Psalm 46 5

Psalm 46:5 kjv

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

Psalm 46:5 nkjv

God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved; God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.

Psalm 46:5 niv

God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Psalm 46:5 esv

God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.

Psalm 46:5 nlt

God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.
From the very break of day, God will protect it.

Psalm 46 verses

Psalm 46 5 Meaning

Psalm 46:5 declares God's steadfast and active presence within His chosen dwelling place, typically understood as the city of God, Jerusalem, and by extension, His people or the church. This divine indwelling guarantees its absolute stability and unshakeability amidst global turmoil. Furthermore, the verse assures a timely and decisive intervention from God, specifically "when morning dawns," indicating that divine aid arrives promptly at the opportune moment, turning the night of distress into day.

Psalm 46 5 Context

Psalm 46 is a "Song for the choirmaster, of the Sons of Korah." It is known as a psalm of confidence and trust in God's protective presence amidst national or global crises. The preceding verses (46:1-3) paint a vivid picture of natural disasters (earth's upheaval, mountains trembling, raging waters) and the fury of nations. Against this backdrop of chaos, verse 4 introduces a serene image of "a river whose streams make glad the city of God," signifying God's sustaining grace and peaceful presence. Verse 5 follows directly, explaining why the city is unmoved: because God Himself is centrally located within it, guaranteeing its impregnability and future aid. Historically, this psalm is often linked to King Hezekiah's era and the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem (circa 701 BC, as recorded in 2 Kings 19 and Isaiah 37), where Jerusalem faced overwhelming odds but was miraculously delivered by divine intervention.

Psalm 46 5 Word analysis

• God (אֱלֹהִים - ʾElōhîm): The generic but powerful plural name for God, emphasizing His creative, sovereign power, and majesty. In this context, it highlights the omnipotent nature of the one dwelling within the city.
• is in the midst (בְּקִרְבָּהּ - bəqirbāh): Lit. "in her interior" or "in her innermost part." This signifies not just presence, but a deeply embedded, intimate, and central dwelling. God is not merely external or observing, but inherent to the city's being and operation. It points to absolute security from within.
• of her (לָהּ - lāh): Refers directly to "the city of God" mentioned in Psalm 46:4, specifically Mount Zion or Jerusalem. The city is personified, implying a protective, almost maternal care from God.
• she shall not be moved (בַּל-תִּמּוֹט - bal-timmôṭ): Bal is a strong negative particle, meaning "surely not" or "never." Timmôṭ comes from the root mûṭ, meaning "to waver, totter, slip, fall, be shaken." The combination forcefully declares absolute stability and impregnability, contrasting sharply with the "moved" or "shaken" earth and mountains in earlier verses. This city is utterly secure, unlike the tumultuous world.
• God (אֱלֹהִים - ʾElōhîm): Repeated here to emphasize that it is the same sovereign God who indwells and acts decisively.
• will help her (יַעְזְרֶהָ - yaʿăzrehā): From the root ʿāzar, meaning "to help, support, give aid." It denotes active, timely intervention and deliverance. This is not passive protection, but dynamic assistance.
• when morning dawns (לִפְנוֹת בֹּקֶר - liphnoṯ bōqer): Lit. "at the turning of morning" or "at the appearing of morning." This precise timing carries significant biblical weight:
  • Immediacy: Intervention is prompt, not delayed.
  • Deliverance from Darkness: The night is often associated with fear, danger, and distress. Morning signifies the end of suffering, the arrival of hope, light, and salvation.
  • Certainty: Just as morning reliably follows night, so too will God's help surely come.

Words-group analysis:

• God is in the midst of her: This phrase underscores God's personal and constant commitment to His dwelling place and people. It speaks to an active, immanent presence rather than a distant observation. His residence within signifies total security and provision, a theological core concept distinguishing true faith from surrounding idol worship that imagined deities far removed or residing in limited idols.
• she shall not be moved: This is a direct consequence and promise flowing from the preceding statement. Because God is central, the city (or His people/church) possesses an intrinsic stability against all forms of external attack or internal weakness. This applies spiritually as much as physically.
• God will help her when morning dawns: This points to God's active involvement, not just passive presence. It clarifies the nature and timing of His intervention. "When morning dawns" evokes images of swift, decisive victory after a night of long struggle, akin to many biblical narratives where divine deliverance occurred miraculously at daybreak (e.g., Ex. 14:24-27 with the Red Sea, the defeat of Assyrians). It speaks to God's perfect timing and His capability to turn the tide suddenly and completely.

Psalm 46 5 Bonus section

• The Psalm 46:5 verse is a powerful declaration that became an inspiration for Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," emphasizing the "fortress" aspect rooted in God's protective presence.
• The transition from the tumultuous "waters" (peoples, nations) in verse 3 to the calm "river whose streams make glad the city of God" in verse 4, highlights God's ability to bring peace and provision amidst global turmoil. The secure presence mentioned in verse 5 is directly tied to this unique divine provision of peace.
• This verse applies not only to ancient Jerusalem but finds profound spiritual application for believers and the Church, which is often described as the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God (Rev. 21:2-3). Just as ancient Jerusalem was physically protected by God, so are His redeemed people spiritually secure in His presence.
• The phrase "morning dawns" suggests that God allows a period of night or struggle, testing faith, but never abandons His people; His deliverance is sure to come at His perfect appointed time. It is an encouragement for those enduring long nights of tribulation.

Psalm 46 5 Commentary

Psalm 46:5 is a profound declaration of theological security and practical hope, rooted entirely in God's nature and location. Its core assertion is that the sheer presence of God within His city or among His people makes them inherently unshakeable. This divine immanence is the ultimate bulwark against all forms of chaos, whether the rumbling of the earth or the raging of nations. The city's stability is not due to its fortifications, military might, or human wisdom, but solely to the powerful, majestic God residing in its very heart. This unshakeable nature is not a passive immunity but is complemented by God's dynamic action. The promise "God will help her when morning dawns" provides assurance that even through a night of intense struggle and uncertainty, God's intervention is not only certain but perfectly timed and effective, bringing swift resolution and turning despair into dawn. It encapsulates both divine constancy and powerful, opportune rescue.