King James Version

What Does Psalms 46:7 Mean?

Psalms 46:7 in the King James Version says “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. our: Heb. an high place for us — study this verse from Psalms chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Psalms 46:7 · KJV


Context

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

8

Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9

He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The refrain: 'The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.' 'LORD of hosts' (Yahweh Tzevaot) emphasizes God's command of heavenly armies--infinite power. 'God of Jacob' emphasizes covenant relationship with the patriarchs--intimate faithfulness. Power and love combine in our refuge.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This title 'LORD of hosts' became prominent during the monarchy, emphasizing Yahweh's supremacy over all spiritual and earthly powers. It connected Israel's God to the heavenly court and angelic armies.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do the titles 'LORD of hosts' and 'God of Jacob' complement each other?
  2. What does it mean that the commander of heaven's armies is also the personal God of our ancestor Jacob?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יְהוָ֣ה1 of 8

The LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

צְבָא֣וֹת2 of 8

of hosts

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

עִמָּ֑נוּ3 of 8
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

מִשְׂגָּֽב4 of 8

is our refuge

H4869

misgab, a place in moab

לָ֝נוּ5 of 8
H0
אֱלֹהֵ֖י6 of 8

is with us the 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

יַעֲקֹ֣ב7 of 8

of Jacob

H3290

jaakob, the israelitish patriarch

סֶֽלָה׃8 of 8

Selah

H5542

suspension (of music), i.e., pause


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 46:7 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 46:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study