Devine Scripture

Psalms 46:2

What does Psalms 46:2 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 46:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 46:2 means

Building on the initial declaration, this verse asserts a radical fearlessness even in the face of cosmic upheaval. It imagines the most profound natural catastrophes—the earth shifting and mountains collapsing into the sea—yet declares an unshakeable confidence. This isn't a denial of danger but an affirmation that God's presence is a greater reality than any earthly calamity. It speaks to a faith so strong that even the dissolution of the physical world cannot move the believer from their secure standing in Him.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Therefore will we not fear, though the earth do change, And though the mountains be shaken into the heart of the seas;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this cause we will have no fear, even though the earth is changed, and though the mountains are moved in the heart of the sea;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Therefore we fear not in the changing of earth, And in the slipping of mountains Into the heart of the seas.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of joy,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Therefore will we not fear though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the heart of the seas;

Context

Following the foundational statement of God as refuge and strength in verse 1, this verse immediately applies that truth by expressing an audacious lack of fear. It presents a dramatic hypothetical scenario of global chaos to underscore the power of God's protection. This sets up the equally turbulent imagery of roaring waters in the next verse, providing an extreme contrast to the serene confidence of God's people.

v.1God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.

v.2This passage

v.3Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, Though the mountains tremble with the swelling thereof. [Selah

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 21:9

    And when ye shall hear of wars and tumults, be not terrified: for these things must needs come to pass first; but the end is not immediately.

  • Genesis 7:11

    In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.

  • Luke 21:25

    And there shall be signs in sun and moon and stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the billows;

  • Psalms 18:7

    Then the earth shook and trembled; The foundations also of the mountains quaked And were shaken, because he was wroth.

  • Matthew 8:24

    And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the boat was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

  • 2 Peter 3:10

    But the day of the Lord will come as a thief; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

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