New International VersionBeautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King.
New Living TranslationIt is high and magnificent; the whole earth rejoices to see it! Mount Zion, the holy mountain, is the city of the great King!
English Standard Versionbeautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
Berean Standard BibleBeautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.
King James BibleBeautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
New King James VersionBeautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King.
New American Standard BibleBeautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King.
NASB 1995Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King.
NASB 1977Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King.
Legacy Standard BibleBeautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King.
Amplified BibleFair and beautiful in elevation, the joy of all the earth, Is Mount Zion [the City of David] in the far north, The city of the great King.
Christian Standard Biblerising splendidly, is the joy of the whole earth. Mount Zion—the summit of Zaphon— is the city of the great King.
Holman Christian Standard Biblerising splendidly, is the joy of the whole earth. Mount Zion on the slopes of the north is the city of the great King.
American Standard VersionBeautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, The city of the great King.
Contemporary English Versionbeautiful and majestic, brings joy to all on earth. Mount Zion, truly sacred, is home for the Great King.
English Revised VersionBeautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationIts beautiful peak is the joy of the whole earth. Mount Zion is on the northern ridge. It is the city of the great king.
Good News TranslationZion, the mountain of God, is high and beautiful; the city of the great king brings joy to all the world.
International Standard VersionBeautifully situated, the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion towards the north, the city of the great King.
NET BibleIt is lofty and pleasing to look at, a source of joy to the whole earth. Mount Zion resembles the peaks of Zaphon; it is the city of the great king.
New Heart English BibleBeautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
Webster's Bible TranslationBeautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBeautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.
World English BibleBeautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the north sides, the city of the great King. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBeautiful [for] elevation, "" A joy of all the land, [is] Mount Zion, "" The sides of the north, the city of [the] great King.
Young's Literal Translation Beautiful for elevation, A joy of all the land, is Mount Zion, The sides of the north, the city of a great king.
Smith's Literal TranslationFair of elevation, the joy of all the earth, is mount Zion, the sides of the north, the city of the great King. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleWith the joy of the whole earth is mount Sion founded, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king.
Catholic Public Domain VersionMount Zion is being founded with the exultation of the whole earth, on the north side, the city of the great king.
New American Bible
fairest of heights, the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, the heights of Zaphon, the city of the great king.
New Revised Standard Version
beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion on the slopes of the north, the city of the great King.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Mount Zion is a glorious joy in all the Earth, which is in the north slopes, the city of the great King.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
Fair in situation, the joy of the whole earth; Even mount Zion, the uttermost parts of the north, The city of the great King.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
The city of the great King is well plantedon the mountains of Sion, with the joy of the whole earth,on the sides of the north.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Broken Bondage1A song. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, His holy mountain. 2Beautifulin loftiness,the joyof allthe earth,like the peaksof Zaphonis MountZion,the cityof the greatKing.3God is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be a fortress.…
Cross References Isaiah 2:2-3In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. / And many peoples will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Hebrews 12:22Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels
Revelation 21:10And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the holy city of Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God,
Micah 4:1-2In the last days the mountain of the house of the LORD will be established as the chief of the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and the peoples will stream to it. / And many nations will come and say: “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.” For the law will go forth from Zion and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Matthew 5:14You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Isaiah 60:14The sons of your oppressors will come and bow down to you; all who reviled you will fall facedown at your feet and call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
Zechariah 8:3This is what the LORD says: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of Hosts will be called the Holy Mountain.”
Revelation 14:1Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him 144,000 who had His name and His Father’s name written on their foreheads.
Isaiah 33:20Look upon Zion, the city of our appointed feasts. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a peaceful pasture, a tent that does not wander; its tent pegs will not be pulled up, nor will any of its cords be broken.
Joel 3:17Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who dwells in Zion, My holy mountain. Jerusalem will be holy, never again to be overrun by foreigners.
