid, (re-) move, quake, (make to) shake, (make to) tremble. This verb means to tremble, quake, or totter. It is often used for earthquakes or the shaking of mountains, indicating a profound instability or violent movement. Here, it emphasizes that even the most seemingly stable elements of creation—the mountains—are not immune to the overwhelming forces described, highlighting the extreme nature of the upheaval.
  • Swelling (Hebrew, gaʼăvâh', H1346): Xlit gaʻăvâh corrected to gaʻăvâh; from גָּאָה; arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament; excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling. While often denoting pride or arrogance, in this context, "swelling" refers to the tumultuous, rising, and overflowing power of the waters. It describes the arrogant, overwhelming surge of the chaotic forces, so immense that they cause even the mighty mountains to tremble.

Verse Breakdown

  • "[Though] the waters thereof roar [and] be troubled": This clause introduces the first element of extreme chaos, personifying the "waters" (likely referring to the tumultuous nations or forces of opposition, or literal natural disasters) as making a loud, threatening sound and being in a state of violent agitation. The "thereof" refers back to the "earth" mentioned in Psalm 46:2, implying the chaos originates from or affects the very fabric of the world. The combination of "roar" and "be troubled" paints a vivid picture of overwhelming, uncontrollable aquatic fury.
  • "[though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof": This second clause continues the imagery of cosmic upheaval, shifting from chaotic waters to the disturbance of seemingly immovable mountains. The "swelling thereof" refers to the tumultuous power of the waters, indicating that the force of the roaring, troubled waters is so immense that it causes even the mountains, symbols of stability and permanence, to tremble and lose their steadfastness. This illustrates a complete breakdown of what is considered secure and unshakeable in the natural order.
  • "Selah": This interjection, found frequently in the Psalms, serves as a musical or liturgical instruction, often indicating a pause for reflection. In this context, "Selah" invites the reader or worshiper to pause and deeply ponder the profound implications of the preceding statement: the terrifying reality of extreme chaos and the complete destabilization of the world. It encourages meditation on the nature of God's power and presence in such circumstances, preparing the heart to receive the subsequent declaration of God's unwavering refuge.

Literary Devices

Psalm 46:3 is rich in literary devices that amplify its message of profound chaos and God's ultimate sovereignty. Personification is powerfully employed as the "waters thereof roar," giving human-like vocal qualities to an inanimate force, making the threat more immediate, menacing, and active. The verse also utilizes Hyperbole, using exaggerated imagery of cosmic upheaval—waters so powerful they make mountains shake—to emphasize the extreme nature of the turmoil and, by striking contrast, the extraordinary, unshakeable power of God. Symbolism is central, with "waters" representing chaotic forces, tumultuous nations, or existential threats, and "mountains" symbolizing stability, permanence, or established order, often even the divine dwelling. The disturbance of both underscores a complete breakdown of what is known and secure. Furthermore, the verse employs Parallelism with the repeated "though" clause structure, creating a rhythmic emphasis on the two distinct yet interconnected aspects of chaos, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the upheaval. Finally, the inclusion of Selah acts as a rhetorical device, signaling a moment for contemplative pause, allowing the listener or reader to internalize the gravity of the described scene before the psalm shifts to God's triumphant response.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Psalm 46:3 stands as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over creation and all earthly powers, even when the world appears to be unraveling. It highlights the biblical truth that while chaos and destruction may rage, they do so only within the boundaries of God's permissive will, and ultimately, He remains enthroned above all. This verse sets the stage for the psalm's triumphant declaration of God's presence as an unshakeable refuge, emphasizing that true security is not found in the stability of circumstances but in the unchanging character and limitless power of the Almighty. It foreshadows the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, where all earthly tumult will cease, and His peace will reign supreme, demonstrating that no force, natural or geopolitical, can ultimately thwart His divine purposes.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

In a world often defined by uncertainty, conflict, and seemingly overwhelming challenges, Psalm 46:3 offers profound comfort and a vital reorientation of perspective for the believer. When personal crises feel like "roaring waters" threatening to engulf us, or societal instability causes our "mountains" of security to shake, this verse reminds us that our God is greater than any storm. It challenges us to shift our gaze from the magnitude of the problem to the majesty of our God, who remains sovereign over all chaos. This perspective cultivates a deep sense of peace and unwavering trust, knowing that even when the foundations of the earth seem to give way, our ultimate refuge is in the Lord of hosts. It encourages us to rest in His unshakeable presence, confident that He is actively at work, bringing His purposes to fruition even in the midst of turmoil. This passage calls us not to deny the reality of chaos, but to acknowledge it, and then, with even greater conviction, to affirm God's unyielding control and comforting presence within it.

