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Psalms 46:10

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Be still, and know that I [am] God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

Be still {H7503}{H8685)}, and know {H3045}{H8798)} that I am God {H430}: I will be exalted {H7311}{H8799)} among the heathen {H1471}, I will be exalted {H7311}{H8799)} in the earth {H776}.

"Desist, and learn that I am God, supreme over the nations, supreme over the earth."

“Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.”

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Commentary

Psalm 46:10 is a powerful command from God amidst chaos and turmoil. It calls humanity, and particularly the believer, to cease striving and recognize God's supreme authority and presence.

Context

Psalm 46 is a "Song of the Sons of Korah," often interpreted as a psalm of confidence in God's protection, even when the world around seems to be falling apart. It speaks of mountains shaking, waters roaring, and nations raging. Psalm 46 opens by declaring God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Verse 10 comes as God's direct address within this context of global unrest, offering a divine perspective and directive.

Key Themes

  • Stillness and Surrender: The command "Be still" is central. It's not just about physical quiet but about ceasing human effort, worry, and striving in the face of overwhelming circumstances. It's a call to surrender control to God.
  • Knowing God: The command "know that I am God" follows stillness. This knowing is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, experiential recognition of God's nature, power, and sovereignty. It implies trust and reliance based on who God is.
  • God's Sovereignty and Exaltation: The verse declares God's ultimate plan to be exalted universally – "among the heathen" (nations) and "in the earth." Despite present chaos, God's supreme rule and future glory are assured.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "Be still" is rapha (רָפָה). It carries meanings like to slacken, let go, cease striving, or sink down. It's the opposite of agitation or panicked activity. The word for "know" is yada (יָדַע), which often implies an intimate, personal, and experiential knowledge, not just head knowledge. The call is to stop struggling and personally experience God's reality and power.

Practical Application

In a world filled with anxiety, busyness, and crises, Psalm 46:10 offers profound guidance. It reminds us that our first response to trouble should not be frantic action or worry, but a deliberate choice to pause, quiet our hearts, and remember who God is. The call to 'know that I am God' is an invitation to a deeper, experiential trust, much like trusting in the Lord with all your heart. When we cease striving and acknowledge His sovereignty, we find peace and perspective, recognizing that He is ultimately in control and will be glorified throughout the earth.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Psalms 100:3 (179 votes)

    Know ye that the LORD he [is] God: [it is] he [that] hath made us, and not we ourselves; [we are] his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

  • Habakkuk 2:20 (122 votes)

    But the LORD [is] in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

  • Ezekiel 38:23 (107 votes)

    Thus will I magnify myself, and sanctify myself; and I will be known in the eyes of many nations, and they shall know that I [am] the LORD.

  • Zechariah 2:13 (99 votes)

    Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.

  • Psalms 83:18 (98 votes)

    That [men] may know that thou, whose name alone [is] JEHOVAH, [art] the most high over all the earth.

  • Isaiah 2:17 (79 votes)

    And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

  • Psalms 57:5 (78 votes)

    Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.