Psalms 46:9
What does Psalms 46:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Psalms 46:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Psalms 46:9 means
This verse details the practical outcome of God's powerful interventions: He "maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth." This is achieved through the complete disarmament and destruction of the instruments of war—breaking bows, cutting spears, and burning chariots. It vividly portrays God's dismantling of military might, symbolizing His ultimate authority to bring about universal peace. This speaks to a future eschatological peace established by God Himself, where the desire and means for conflict are entirely eradicated.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariots in the fire.
KJV
King James Version · 1611He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; He burneth the chariots in the fire.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949He puts an end to wars over all the earth; by him the bow is broken, and the spear cut in two, and the carriage burned in the fire.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Causing wars to cease, Unto the end of the earth, the bow he shivereth, And the spear He hath cut asunder, Chariots he doth burn with fire.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752God shall reign over the nations: God sitteth on his holy throne.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890He hath made wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariots in the fire.
Context
Building on the invitation to behold God's "desolations" in verse 8, this verse provides specific examples of how God operates to bring peace. It illustrates His power by detailing the destruction of war implements, directly showing *how* He makes wars cease. This powerful demonstration of divine authority then sets the stage for God's direct command for humanity to "be still" in the next verse.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 76:3
There he brake the arrows of the bow; The shield, and the sword, and the battle. [Selah
- Isaiah 11:9
They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea.
- Isaiah 60:18
Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, desolation nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.
- Ezekiel 39:3
and I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand.
- Joshua 11:9
And Joshua did unto them as Jehovah bade him: he hocked their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.
- 1 Samuel 2:4
The bows of the mighty men are broken; And they that stumbled are girded with strength.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Psalms 46
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Psalms 46.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Refuge
The Bible uses the powerful imagery of refuge to describe God as our ultimate protector and safe haven in times of trouble.
Topic
Bible Verses About Silence Before God
The Bible speaks of the importance of silence before God, encouraging reverent waiting and attentiveness to His voice. Quiet contemplation allows us to draw closer to Him and understand His will.
Topic
Bible Verses About Solitude
Solitude, often distinguished from loneliness, is a state of being alone that can be intentionally sought for spiritual growth and reflection.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Postpartum Depression
Tender scripture for the season no one warns you about.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Facing a Scary Diagnosis
Steady scripture for the days after the phone call you didn't want.