King James Version

What Does Psalms 46:9 Mean?

Psalms 46:9 in the King James Version says “He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the ... — study this verse from Psalms chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Psalms 46:9 · KJV


Context

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.

10

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11

The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The comprehensive peace: '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.' Every weapon of war is destroyed--bow, spear, chariot. This anticipates Isaiah's vision of swords beaten into plowshares and Christ's ultimate peace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare centered on these weapons. Breaking and burning them represents not just military defeat but the end of war itself. This eschatological vision transcends any historical moment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this vision of universal peace inform Christian hope?
  2. What is our role in anticipating God's peace while living in a violent world?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מַשְׁבִּ֥ית1 of 12

to cease

H7673

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

מִלְחָמוֹת֮2 of 12

He maketh wars

H4421

a battle (i.e., the engagement); generally, war (i.e., war-fare)

עַד3 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

קְצֵ֪ה4 of 12

unto the end

H7097

an extremity

הָ֫אָ֥רֶץ5 of 12

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

קֶ֣שֶׁת6 of 12

the bow

H7198

a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris

יְ֭שַׁבֵּר7 of 12

he breaketh

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

וְקִצֵּ֣ץ8 of 12

and cutteth

H7112

to chop off (literally or figuratively)

חֲנִ֑ית9 of 12

the spear

H2595

a lance (for thrusting, like pitching a tent)

עֲ֝גָל֗וֹת10 of 12

the chariot

H5699

something revolving, i.e., a wheeled vehicle

יִשְׂרֹ֥ף11 of 12

he burneth

H8313

to be (causatively, set) on fire

בָּאֵֽשׁ׃12 of 12

in the fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)


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 46:9 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 46:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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