Psalm 46
The full text of Psalm 46 in the Trinity Bible Version — clear modern English, translated from the original Hebrew. Free to read.
For the choirmaster. Of the Sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. A song.
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 "Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
11 The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Translation notes (2)
- Psalm 46:4a Jerusalem has no river; nahar (נָהָר), 'river', is therefore a deliberate image rather than geography. In contrast to the chaotic waters of the preceding verse, this quiet stream evokes the river of Eden (Genesis 2:10) and anticipates the life-giving river flowing from the sanctuary in Ezekiel 47, signifying God's sustaining presence in his city.
- Psalm 46:10a Harpu (הַרְפּוּ), from the verb raphah, means 'desist' or 'let go' rather than inner quietude. In context it is a command addressed to the warring nations of the preceding verse: cease your striving and acknowledge God's supremacy. The imperative carries the force of a summons to surrender arms, not an invitation to meditative calm.
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