Ezekiel 40:2In visions of God He took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose southern slope was a structure that resembled a city.
Psalm 87:1-3A Psalm of the sons of Korah. A song. He has founded His city on the holy mountains. / The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. / Glorious things are ascribed to you, O city of God. Selah
Isaiah 4:5Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and a glowing flame of fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a canopy,
Isaiah 27:13And in that day a great ram’s horn will sound, and those who were perishing in Assyria will come forth with those who were exiles in Egypt. And they will worship the LORD on the holy mountain in Jerusalem.
Jeremiah 31:6For there will be a day when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, ‘Arise, let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God!’”
Treasury of Scripture Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. Beautiful Psalm 50:2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined. Jeremiah 3:19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me. Lamentations 2:15 All that pass by claptheir hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem,saying, Is this the city thatmen call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth? joy Isaiah 60:15-20 Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went throughthee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations… Isaiah 66:10 Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: Ezekiel 20:6 In the daythat I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, whichis the glory of all lands: on the sides Isaiah 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: the city Psalm 47:7,8 For Godis the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding… Malachi 1:14 But cursedbe the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for Iam a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my nameis dreadful among the heathen. Matthew 5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Jump to Previous BeautifulCityEarthElevationFairFarGreatHeightsHighJoyLoftinessMountMountainNorthPartsPositionSidesSituationUtmostUttermostWholeZaphonZionJump to Next BeautifulCityEarthElevationFairFarGreatHeightsHighJoyLoftinessMountMountainNorthPartsPositionSidesSituationUtmostUttermostWholeZaphonZionPsalm 48 1.The ornaments and privileges of the churchBeautiful in loftinessThis phrase highlights the majestic and elevated nature of Mount Zion, both physically and spiritually. In biblical times, mountains were often seen as places of divine encounter and revelation. The loftiness of Zion symbolizes its spiritual significance as the dwelling place of God. This imagery is consistent with other biblical references to mountains as places of beauty and divine presence, such as Mount Sinai (Exodus 19) and the Mount of Transfiguration ( Matthew 17:1-9). The joy of all the earth
Mount Zion is depicted as a source of joy for the entire world, emphasizing its universal significance. This reflects the belief that God's presence in Zion brings blessings and joy not only to Israel but to all nations. This theme is echoed inIsaiah 2:2-3, where all nations are drawn to the mountain of the Lord. The joy associated with Zion can also be seen as a foreshadowing of the joy found in Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises to bless all nations (Galatians 3:8). Like the peaks of Zaphon
Zaphon, often associated with the north, was a region known for its high mountains and was considered a place of divine assembly in ancient Near Eastern mythology. By comparing Mount Zion to the peaks of Zaphon, the psalmist elevates Zion above other sacred sites, asserting its preeminence as the true dwelling place of the one true God. This comparison underscores the supremacy of Yahweh over other deities and highlights Zion's unique role in God's redemptive plan. Is Mount Zion
Mount Zion is a central location in biblical history, representing the city of Jerusalem and the spiritual heart of Israel. It is the site of the Temple, where God's presence dwelled among His people. Zion is often used metaphorically to represent God's kingdom and His covenant relationship with His people. In the New Testament, Zion is associated with the heavenly Jerusalem, the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises (Hebrews 12:22). The city of the great King
This phrase identifies Mount Zion as the city of God, the great King. In the Old Testament, God is frequently referred to as the King of Israel, and Jerusalem is His chosen city (Psalm 47:2). This designation points to God's sovereign rule and His establishment of Zion as His earthly throne. In a messianic context, this phrase anticipates the coming of Jesus Christ, the King of Kings, who will reign eternally from the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2-3). Persons / Places / Events 1. Mount ZionA significant hill in Jerusalem, often symbolizing the presence of God and the spiritual center of Israel. It represents God's dwelling place and is central to Jewish worship and identity. 2. ZaphonA mountain in the north, often associated with divine assembly in ancient Near Eastern mythology. It is used here metaphorically to describe the grandeur of Mount Zion. 3. The Great KingRefers to God, who is sovereign over all the earth and whose presence sanctifies Mount Zion, making it a place of joy and beauty. Teaching Points The Beauty of HolinessMount Zion's beauty is not just physical but spiritual, representing the holiness and presence of God. Believers are called to reflect this beauty in their lives through holiness and devotion. Joy in God's PresenceJust as Mount Zion is described as the joy of all the earth, Christians find true joy in the presence of God. This joy transcends circumstances and is rooted in a relationship with the Great King. God's Sovereignty and ProtectionThe imagery of Mount Zion as the city of the great King reminds believers of God's sovereign rule and His protection over His people. Trust in God's sovereignty brings peace and security. Spiritual AspirationThe comparison to Zaphon suggests a call to aspire to spiritual heights. Believers are encouraged to seek a deeper relationship with God and to elevate their spiritual lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Psalm 48:2?
