Old Testament

Psalms 48:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, the psalmist describes how God demonstrates His power by causing destruction to the ships of Tarshish, which were known for their strength and long voyages.

Author
David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
Written
Around 1000-500 BC
Genre
Poetry and worship
Original Audience
Worshipers of Israel
CBTClear Bible Translation

You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

KJVKing James Version

Thou breakest the ships of Tarshish with an east wind.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the psalmist describes how God demonstrates His power by causing destruction to the ships of Tarshish, which were known for their strength and long voyages. The 'east wind' symbolizes a force that comes unexpectedly, illustrating how God can intervene in the natural world to protect His people or to execute His will. The ships of Tarshish represent wealth, trade, and human effort, and their destruction signifies that no matter how strong or prosperous human endeavors may seem, they are ultimately under God's control. This verse serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nature and the futility of relying solely on human strength and resources. It emphasizes that God can disrupt even the mightiest of human plans with a simple act of nature, showcasing His authority and the need for humility before Him.

How to apply Psalms 48:7 to your life

This verse encourages us to recognize God's ultimate authority over our lives and circumstances. In times of trouble or uncertainty, we can trust that God is in control, and we should not rely solely on our own strength or resources. Instead, we should seek His guidance and protection.

Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Psalms 48:7 mean?

Psalms 48:7 illustrates God's power by describing how He can destroy the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. This signifies that even the strongest human efforts and resources are ultimately under God's control.

What is the significance of the east wind in Psalms 48:7?

The east wind in Psalms 48:7 symbolizes an unexpected force that can bring destruction. It highlights God's ability to intervene in nature and disrupt human plans, emphasizing His sovereignty.

How does Psalms 48:7 relate to God's sovereignty?

Psalms 48:7 relates to God's sovereignty by showing that He can control natural forces to achieve His purposes. The destruction of the ships of Tarshish illustrates that human strength is ultimately vulnerable to divine intervention.

What can we learn from Psalms 48:7?

From Psalms 48:7, we learn to recognize God's ultimate authority in our lives. It encourages us to trust in His control rather than relying solely on our own strength and resources.

The Book of Psalms
Book Summary

The Book of Psalms

Psalm 1: Two Paths

This psalm describes two paths. The blessed person does not follow the counsel of the ungodly, does not stand in the way of sinners, and does not sit among the scornful. Instead, this person delights in the law of the LORD and thinks on it day and night.

Premium

Unlock the full Psalms summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Psalms — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 150 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Psalms summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.