Psalms 46:2

For this reason we do not fear ¹  when the earth shakes, ²  and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea, ³ 

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;

So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.

We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in seastorm and earthquake,

For this cause we will have no fear, even though the earth is changed, and though the mountains are moved in the heart of the sea;

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;

Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

For this reason we do not fear ¹  when the earth shakes, ²  and the mountains tumble into the depths of the sea, ³ 

¹ tn The imperfect is taken in a generalizing sense (cf. NEB) because the situation described in vv. 2-3 is understood as symbolizing typical world conditions. In this case the imperfect draws attention to the typical nature of the response. The covenant community characteristically responds with confidence, not fear. Another option is to take the situation described as purely hypothetical. In this case one might translate, “We will not fear, even though the earth should shake” (cf. NIV, NRSV).

² tn The Hiphil infinitival form is normally taken to mean “when [the earth] is altered,” being derived from מוּר (mur, “to change”). In this case the Hiphil would be intransitive, as in Ps 15:4. HALOT 560 s.v. II מור emends the form to a Niphal and derives it from a homonymic root מוּר attested in Arabic with the meaning “shake.”

³ tn Heb “heart of the seas.” The plural may be used for emphasis, pointing to the deepest sea. Note that the next verse uses a singular pronoun (“its waters,” “its swelling”) in referring back to the plural noun.