Psalms 46:10

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 46:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Psalms 46:10 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 46

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly, etc.] Kimchi calls them the eminences of the earth, the little hills, the higher parts of ploughed land; those which lie between furrow and furrow seem to be meant, which being watered with rain become lower, and are made fruitful: these may denote such as are lifted up with their own imaginary purity and righteousness; and who, when the grace of God takes hold upon them, are humbled, and confess themselves the chief of sinners and the least of saints, renounce their own righteousness, and submit to Christ’s; thou settlest the furrows thereof; or “thou causest [the rain] to descend into the furrows thereof” f859; which fills them, and makes them…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Be still, &c.--literally, "Leave off to oppose Me and vex My people. I am over all for their safety." (Compare Isa 2:11; Eph 1:22). Next: Psalms Chapter 47”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Be still - The word used here - from רפה râphâh - means properly to cast down; to let fall; to let hang down; then, to be relaxed, slackened, especially the hands: It is also employed in the sense of not making an effort; not putting forth exertion; and then would express the idea of leaving matters with God, or of being without anxiety about the issue. Compare Exodus 14:13, “Stand still, and see the salvation of God.” In this place the word seems to be used as meaning that there was to be no anxiety; that there was to be a calm, confiding, trustful state of mind in view of the displays of the divine presence and power. The mind was to be calm, in view of the fact that God had interposed,…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“46:10 A message directly from the Lord confirms the authenticity of the psalmist’s vision (see also 12:5-6; 32:8). • know that I am God: The Lord will do what he promises (Isa 45:3; 49:23; 60:16). • God will be exalted (Ps 47; Isa 6:1); he will judge the nations and rescue his people (see Pss 57:11; 89:13; 108:5-6; 118:16).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Be still: Hab 2:20; Zac 2:13 know: Psa 83:18, Psa 100:3; Exo 18:11; Sa1 17:46; Kg1 18:36; Kg2 19:12 I will be: Psa 21:13, Psa 57:5; Ch1 29:11; Isa 2:11, Isa 2:17, Isa 5:16; Eze 38:23; Rev 15:3, Rev 15:4 Psalms 46:11”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification