King James Version

What Does Psalms 46:5 Mean?

Psalms 46:5 in the King James Version says “God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. and: Heb. when the morning... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. and: Heb. when the morning appeareth

Psalms 46:5 · KJV


Context

3

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

4

There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. and: Heb. when the morning appeareth

6

The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. our: Heb. an high place for us


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The "her" refers to the city of God, Jerusalem, portrayed as feminine in Hebrew poetry (בַּת-צִיּוֹן/bat-tzion, "daughter Zion"). "God is in the midst" (אֱלֹהִים בְּקִרְבָּהּ/Elohim be-qirbah) emphasizes divine presence at the center, not periphery. "She shall not be moved" (בַּל-תִּמּוֹט/bal-timmot) uses emphatic negation—absolutely will not totter or fall. This isn't human security but divine protection. "Right early" (לִפְנוֹת בֹּקֶר/lifnot boqer) literally means "at the turn of morning" or "at daybreak"—God's help comes at the darkest hour, when dawn breaks. The verse expresses unshakeable confidence in God's protective presence within His dwelling place.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This psalm belongs to the "Songs of Zion" celebrating Jerusalem as God's dwelling place. Likely written after Jerusalem's miraculous deliverance from Sennacherib's siege (701 BC, 2 Kings 18-19), when 185,000 Assyrian soldiers died overnight. Or possibly celebrating God's faithfulness during other threats to Jerusalem. The city's security wasn't military might but God's presence. Prophetically, it points to the New Jerusalem where God dwells fully with His people (Revelation 21:3), eternally secure.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's presence "in the midst" provide stability when circumstances threaten to shake your life?
  2. What does it mean that God's help comes "right early"—at daybreak after night's darkness—for situations you're currently facing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים1 of 8

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

בְּ֭קִרְבָּהּ2 of 8

is in the midst

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

בַּל3 of 8
H1077

properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest

תִּמּ֑וֹט4 of 8

of her she shall not be moved

H4131

to waver; by implication, to slip, shake, fall

יַעְזְרֶ֥הָ5 of 8

shall help

H5826

to surround, i.e., protect or aid

אֱ֝לֹהִ֗ים6 of 8

God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לִפְנ֥וֹת7 of 8

her and that right

H6437

to turn; by implication, to face, i.e., appear, look, etc

בֹּֽקֶר׃8 of 8

early

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 46:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 46:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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