Psalms – Chapter 46

Old Testament • 10 Verses

Chapter Summary

Chapter 46 of Psalms begins: "Unto the end, for the sons of Core." The chapter centers on Abraham and Jacob. Across its 10 verses, two threads run through the text: worship and praise and sin and divine judgment. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1Unto the end, for the sons of Core.

2O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of joy,

3For the Lord is high, terrible: a great king over all the earth.

4He hath subdued the people under us; and the nations under our feet.

5He hath chosen for us his inheritance, the beauty of Jacob which he hath loved.

6God is ascended with jubilee, and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.

7Sing praises to our God, sing ye: sing praises to our king, sing ye.

8For God is the king of all the earth: sing ye wisely.

9God shall reign over the nations: God sitteth on his holy throne.

10The princes of the people are gathered together, with the God of Abraham: for the strong gods of the earth are exceedingly exalted.

Important Verses in Psalms 46

“O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of joy,”

Psalms 46:2

“God is ascended with jubilee, and the Lord with the sound of trumpet.”

Psalms 46:6

“God shall reign over the nations: God sitteth on his holy throne.”

Psalms 46:9

Historical Context

As a Old Testament book, Psalms was written with god's people at prayer in every age in view. Chapter 46 of 150 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a liturgical poem composed for Temple worship and personal prayer with 10 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Abraham and Jacob, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The passage starts with these words: "Unto the end, for the sons of Core." The final verse reads: "The princes of the people are gathered together, with the God of Abraham: for the strong gods of the earth are…" In terms of historical background, The 150 Psalms are the inspired prayer book of Israel and of the Church, spanning every human emotion—praise, lament, thanksgiving, repentance, and hope. The book's material reflects the era summarized as follows: Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Who Wrote It

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists

When It Was Written

Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile

Catholic Commentary

At the literal level, the psalmist voices praise, lament, thanksgiving, or petition before God. A pivotal line is verse 2: "O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of joy," The passage repeatedly touches on worship and praise.

Catholic exegesis reads Psalms 46 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). St. John Chrysostom and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 2215).

Applied to the life of faith, the passage supports the Church's conviction that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him. Whether read privately or heard in the liturgy, Psalms 46 calls for a response of faith, repentance, and charity.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓God's kingdom is not of this world; every earthly throne stands under His eternal reign.

People in This Chapter

Abraham1 mentionJacob1 mention

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Psalms Chapter 46 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing forgiveness and reconciliation.

Consider praying with this chapter again at day's end, offering God gratitude for one insight received. The Church encourages daily contact with Scripture (CIC 2215) so that Christ's mind may be formed in us.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Psalms Chapter 46 about?

Psalms 46 contains 10 verses. It opens with "Unto the end, for the sons of Core." and closes with "The princes of the people are gathered together, with the God of Abraham: for the strong gods of the earth are…". The book as a whole is liturgical poetry and prayer.

What is a key verse in Psalms 46?

One of the most significant verses is verse 2: "O clap your hands, all ye nations: shout unto God with the voice of joy," It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Psalms Chapter 46?

This chapter mentions Abraham, Jacob.

Who wrote Psalms and when?

David is credited with many psalms; others by Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, Moses, and anonymous psalmists. Composed across nearly a millennium, from David (c. 1000 BC) to after the exile.

Related Chapters

Genesis 50Shares people and themes with this chapter1 Kings 18Shares people and themes with this chapter2 Kings 13Shares people and themes with this chapter

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Gloria in Excelsis🙏The Divine Praises🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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