Old Testament
Psalms 48:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
They saw it, and so they marveled; they were troubled and hurried away.
Compare translations
They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away.
What Psalms 48:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Psalm 48:5, the verse describes a reaction to witnessing something awe-inspiring, likely referring to the grandeur of Jerusalem and God's presence there. The people who saw it were filled with amazement, indicating that they recognized the significance of what they were observing. However, this marvel also brought about a sense of fear or anxiety, leading them to flee quickly. This dual response of wonder and fear highlights the power of God and the impact of His presence. The verse serves as a reminder that encountering the divine can evoke strong emotions, prompting both admiration and a recognition of our own smallness in comparison to God's greatness. It illustrates how the sight of God's work can lead to a profound realization of His majesty and our need to respond appropriately, whether in worship or in humility.
How to apply Psalms 48:5 to your life
When we encounter God's work in our lives, we should respond with both awe and reverence. This verse encourages us to recognize the greatness of God and to approach Him with humility. Reflecting on His majesty can inspire us to deepen our faith and commitment to Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Ruth's story: Three Widows (Ruth 1:1–5)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Ruth
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 48:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 48:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 48:5 mean?
Psalms 48:5 describes the reaction of people who witnessed something magnificent, likely the glory of Jerusalem and God's presence. Their amazement was mixed with fear, prompting them to leave quickly, highlighting the powerful impact of encountering the divine.
What is the significance of the phrase 'they marveled' in Psalms 48:5?
The phrase 'they marveled' indicates that the people were deeply impressed and awed by what they saw. This reaction emphasizes the extraordinary nature of God's work and the importance of recognizing His greatness.
What does 'they were troubled' mean in Psalms 48:5?
'They were troubled' suggests that the people felt fear or anxiety in response to the awe-inspiring sight. This reflects the profound effect that witnessing God's majesty can have on individuals.
How can we apply Psalms 48:5 in our lives?
We can apply Psalms 48:5 by recognizing and responding to God's work in our lives with awe and humility. This verse encourages us to appreciate God's greatness and to approach Him with reverence.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.