2.How does Psalm 48:2 describe the beauty of God's holy mountain?
3.What does "Mount Zion" symbolize in the context of Psalm 48:2?
4.How can we apply the concept of God's beauty in our daily lives?
5.Which other scriptures highlight the significance of Mount Zion in God's plan?
6.How does Psalm 48:2 inspire us to view God's creation with reverence?
7.What does "Mount Zion" symbolize in Psalm 48:2 within a biblical context?
8.How does Psalm 48:2 reflect the historical significance of Jerusalem?
9.Why is Jerusalem described as "the joy of the whole earth" in Psalm 48:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 48?
11.Psalm 48:2: How can Jerusalem be “the joy of the whole earth” if archaeological and historical records suggest it was often besieged and destroyed?
12.What is God's Holy Mountain?
13.What is Zaphon in the Bible?
14.Why has Jerusalem suffered such great devastation and sorrow?What Does Psalm 48:2 Mean Beautiful in loftiness-Psalm 48:2 opens by lifting our eyes to Zion’s elevation: “Beautiful in loftiness.” - The phrase directs us to God’s own appraisal of the place where He chose to dwell. “From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth” (Psalm 50:2). - For Israel, the temple mount physically rose above the surrounding land; spiritually, it signified God’s majestic presence. -Isaiah 2:2 pictures “the mountain of the house of the LORD” raised above all hills, inviting the nations upward. - The literal height cues us to God’s transcendence—He is above every earthly power (Psalm 97:9).
the joy of all the earth- Zion is not only high but happy: “the joy of all the earth.” - Scripture consistently links God’s dwelling with delight. “Let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad” (Psalm 97:1) because the Lord reigns from Zion. - In future hope, all peoples will stream to Jerusalem and find gladness there (Isaiah 25:6–9;Jeremiah 3:17). - Even now, believers taste that joy in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11), looking ahead to the New Jerusalem where joy is unbroken (Revelation 21:2–4).
like the peaks of Zaphon- The verse compares Zion “like the peaks of Zaphon.” Mount Zaphon, to Israel’s north, was renowned for height and grandeur (seeIsaiah 14:13, where prideful powers dream of “mounting the heights of Zaphon”). - By likening Zion to that impressive summit, the psalmist declares Zion equal or superior to every famed mountain. - The comparison underscores God’s choice overriding human prestige. What mattered was not worldly reputation but God’s selection (Psalm 132:13).
is Mount Zion- Having described its glory, the text names it plainly: “is Mount Zion.” - Zion stood in Jerusalem, yet Scripture sometimes uses “Zion” for the entire city, at other times for the temple mount, and ultimately for God’s kingdom itself (Hebrews 12:22). -Psalm 87:2–3 reminds us, “The LORD loves the gates of Zion… Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God.” - That literal hill anchors the covenant story—from Abraham’s near-sacrifice on Moriah (Genesis 22) to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection nearby—binding redemptive history to one geographic point.
