Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

PSALMS 48:7KJV
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Psalms 48:7 (KJV)

What does Psalms 48:7 mean?

Psalms 48:7 describes God’s power to destroy even the mightiest ships, using the image of breaking the ships of Tarshish with a strong east wind. The verse uses this picture to show that nothing, not even distant or wealthy nations, can stand against God’s will.

In context, the psalm is a song of praise about God’s protection over Jerusalem. The speaker is reflecting on how God defends the city, and uses the dramatic image of powerful ships—likely symbols of strength and wealth from Tarshish—being shattered by a sudden wind from the east. This would have been a vivid example for ancient readers, showing that God can easily overturn human power.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 48:7

  • "breakest" (שָׁבַר, shavar): This word means to break, shatter, or smash. The use here emphasizes a sudden, total destruction, not just damage.
  • "ships" (אֳנִיָּה, oniyah): This refers to large sea-going vessels, often associated with trade and wealth.
  • "Tarshish" (תַּרְשִׁישׁ, Tarshish): Tarshish was a distant place known for its riches and ships, possibly in the western Mediterranean. Mentioning Tarshish highlights the reach and reputation of these ships.
  • "east" (קָדִים, qadim): The east wind in the region was known for being especially strong and destructive, making it a fitting symbol for overwhelming force.
  • "wind" (רוּחַ, ruach): This word means wind or spirit; here, it refers to a literal, powerful wind.

Why Psalms 48:7 matters

  • This verse clears up that God’s power is not limited to Jerusalem or Israel, but extends over the whole world, even to far-off places like Tarshish.
  • The image of the east wind breaking ships helps readers understand how quickly and unexpectedly God can act, overturning human plans.
  • In the wider passage, this verse supports the theme that God alone is the protector of His people, and that no worldly strength can threaten His security.

Where else these words appear

“Tarshish” Hebrew H8659 · used in 24 verses

  • Genesis 10:4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
  • Isaiah 60:9 Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring thy sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, unto the name of the LORD thy God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he hath glorified thee.

“ships” Hebrew H591 · used in 28 verses

  • Genesis 49:13 Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea; and he shall be for an haven of ships; and his border shall be unto Zidon.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziah, the LORD hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish.
  • Isaiah 43:14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.

“east” Hebrew H6921 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 41:6 And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them.
  • Ezekiel 40:44 And without the inner gate were the chambers of the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south: one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north.
  • Ezekiel 48:3 And by the border of Asher, from the east side even unto the west side, a portion for Naphtali.

“breakest” Hebrew H7665 · used in 145 verses

  • Genesis 19:9 And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.
  • Psalms 34:20 He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
  • Jeremiah 30:8 For it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, that I will break his yoke from off thy neck, and will burst thy bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of him: