Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Psalms 46:3

Next

[Though] the waters thereof roar [and] be troubled, [though] the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

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}.

even if its waters rage and foam, and mountains shake at its turbulence.

though their waters roar and foam and the mountains quake in the surge. Selah

Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains tremble with the swelling thereof. [Selah

Commentary

Psalm 46:3 (KJV) continues the powerful declaration of God's unwavering presence and power amidst chaos, building on the foundation laid in Psalm 46:1 that God is our refuge and strength.

Context

This verse is part of a psalm often associated with God's mighty deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army, as recorded in accounts like 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37. The imagery of "roaring waters" and "shaking mountains" powerfully symbolizes the tumultuous forces of the world, whether literal natural disasters or, more commonly in prophetic literature, the overwhelming threats and chaotic nations that rise against God's people. In the ancient Near East, the sea often represented untamed power and chaos, while mountains typically signified stability. The verse suggests that even these fundamental elements are disturbed by immense upheaval.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty Amidst Turmoil: Despite the most extreme disruptions – the "waters thereof roar and be troubled," and the "mountains shake" – the psalm implicitly points to the fact that God remains in control. This is a profound statement about divine power over all creation and all earthly powers.
  • Unshakable Security in God: The verse highlights the severity of the surrounding chaos to emphasize the contrast with the steadfastness found in God. It underscores the theme that true security is not found in stable earthly conditions, but in the presence of the Almighty.
  • God's Overpowering Might: The forces described are immense, yet the psalm anticipates God's ultimate victory over them. This imagery serves to magnify the Lord's power, showing that nothing is too great for Him to handle or subdue.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "roar" (hamah) vividly describes a tumultuous, boisterous sound, often associated with a raging sea or an angry mob. "Troubled" (khamar) implies agitation or ferment, suggesting the waters are not merely loud but violently disturbed. The inclusion of "Selah" (סֶלָה) at the end of the verse is a common feature in the Psalms, serving as a musical or meditative pause. It invites the reader or listener to reflect deeply on the profound truth just presented: that even amidst such overwhelming chaos, there is a powerful, underlying truth about God's nature and presence.

Practical Application

Psalm 46:3 offers immense comfort and reassurance for believers facing personal crises, global uncertainties, or societal unrest. When life's "waters" seem to roar with anxiety, fear, or conflict, and our "mountains" of stability appear to shake, this verse reminds us that God is still sovereign. It encourages us to fix our gaze not on the overwhelming circumstances, but on the God who is "the Lord of hosts" and "the God of Jacob" – our refuge and strength. This perspective fosters a spirit of calm and trust, knowing that ultimately, all things are under His control, and He will bring peace, as promised for the new heaven and new earth where there will be no more sea.

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

  • Jeremiah 5:22 (9 votes)

    Fear ye not me? saith the LORD: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand [for] the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it?

  • Psalms 93:3 (9 votes)

    The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves.

  • Psalms 93:4 (9 votes)

    The LORD on high [is] mightier than the noise of many waters, [yea, than] the mighty waves of the sea.

  • Job 9:5 (6 votes)

    Which removeth the mountains, and they know not: which overturneth them in his anger.

  • Job 9:6 (6 votes)

    Which shaketh the earth out of her place, and the pillars thereof tremble.

  • Micah 1:4 (5 votes)

    And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, [and] as the waters [that are] poured down a steep place.

  • Psalms 114:4 (5 votes)

    The mountains skipped like rams, [and] the little hills like lambs.