Psalms 46:4

Authorized King James Version

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

Word-by-Word Analysis

נָהָ֗ר

H5104

There is a river

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

פְּלָגָ֗יו

H6388

the streams

a rill (i.e., small channel of water, as in irrigation)

יְשַׂמְּח֥וּ

H8055

whereof shall make glad

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

עִיר

H5892

the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

אֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

of God

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

קְ֝דֹ֗שׁ

H6918

the holy

sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) god (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary

מִשְׁכְּנֵ֥י

H4908

place of the tabernacles

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

עֶלְיֽוֹן׃

H5945

of the most High

an elevation, i.e., (adjectively) lofty (comparatively); as title, the supreme

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The divine name or title here functions within worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?