Psalms 46:3 Meaning and Explanation
“Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Nature's chaos and violence cannot shake those grounded in God.
The Context of Psalms 46:3
Elaborating the cosmic turmoil: waters and mountains in violent upheaval.
What Does Psalms 46:3 Mean?
Waters roaring and mountains shaking represent violent, unstable natural forces. In ancient Near Eastern thought, waters especially symbolized chaos, disorder, and the forces opposed to creation and stability. The psalmist's imagery progresses from terrestrial catastrophe (verse 2) to elemental fury (verse 3), building intensity.
Selah appears to mark a pause or musical interlude, inviting the listener to reflect on the truth just stated. The repetition of 'though' reinforces that regardless of what convulsions occur in creation itself, the confidence expressed in verse 1 remains valid.
Psalms 46:3 in the Original Language
Selah (סלה) — likely a musical direction marking a pause; its exact meaning remains uncertain but suggests reflection or instrumental interlude.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 46:3
What does Psalms 46:3 mean?
Nature's chaos and violence cannot shake those grounded in God.
What is the context of Psalms 46:3?
Elaborating the cosmic turmoil: waters and mountains in violent upheaval.