Psalms 46:3
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
יֶהֱמ֣וּ
thereof roar
H1993
יֶהֱמ֣וּ
thereof roar
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
1 of 7
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
יֶחְמְר֣וּ
and be troubled
H2560
יֶחְמְר֣וּ
and be troubled
Strong's:
H2560
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to boil up; hence, to glow (with redness)
מֵימָ֑יו
Though the waters
H4325
מֵימָ֑יו
Though the waters
Strong's:
H4325
Word #:
3 of 7
water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen
יִ֥רְעֲשֽׁוּ
shake
H7493
יִ֥רְעֲשֽׁוּ
shake
Strong's:
H7493
Word #:
4 of 7
to undulate (as the earth, the sky, etc.; also a field of grain), particularly through fear; specifically, to spring (as a locust)
הָרִ֖ים
though the mountains
H2022
הָרִ֖ים
though the mountains
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
5 of 7
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Cross References
Jeremiah 5:22Fear 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?Nahum 1:5The mountains quake at him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at his presence, yea, the world, and all that dwell therein.Micah 1:4And 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.Revelation 16:20And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.Isaiah 5:3And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem, and men of Judah, judge, I pray you, betwixt me and my vineyard.Psalms 18:4The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid.Job 38:11And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?Matthew 7:25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern mythology often portrayed the sea as a chaos monster threatening creation. Israel's faith transformed this: the sea was God's creation, under His control even when threatening.
Questions for Reflection
- How do the 'roaring waters' of life test our trust in God as refuge?
- What does the 'Selah' pause invite us to consider after contemplating chaos?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The chaotic waters--'roar and be troubled,' mountains 'shake with the swelling thereof'--continue the imagery of cosmic upheaval. The Hebrew hamah (roar) suggests violent, threatening noise. 'Selah' marks a pause for reflection on this terrifying yet faith-affirming picture.