Psalm 46:10
10 “Be still and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted over the earth.”
About this passage
Psalm 46:10 is part of a psalm that praises God as a refuge and strength in times of upheaval, with earth shaking, mountains falling and nations in uproar. In the verse, God himself speaks, saying to be still and know that he is God, and that he will be exalted among the nations and in the earth.
The Hebrew verb behind be still can also mean to relax, to cease or to let go. Many scholars see the command in context as addressed to the warring nations, following the picture of God ending wars in verse 9, and not only as an invitation to quiet prayer.
Today the verse is widely used in meditation and in calm prayer. The psalm is often connected with Martin Luther's hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, which many describe as inspired by it.
Questions
What does be still mean in Psalm 46:10?
The Hebrew verb can mean to relax, let go or cease. Many scholars think that in context it is God's command to the warring nations to stop, while others read it as a call to calm trust. Readers apply it both ways.
Who is speaking in Psalm 46:10?
God is speaking. The psalm moves from the worshippers' words about refuge to a divine statement in verse 10 telling the nations to be still and know that he is God.