Questions for Reflection

  • What "roaring waters" or "shaking mountains" are you currently facing in your life or observing in the world around you, and how do they challenge your sense of security?
  • How does the imagery of extreme chaos in this verse deepen your appreciation for God's steadfastness and power, particularly in contrast to human fragility?
  • What practical steps can you take to intentionally fix your gaze on God as your refuge when circumstances feel overwhelming and the world seems to be crumbling?

FAQ

What is the significance of "Selah" at the end of Psalm 46:3?

Answer: "Selah" is a Hebrew term found frequently in the Psalms and Habakkuk, believed to be a musical or liturgical instruction, possibly indicating a pause, an instrumental interlude, or a change in musical emphasis. While its precise meaning is debated, in the context of Psalm 46:3, it functions as a critical pause for reflection. It invites the reader or worshiper to stop, meditate deeply, and internalize the profound truth just presented—the terrifying reality of cosmic chaos and the complete destabilization of the world. This pause allows the weight of the imagery to settle, making the subsequent declarations of God's steadfastness and presence even more impactful by contrast. It's an invitation to consider the implications of a world in utter turmoil and to prepare for the revelation of God's unwavering control over it, encouraging a moment of solemn contemplation before moving to the psalm's comforting resolution.

How do "waters" and "mountains" function as symbols in this verse?

Answer: In Psalm 46:3, "waters" and "mountains" are powerful symbols representing contrasting aspects of existence, both of which are shown to be disturbed. "Waters," particularly roaring and troubled ones, commonly symbolize chaotic forces, overwhelming threats, or the tumultuous nations and their unrest in biblical literature (e.g., Psalm 93:3-4, Isaiah 17:12-13). They evoke a sense of danger, instability, and uncontrollable power. "Mountains," on the other hand, typically symbolize stability, permanence, strength, and often the dwelling place of God (e.g., Psalm 121:1, Psalm 125:1). The fact that even these "mountains shake with the swelling thereof" signifies an upheaval of the most extreme kind—a complete breakdown of all that is considered stable and secure. Together, they paint a picture of universal disorder and profound existential threat, against which God's unwavering presence is then powerfully contrasted.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Psalm 46:3, with its vivid portrayal of cosmic chaos, finds its ultimate fulfillment and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The roaring waters and shaking mountains, symbolizing the tumultuous forces of sin, death, and evil that threaten to overwhelm humanity, are ultimately subdued by the sovereign authority of the Son of God. Just as the psalmist declares God's control over natural and national chaos, the New Testament reveals Jesus' divine power over creation when He calmed the raging storm with a mere word, commanding the wind and waves, "Peace, be still!" in Mark 4:39. This act demonstrates that the very power that holds the universe together resides in Him, as Colossians 1:17 proclaims, "He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Furthermore, the ultimate chaos of humanity's rebellion against God is overcome by Christ's sacrifice as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, bringing peace where there was enmity (Ephesians 2:14). He is the ultimate refuge and strength in whom believers find unshakable security, even when the world around them seems to crumble. His resurrection signifies His triumph over the final "roaring waters" of death, guaranteeing a future where, in the new heavens and new earth, there will be no more sea, symbolizing the eternal eradication of chaos and the reign of perfect peace under His benevolent rule.

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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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Augustine of HippoAD 430
Exposition on Psalm 46
"The waters thereof roared, and were troubled" [Psalm 46:3]: when the Gospel was preached, "What is this? He seems to be a setter forth of strange gods:" [Acts 17:18] this the Athenians; but the Ephesians, with what tumult would they have slain the Apostles, when in the theatre, for their goddess Diana, they made such an uproar, as to be shouting, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians!" [Acts 19:34] Amidst which waves and roaring of the sea, feared not they who to that refuge had fled. Nay, the Apostle Paul would enter in to the theatre, and was kept back by the disciples, because it was necessary that he should still abide in the flesh for their sakes. But yet, "the waters thereof roared, and were troubled: the mountains shook at the mightiness thereof." Whose might? The sea's? Or rather God's, of whom was said, "refuge and strength, a helper in tribulations, which have found us out too much?" For shaken were the mountains, that is, the powers of this world. For one thing are the mountains of God, another the mountains of the world: the mountains of the world, they whose head is the devil, the mountains of God, they whose Head is Christ. But by these mountains were shaken those mountains. Then gave they their voices against Christians, when the mountains were shaken, the waters roaring; for the mountains were shaken, and there was made a great earthquake, with quaking of the sea. But against whom this? Against the City founded upon a rock. The waters roar, the mountains shake, the Gospel being preached. What then, the City of God? Hear what follows.
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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