Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

PSALMS 46:3KJV
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Psalms 46:3 (KJV)

What does Psalms 46:3 mean?

Psalms 46:3 describes a scene of chaos in nature, where waters roar and mountains shake, yet the verse suggests that even in such overwhelming turmoil, there is a reason to pause and reflect. The verse uses vivid imagery to express how even the most solid and dependable things can be shaken, but invites the reader to consider this deeply with the word "Selah."

The psalm is written as a song by the sons of Korah, addressing anyone who hears or sings it. The setting is one of crisis or disaster, using the picture of roaring waters and trembling mountains to represent extreme trouble or fear. The verse is not just about natural disasters, but about any situation that feels out of control, and the call to "Selah" signals a moment to stop and think about what has just been said.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 46:3

  • "waters" (מַיִם, mayim, H4325): This word refers to water in general, but in Hebrew poetry, it often stands for chaos or danger. Here, the roaring waters suggest overwhelming trouble.
  • "roar" (הָמָה, hamah, H1993): This word means to make a loud noise or to be in uproar. The sense is not just sound, but confusion and unrest.
  • "shake" (רָעַשׁ, ra'ash, H7493): This verb means to quake or tremble, showing that even the mountains—symbols of stability—are not immune to upheaval.
  • "swelling" (גָּאוֹן, ga'on, H1346): This word can mean pride, majesty, or swelling. Here, it refers to the surging or rising up of the waters, adding to the sense of threat.
  • "Selah" (סֶלָה, selah, H5542): This term is likely a musical or liturgical pause, inviting the listener to stop and reflect on the meaning or importance of what was just said.

Why Psalms 46:3 matters

  • The verse clarifies that faith is not about avoiding trouble, but about recognizing that even the most stable things can be shaken, yet there is still a call to pause and reflect.
  • The imagery connects to the rest of Psalm 46, which emphasizes God as a refuge and strength in times of trouble, setting up the contrast between chaos and security.
  • The use of "Selah" encourages the reader not to rush past the reality of fear and instability, but to consider its place in the larger message of trust and hope.

Where else these words appear

“troubled” Hebrew H2560 · used in 6 verses

  • Exodus 2:3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river's brink.
  • Job 16:16 My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death;
  • Lamentations 1:20 Behold, O LORD; for I am in distress: my bowels are troubled; mine heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: abroad the sword bereaveth, at home there is as death.

“swelling” Hebrew H1346 · used in 19 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:26 There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky.
  • Psalms 36:11 Let not the foot of pride come against me, and let not the hand of the wicked remove me.
  • Isaiah 13:3 I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness.

“shake” Hebrew H7493 · used in 30 verses

  • Judges 5:4 LORD, when thou wentest out of Seir, when thou marchedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens dropped, the clouds also dropped water.
  • Isaiah 14:16 They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
  • Ezekiel 27:28 The suburbs shall shake at the sound of the cry of thy pilots.

“roar” Hebrew H1993 · used in 32 verses

  • 1 Kings 1:41 And Adonijah and all the guests that were with him heard it as they had made an end of eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, Wherefore is this noise of the city being in an uproar?
  • Psalms 83:2 For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head.
  • Isaiah 59:11 We roar all like bears, and mourn sore like doves: we look for judgment, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.