King James Version
What Does Psalms 48:5 Mean?
“They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.”
Psalms 48:5 · KJV
Context
3
God is known in her palaces for a refuge.
4
For, lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together.
5
They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
6
Fear took hold upon them there, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
7
Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhen the kings saw Zion, 'they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.' Instead of conquering, they flee in panic. The sight of God's city--or more precisely, awareness of its divine defender--produces not triumph but terror. Their haste reveals the reversal of their confident advance.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Sennacherib's sudden retreat (2 Kings 19:35-36) after the angel's destruction of his army exemplifies this pattern. Human armies encounter divine resistance and flee.
Reflection Questions
- What causes confident opposition to suddenly crumble before God?
- How does the enemies' reaction validate faith in divine protection?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsרָ֭אוּ2 of 6
“They saw”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כֵּ֣ן3 of 6
H3651properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
נִבְהֲל֥וּ5 of 6
“they were troubled”
H926to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
נֶחְפָּֽזוּ׃6 of 6
“and hasted away”
H2648properly, to start up suddenly, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, to fear
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 48:5 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 48:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge