Psalms 48:8

Authorized King James Version

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As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever. Selah.

Original Language Analysis

כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר H834
כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's: H834
Word #: 1 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁמַ֨עְנוּ׀ As we have heard H8085
שָׁמַ֨עְנוּ׀ As we have heard
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 2 of 14
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כֵּ֤ן H3651
כֵּ֤ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 3 of 14
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
רָאִ֗ינוּ so have we seen H7200
רָאִ֗ינוּ so have we seen
Strong's: H7200
Word #: 4 of 14
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
בְּעִ֣יר in the city H5892
בְּעִ֣יר in the city
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 5 of 14
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
יְהוָ֣ה of the LORD H3068
יְהוָ֣ה of the LORD
Strong's: H3068
Word #: 6 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
צְ֭בָאוֹת of hosts H6635
צְ֭בָאוֹת of hosts
Strong's: H6635
Word #: 7 of 14
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
בְּעִ֣יר in the city H5892
בְּעִ֣יר in the city
Strong's: H5892
Word #: 8 of 14
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
אֱלֹ֘הִ֤ים God H430
אֱלֹ֘הִ֤ים God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 9 of 14
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
אֱלֹ֘הִ֤ים God H430
אֱלֹ֘הִ֤ים God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 10 of 14
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
יְכוֹנְנֶ֖הָ will establish H3559
יְכוֹנְנֶ֖הָ will establish
Strong's: H3559
Word #: 11 of 14
properly, to be erect (i.e., stand perpendicular); hence (causatively) to set up, in a great variety of applications, whether literal (establish, fix,
עַד it for H5704
עַד it for
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 12 of 14
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
עוֹלָ֣ם ever H5769
עוֹלָ֣ם ever
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 13 of 14
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
סֶֽלָה׃ Selah H5542
סֶֽלָה׃ Selah
Strong's: H5542
Word #: 14 of 14
suspension (of music), i.e., pause

Analysis & Commentary

The correlation of hearing and seeing: 'As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts.' Tradition (what was heard from fathers) is confirmed by experience (what is seen). Faith transmitted through testimony becomes faith verified by experience. God establishes His city 'for ever.'

Historical Context

This verse emphasizes intergenerational faith: what parents taught about God's faithfulness, the present generation has now witnessed personally. This confirmation strengthens the ongoing transmission of faith.

Questions for Reflection