Psalms · Chapter 46 · Strength
Psalms 46:1 — Bible Verse Meaning & Context
For the day that asks more than you feel ready to give.
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Both translations, side by side
WEB · World English Bible
"For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
KJV · King James Version
"To the chief Musician5329 for the sons1121 of Korah7141, A Song7892 upon Alamoth5961. God430 is our refuge4268 and strength5797, a very3966 present4672 help5833 in trouble6869. for: or, of"
How the translations differ: The WEB is a modern public-domain revision of the 1901 ASV; the KJV dates to 1611. The KJV uses song, upon, while the WEB renders these as according. Both translate the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text — the differences are stylistic, not theological.
In context
Psalms 46:1 in Psalms 46
A Bible verse rarely stands alone. Here is Psalms 46:1 read with the verses immediately before and after — the surrounding flow of Psalms 46. Read the full chapter →
- v.1 For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
- v.2 Therefore we won’t be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas;
- v.3 though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah.
Book background
About the Book of Psalms
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Genre
- Hebrew poetry
- Author
- David (73 psalms), Asaph, Sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, others
- Date written
- c. 1410–430 BC (compiled over a millennium)
- Audience
- All of Israel's worshipping community — and the church
- Chapters
- 150
The Psalms are 150 inspired songs and prayers covering every emotion the human heart knows — praise, lament, confession, thanksgiving, anger, longing. About half are attributed to David. The book is divided into five "books," each ending with a doxology. The Psalms shape Christian prayer more than any other Old Testament book and are quoted in the New Testament more than any other.
Setting: 150 sacred songs used in temple worship; the Bible's songbook.
Key themes: worship · lament · trust · kingship · thanksgiving
Memorisation aid
How to memorise Psalms 46:1
Psalms 46:1 contains 24 words in 5 clauses. Learn one clause at a time, then chain them. The first-letter mnemonic (FLM) under each clause is a memory hook — once you can speak the FLM from memory, the full clause follows.
- 1
For the Chief Musician
FTCM
- 2
By the sons of Korah
BTSOK
- 3
According to Alamoth
ATA
- 4
God is our refuge and strength
GIORAS
- 5
a very present help in trouble.
AVPHIT
Frequently asked
FAQ about Psalms 46:1
What does Psalms 46:1 say?
Psalms 46:1 reads: "For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." — from the Old Testament, Psalms (Hebrew poetry). The full verse is shown above with both the World English Bible (WEB) and King James Version (KJV) translations side by side.
What book of the Bible is Psalms 46:1 in?
Psalms 46:1 is in the book of Psalms, traditionally attributed to David (73 psalms), Asaph, Sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, others and written around c. 1410–430 BC (compiled over a millennium). Psalms is hebrew poetry in the Old Testament, originally addressed to All of Israel's worshipping community — and the church. Best known for Psalm 23 ("The LORD is my shepherd") and Psalm 51.
What is Psalms 46:1 about?
Psalms 46:1 is primarily a Bible verse about Strength, with related themes including Peace. Within Psalms, The Psalms are 150 inspired songs and prayers covering every emotion the human heart knows — praise, lament, confession, thanksgiving, anger, longing. Read the full passage above with surrounding context.
What is the difference between Psalms 46:1 in WEB and KJV?
Psalms 46:1 in the World English Bible (WEB) reads: "For the Chief Musician. By the sons of Korah. According to Alamoth. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.". The King James Version (KJV) reads: "To the chief Musician5329 for the sons1121 of Korah7141, A Song7892 upon Alamoth5961. God430 is our refuge4268 and strength5797, a very3966 present4672 help5833 in trouble6869. for: or, of". The WEB is a modern public-domain translation that updates the KJV's 1611 English while keeping a similar formal-equivalence style. Both render the same underlying Greek or Hebrew text.
How long is Psalms 46:1?
Psalms 46:1 is 24 words in the WEB translation (131 characters), broken into 5 clauses. It is short and well-suited to memorisation. Estimated reading time is about 7 seconds.
How can I memorise Psalms 46:1?
To memorise Psalms 46:1, split it into its 5 natural clauses and learn one at a time. Repeat the full verse out loud five times, then write it from memory. Saving the verse as a photo wallpaper using our verse image studio helps daily review — the visual association with a memorable background dramatically improves recall.
Why does Psalms 46:1 matter in Psalms?
The Psalms are 150 inspired songs and prayers covering every emotion the human heart knows — praise, lament, confession, thanksgiving, anger, longing. About half are attributed to David. The book is divided into five "books," each ending with a doxology. The Psalms shape Christian prayer more than any other Old Testament book and are quoted in the New Testament more than any other. Psalms 46:1 sits within this larger story — Psalms as a whole emphasises worship, lament, trust.
How can I apply Psalms 46:1 today?
Many readers use Psalms 46:1 as a daily reminder verse — saving it as a phone wallpaper, sharing it on Pinterest, or memorising it for prayer. The verse studio on this page lets you download Psalms 46:1 on 52 different backgrounds for free. Pair the verse with the surrounding chapter context shown above to understand its full meaning before applying it.
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10 verses to read next
A fresh set of verses every visit — each on its own photo background. Tap any card to open the full study page.
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Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
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-
Joshua 1:9
“Haven’t I commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be dismayed, for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.””
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-
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the…”
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-
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and no…”
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-
Deuteronomy 31:6
“Be strong and courageous. Don’t be afraid or scared of them; for Yahweh your God himself is who goes with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you.””
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-
Psalms 27:1
“By David. Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”
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-
2 Corinthians 12:9
“He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses,…”
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-
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Read context →
-
Deuteronomy 31:8
“Yahweh himself is who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Don’t be afraid. Don’t be discouraged.””
Read context →
-
Isaiah 43:2
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be b…”
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More featured verses in Psalms 46
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Psalms 23:1
“A Psalm by David. Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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Psalm 23:1
“Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.”
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Psalms 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
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Psalms 27:1
“By David. Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?”
Read context →