the city of the great King- Zion’s splendor culminates in its Owner: “the city of the great King.” -Psalm 47:2 hails Him as “the great King over all the earth,” and Jesus repeats the title when teaching about oaths (Matthew 5:35). - Because God dwells there, Zion is secure (Psalm 46:5) and holy (Psalm 48:1). The greatness of the King defines the greatness of the city. - This title anticipates Christ’s reign: “Great David’s greater Son” will rule from Zion, fulfilling promises of an everlasting kingdom (Luke 1:32–33;Psalm 2:6).
summaryPsalm 48:2 celebrates Mount Zion’s elevation, gladness, comparative greatness, identity, and royal Owner. Literally, Zion rose above Jerusalem as God’s chosen home; spiritually, it symbolizes the unrivaled majesty, global joy, and unshakable security found in the Lord’s presence. The verse invites every reader to behold the beauty of God’s dwelling, rejoice in His universal plan, and bow before the great King whose city can never be moved. (2) Situation.--Heb., noph.A word only found here, but explained from a cognate Arabic word to mean elevation.And this feature is quite distinctive enough of Jerusalem to lend confirmation to this explanation--"Its elevation is remarkable." (See Stanley, Sinai and Palestine,p. 170.) On the other hand, an adverbial use--highly beautifulorsupremely beautiful(comp.Lamentations 2:15, "The perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth") may be all that the poet intends. Sides of the north.--A common phrase, generally taken to mean the quarter or region of the north (seeEzekiel 38:6;Ezekiel 38:15;Ezekiel 39:2;Isaiah 14:13), but which, from the various uses of two words making it up, might meannorthern recessesorsecret recesses,according as we adopt the derived or the original meaning ofts?phon. . . . Verse 2. - Beautiful for situation; literally, for elevation; i.e. in respect of its lofty position. "Jerusalem, above all other great capitals," says Professor Cheyne, "is a mountain city." "It is a glorious burst," says Canon Tristram, "as the traveller rounds the shoulder of Mount Olivet, and the Haram wall starts up before him from the deep gorge of the Kedron, with its domes and crescents sparkling in the sunlight - a royal city" ('Land of Israel,' pp. 111, 112). The joy of the whole earth,isMount Zion (comp. Romans 2:15). The psalmist writes as a devout Israelite. To him there is nothing in the world so lovely, nothing so gladdening, as Mount Zion and the holy city seated on it. He does not mean to say that all the earth felt as he did; though he may have thought that, if men were wise, they would so feel. On the sides of the north. Professor Cheyne regards this clause as a gloss which has crept into the text. Others give a mystical interpretation founded on Isaiah 14:15. But the simplest explanation seems to be the best. Zion, the city of David, lay to the north of the temple, and abutted on the city's northern wall. The city of the great King (comp. ver. 1, "the city of our God").
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Beautifulיְפֵ֥ה(yə·p̄êh)Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3303:Fair, beautifulin loftiness,נוֹף֮(nō·wp̄)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5131:Elevation, heightthe joyמְשׂ֪וֹשׂ(mə·śō·wś)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4885:Exultation, rejoicingof allכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe earth,הָ֫אָ֥רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landlike the peaksיַרְכְּתֵ֣י(yar·kə·ṯê)Noun - fdc
Strong's 3411:Flank, side, extreme parts, recessesof Zaphronצָפ֑וֹן(ṣā·p̄ō·wn)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6828:Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter[is] Mountהַר־(har-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2022:Mountain, hill, hill countryZion,צִ֭יּוֹן(ṣî·yō·wn)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 6726:Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalemthe cityקִ֝רְיַ֗ת(qir·yaṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7151:A town, cityof the greatרָֽב׃(rāḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatKing.מֶ֣לֶךְ(me·leḵ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A king
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OT Poetry: Psalm 48:2 Beautiful in elevation the joy (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
