Devine Scripture

Psalms 46:4

What does Psalms 46:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Psalms 46:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Psalms 46:4 means

In stark contrast to the preceding chaos, this verse introduces an image of peace and divine refreshment centered on Jerusalem, the city of God. The "river" with its "streams" symbolizes a life-giving source of joy and nourishment, making glad and sustaining God's dwelling place. This river is not explicitly identified but represents God's spiritual blessings and presence that bring life and security to His holy city, the place of the Most High's tabernacles, even amidst surrounding turmoil.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

There is a river whose streams make glad the resting-place of God, the holy place of the tents of the Most High.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

A river--its rivulets rejoice the city of God, Thy holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He hath subdued the people under us; and the nations under our feet.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

There is a river the streams whereof make glad the city ofGod, the sanctuary of the habitations of the Most High.

Context

After the dramatic and fearful imagery of a crumbling, chaotic world in verses 2-3, this verse introduces a powerful counter-image of peace and stability. It shifts the scene from global upheaval to the tranquil, well-nourished "city of God." This transition prepares the reader for the direct declaration of God's presence within the city in verse 5, highlighting His secure dwelling amidst spiritual refreshment.

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

v.4This passage

v.5God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God will help her, and that right early.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 92:8

    But thou, O Jehovah, art on high for evermore.

  • Psalms 23:2

    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters.

  • Psalms 43:3

    Oh send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me: Let them bring me unto thy holy hill, And to thy tabernacles.

  • Psalms 48:1

    Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised, In the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

  • Ezekiel 47:1

    And he brought me back unto the door of the house; and, behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward (for the forefront of the house was toward the east); and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, on the south of the altar.

  • Psalms 65:9

    Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it, Thou greatly enrichest it; The river of God is full of water: Thou providest them grain, when thou hast so prepared the earth.

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