Psalms 48

1 A psalm of a canticle, for the sons of Core, on the second day of the week. Great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

A Psalm of praise for the sons of Core on the second [day] of the week. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in his holy mountain.

2 With the joy of the whole earth is mount Sion founded, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king.

The city of the great King is well planted [on] the mountains of Sion, with the joy of the whole earth, [on] the sides of the north.

3 In her houses shall God be known, when he shall protect her.

God is known in her palaces, when he undertakes to help her.

4 For behold the kings of the earth assembled themselves: they gathered together.

For, behold the kings of the earth were assembled, they came together.

5 So they saw, and they wondered, they were troubled, they were moved:

They saw, and so they wondered: they were troubled, they were moved.

6 Trembling took hold of them. There were pains as of a woman in labour.

Trembling took hold on them: there were the pangs as of a woman in travail.

7 With a vehement wind thou shalt break in pieces the ships of Tharsis.

You will break the ships of Tharsis with a vehement wind.

8 As we have heard, so have we seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God hath founded it for ever.

As we have heard, so have we also seen, in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God: God has founded it for ever. (Pause)

9 We have received thy mercy, O God, in the midst of thy temple.

We have thought of your mercy, O God, in the midst of your people.

10 According to thy name, O God, so also is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of justice.

According to your name, O God, so is also your praise to the ends of the earth: your right hand is full of righteousness.

11 Let mount Sion rejoice, and the daughters of Juda be glad; because of thy judgments, O Lord.

Let mount Sion rejoice, let the daughters of Judaea exult, because of your judgements, O Lord.

12 Surround Sion, and encompass her: tell ye in her towers.

Go round about Sion, and encompass her: tell you her towers.

13 Set your hearts on her strength; and distribute her houses, that ye may relate it in another generation.

Mark you well her strength, and observe her palaces; that you may tell the next generation.

14 For this is God, our God unto eternity, and for ever and ever: he shall rule us for evermore.

For this is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide for evermore.