King James Version

What Does Psalms 48:14 Mean?

Psalms 48:14 in the King James Version says “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. — study this verse from Psalms chapter 48 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Psalms 48:14 · KJV


Context

12

Walk about Zion, and go round about her: tell the towers thereof.

13

Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that ye may tell it to the generation following. Mark: Heb. Set your heart to consider: or, raise up

14

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The conclusion: 'For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.' The demonstrative 'this God' points to all that has been described--defender, refuge, judge, eternal. The covenant formula 'our God' emphasizes relationship. He guides 'even unto death' and, by implication, beyond it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase 'our God forever and ever' employs covenant language emphasizing permanence of relationship. Guidance 'unto death' suggests God's faithfulness extends to life's end and transitions believers into His eternal presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that 'this God'--the one just described--is 'our God'?
  2. How does the promise of guidance 'even unto death' address our deepest fears?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
כִּ֤י1 of 10
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

זֶ֨ה׀2 of 10
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֱ֭לֹהֵינוּ3 of 10

For this 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

אֱ֭לֹהֵינוּ4 of 10

For this 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

עוֹלָ֣ם5 of 10

for ever

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

וָעֶ֑ד6 of 10

and ever

H5703

properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit

ה֖וּא7 of 10
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יְנַהֲגֵ֣נוּ8 of 10

he will be our guide

H5090

to drive forth (a person, an animal or chariot), also (from the panting induced by effort), to sigh

עַל9 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מֽוּת׃10 of 10

even unto death

H4192

'to die for the son', probably the title of a popular song


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 48:14 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 48:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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