They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.

PSALMS 48:5KJV
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Psalms 48:5 (KJV)

What does Psalms 48:5 mean?

Psalms 48:5 describes a moment when certain people see something that astonishes them, causing fear and making them leave quickly. The verse highlights their reaction of amazement, alarm, and a hasty retreat.

The psalm is a song about the city of God, often understood as Jerusalem, and the security it represents. Here, the people who "saw it" are likely foreign kings or enemies approaching the city. Their reaction—marveling, being troubled, and fleeing—shows how the sight of God's city fills them with awe and fear, making them abandon their plans.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 48:5

  • "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah): This word means to see or perceive. In this context, it suggests more than just looking; it carries the sense of realizing or recognizing something significant about the city.
  • "marvelled" (תָּמַהּ, tamah): This word means to be astonished or amazed. The use of this word emphasizes the deep impression the sight made on the observers.
  • "troubled" (נִבְהָלוּ, nivhalu): This word means to be disturbed or alarmed. It shows that their amazement quickly turned into fear or panic.
  • "away" (חָפַז, chaphaz): This word means to hurry or flee in haste. It underlines the urgency and fear in their reaction, not just leaving but doing so quickly and anxiously.

Why Psalms 48:5 matters

  • This verse clears up that the reaction of the enemies is not just surprise but a mix of awe and fear, leading to a panicked escape, which highlights the protective power associated with God's city.
  • The verse connects to the wider theme of the psalm, which celebrates God's presence and defense of Jerusalem, showing that even powerful outsiders are overwhelmed by what they encounter there.
  • Understanding the strong emotional words used in the original language helps the reader see the dramatic impact the city—and by extension, God's protection—had on those who opposed it.

Where else these words appear

“marvelled” Hebrew H8539 · used in 8 verses

  • Genesis 43:33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth: and the men marvelled one at another.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:8 If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matter: for he that is higher than the highest regardeth; and there be higher than they.
  • Isaiah 29:9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.

“away” Hebrew H2648 · used in 9 verses

  • Deuteronomy 20:3 And shall say unto them, Hear, O Israel, ye approach this day unto battle against your enemies: let not your hearts faint, fear not, and do not tremble, neither be ye terrified because of them;
  • 2 Samuel 4:4 And Jonathan, Saul's son, had a son that was lame of his feet. He was five years old when the tidings came of Saul and Jonathan out of Jezreel, and his nurse took him up, and fled: and it came to pass, as she made haste to flee, that he fell, and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth.
  • Psalms 31:22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

“troubled” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 4:5 But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
  • Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.