Psalms 46:2
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 10
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֣ן
H3651
כֵּ֣ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 10
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נִ֭ירָא
Therefore will not we fear
H3372
נִ֭ירָא
Therefore will not we fear
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
4 of 10
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
בְּהָמִ֣יר
be removed
H4171
בְּהָמִ֣יר
be removed
Strong's:
H4171
Word #:
5 of 10
to alter; by implication, to barter, to dispose of
הָ֝רִ֗ים
and though the mountains
H2022
הָ֝רִ֗ים
and though the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
8 of 10
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 23:4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Psalms 27:3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.Matthew 21:21Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.Luke 21:33Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.Psalms 82:5They know not, neither will they understand; they walk on in darkness: all the foundations of the earth are out of course.Psalms 18:7Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth.
Historical Context
Earthquakes were known in ancient Palestine, making this imagery concrete rather than merely poetic. Mountains 'carried into the sea' represents the most extreme imaginable catastrophe--creation itself coming undone.
Questions for Reflection
- What circumstances in your life feel like 'mountains carried into the sea'?
- How does God as refuge transform our response to the most extreme fears?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The bold declaration: 'Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.' The most stable elements of creation--earth and mountains--are imagined shaking and dissolving. Yet because God is our refuge, even cosmic upheaval cannot produce fear.