Psalms 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
Original Language Analysis
הַרְפּ֣וּ
Be still
H7503
הַרְפּ֣וּ
Be still
Strong's:
H7503
Word #:
1 of 9
to slacken (in many applications, literal or figurative)
וּ֭דְעוּ
and know
H3045
וּ֭דְעוּ
and know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 9
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
that I am God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֑ים
that I am God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אָר֥וּם
I will be exalted
H7311
אָר֥וּם
I will be exalted
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
6 of 9
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
בַּ֝גּוֹיִ֗ם
among the heathen
H1471
בַּ֝גּוֹיִ֗ם
among the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
7 of 9
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
Cross References
Psalms 100:3Know 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 2:20But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.Ezekiel 38:23Thus 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 2:13Be silent, O all flesh, before the LORD: for he is raised up out of his holy habitation.Psalms 83:18That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.Isaiah 2:17And 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 57:5Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.1 Chronicles 29:11Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.Isaiah 5:16But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.Psalms 21:13Be thou exalted, LORD, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power.
Historical Context
Psalm 46, a 'song of Zion,' likely celebrates God's deliverance of Jerusalem, possibly from Sennacherib's siege (2 Kings 19). The psalm's confidence in God as refuge 'though the earth be removed' (v. 2) reflects Israel's theology of God's presence in Zion. Luther's hymn 'A Mighty Fortress' draws from this psalm.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of life are you striving in your own strength rather than resting in God's sovereignty?
- What would it look like practically to 'be still' and know God's presence in your current circumstances?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This divine imperative 'Be still' (Hebrew 'raphah') means to let go, release, or cease striving—a call to stop self-reliant activity and recognize God's sovereignty. The command to 'know' (yada) implies intimate, experiential knowledge, not merely intellectual assent. God's double declaration 'I will be exalted' among nations and in all the earth asserts His universal reign and ultimate victory. This verse counters anxious activism with contemplative trust, echoing Exodus 14:14: 'The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.' It anticipates Christ's sovereignty over creation (Colossians 1:16-17).