Psalm 46 4

Psalm 46:4 kjv

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

Psalm 46:4 nkjv

There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.

Psalm 46:4 niv

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

Psalm 46:4 esv

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.

Psalm 46:4 nlt

A river brings joy to the city of our God,
the sacred home of the Most High.

Psalm 46 verses

Psalm 46 4 Meaning

Psalm 46:4 declares a profound spiritual truth: despite earthly chaos, there is a divine source of peace and joy that flows ceaselessly to God's people. This "river" is not a literal waterway in Jerusalem but a metaphor for the abundant provision, spiritual refreshing, and life-giving presence of God Himself, which brings deep gladness to His "city"—His people and their spiritual dwelling. It emphasizes God's tranquil and holy indwelling amidst any turmoil, signifying divine sustenance and security for those who are His.

Psalm 46 4 Context

Psalm 46 is a psalm of confidence, portraying God as an unshakable refuge and strength in times of intense national and global distress. The preceding verses (Psa 46:1-3) depict the world's convulsions—mountains shaking, seas roaring—evoking images of chaos and collapse. In stark contrast to this tumultuous external world, verse 4 shifts focus inward to God's tranquil, holy, and abundant provision within His city. This juxtaposition highlights the profound security and serenity available to those who trust in the Almighty, regardless of external circumstances. The psalm moves from global upheaval to divine stillness, assuring that God is present and active within His chosen dwelling, preserving and gladdening His people.

Psalm 46 4 Word analysis

• There is a river (נָהָר - nahar): The singular "river" denotes a vast, ultimate source, suggesting infinite capacity and divine origin. This is a metaphorical river, as ancient Jerusalem lacked such a geographical feature, unlike many powerful capital cities. It points to a supernatural, not natural, supply.
• whose streams (פְּלָגָיו - p'lagav): "Streams" (plural) from the singular "river" illustrate the multifaceted and abundant ways God's blessing, peace, and Holy Spirit flow into the lives of His people. These are not turbulent torrents but calm, dividing channels, bringing refreshment and life gently.
• make glad (יְשַׂמְּחוּ - yesammchu): This Hebrew word signifies deep joy, delight, and gladness, far beyond mere contentment. It suggests a spiritual flourishing and thriving state, a profound emotional and spiritual well-being bestowed by God's presence, capable of overriding any external sorrow or fear.
• the city of God (עִיר אֱלֹהִים - 'ir Elohim): Primarily refers to Jerusalem/Zion, chosen by God as His dwelling. Spiritually, it signifies the collective body of God's people, the church, or the "heavenly Jerusalem" (Heb 12:22). It is not defined by its physical defenses but by God's ownership and presence.
• the holy place (קְדֹשׁ מִשְׁכְּנֵי - kadosh mishkeney): This phrase means "holy dwellings" or "holy tabernacles." It emphasizes the sacredness of God's abode among His people. It points to the temple or the collective dwelling place of God’s Spirit, indicating purity, sanctity, and set-apartness, contrasting with the impurity of the world.
• where the Most High dwells (עֶלְיוֹן - Elyon): "The Most High" is a divine title (El Elyon), underscoring God's absolute sovereignty, supreme authority, and exalted nature, placing Him far above all earthly powers and chaos. The act of "dwelling" (shakan) implies God's intimate, constant, and steadfast presence among His people, not as a fleeting visitor but as a permanent, comforting inhabitant, bringing security and peace.

Psalm 46 4 Bonus section

The contrast drawn in Psalm 46:4 with powerful ancient cities, typically built beside mighty rivers like Babylon on the Euphrates, subtly highlights a theological truth: God’s provision for His people is supernatural and independent of earthly advantages. Unlike other nations whose prosperity might be linked to fertile river plains, God’s chosen city flourishes solely through His miraculous and continuous supply. This "river of God" prefigures New Testament themes of the Holy Spirit flowing into and through believers, making them living temples and sources of life for others, mirroring the eschatological vision of a pure "river of the water of life" flowing from the throne of God in the New Jerusalem (Rev 22:1). This verse is a powerful declaration that God Himself, in His holiness and supreme power, is the inexhaustible source of all true gladness and sustenance for His Church, transforming them into a haven of peace even amid a crumbling world.

Psalm 46 4 Commentary

Psalm 46:4 offers a vital spiritual counterpoint to the world's turmoil. It transcends geographical reality by presenting a "river" for a city (Jerusalem) that historically lacked a large river, underscoring that the true source of vitality for God's people is not natural resource or human might but divine provision. This metaphorical river represents the Holy Spirit's refreshing flow, God's enduring peace, and the abundant life found in His presence. The "streams" signify the varied, consistent, and gentle ways His blessings penetrate and nourish every facet of His "city"—the believers and the church—bringing genuine, unshakeable "gladness." It reminds us that amidst life's shaking foundations and roaring uncertainties, God Himself is the tranquil, holy wellspring from which His people draw strength, joy, and unfailing stability, a secure oasis where the Supreme Sovereign makes His steadfast dwelling. It’s a call to look beyond temporal struggles to the eternal, inexhaustible wellspring of God's divine provision and indwelling presence.