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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 48:2 Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/48-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/19_Psa_048_002.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 48:2 - Broken Bondage" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/48-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/48-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/48.htm">Chapter 48</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/48-1.htm" title="Psalm 48:1">◄</a> Psalm 48:2 <a href="/psalms/48-3.htm" title="Psalm 48:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/psalms/48.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/psalms/48.htm">New International Version</a> Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. <a href="/nlt/psalms/48.htm">New Living Translation</a> It is high and magnificent; the whole earth rejoices to see it! Mount Zion, the holy mountain, is the city of the great King! <a href="/esv/psalms/48.htm">English Standard Version</a> beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. <a href="/bsb/psalms/48.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King. <a href="/kjv/psalms/48.htm">King James Bible</a> Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. <a href="/nkjv/psalms/48.htm">New King James Version</a> Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King. <a href="/nasb_/psalms/48.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King. <a href="/nasb/psalms/48.htm">NASB 1995</a> Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King. <a href="/nasb77/psalms/48.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King. <a href="/lsb/psalms/48.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion in the far north, The city of the great King. <a href="/amp/psalms/48.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Fair 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. <a href="/csb/psalms/48.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> rising splendidly, is the joy of the whole earth. Mount Zion—the summit of Zaphon— is the city of the great King. <a href="/hcsb/psalms/48.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> rising splendidly, is the joy of the whole earth. Mount Zion on the slopes of the north is the city of the great King. <a href="/asv/psalms/48.htm">American Standard Version</a> Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, Is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, The city of the great King. <a href="/cev/psalms/48.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> beautiful and majestic, brings joy to all on earth. Mount Zion, truly sacred, is home for the Great King. <a href="/erv/psalms/48.htm">English Revised Version</a> Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. <a href="/gwt/psalms/48.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Its beautiful peak is the joy of the whole earth. Mount Zion is on the northern ridge. It is the city of the great king. <a href="/gnt/psalms/48.htm">Good News Translation</a> Zion, the mountain of God, is high and beautiful; the city of the great king brings joy to all the world. <a href="/isv/psalms/48.htm">International Standard Version</a> Beautifully situated, the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion towards the north, the city of the great King. <a href="/msb/psalms/48.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Beautiful in loftiness, the joy of all the earth, like the peaks of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the great King. <a href="/net/psalms/48.htm">NET Bible</a> It 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. <a href="/nheb/psalms/48.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King. <a href="/wbt/psalms/48.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. <a href="/web/psalms/48.htm">World English Bible</a> Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the north sides, the city of the great King. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/psalms/48.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Beautiful [for] elevation, "" A joy of all the land, [is] Mount Zion, "" The sides of the north, the city of [the] great King. <a href="/ylt/psalms/48.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Beautiful for elevation, A joy of all the land, is Mount Zion, The sides of the north, the city of a great king. <a href="/slt/psalms/48.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Fair of elevation, the joy of all the earth, is mount Zion, the sides of the north, the city of the great King.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/psalms/48.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> With the joy of the whole earth is mount Sion founded, on the sides of the north, the city of the great king. <a href="/cpdv/psalms/48.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 47:3>Mount Zion is being founded with the exultation of the whole earth, on the north side, the city of the great king. <a href="/nabre/psalms/48.htm">New American Bible</a> fairest of heights, the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, the heights of Zaphon, the city of the great king. <a href="/nrsvce/psalms/48.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/psalms/48.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion on the slopes of the north, the city of the great King. <a href="/hpbt/psalms/48.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Mount Zion is a glorious joy in all the Earth, which is in the north slopes, the city of the great King.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/psalms/48.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Fair in situation, the joy of the whole earth; Even mount Zion, the uttermost parts of the north, The city of the great King. <a href="/sep/psalms/48.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> 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. <a href="/parallel/psalms/48-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=5626" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/psalms/48.htm">Broken Bondage</a> 1A 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. 2<a href="/hebrew/3303.htm" title="3303: yə·p̄êh (Adj-msc) -- Fair, beautiful. From yaphah; beautiful.">Beautiful</a> <a href="/hebrew/5131.htm" title="5131: nō·wp̄ (N-ms) -- Elevation, height. From nuwph; elevation.">in loftiness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4885.htm" title="4885: mə·śō·wś (N-msc) -- Exultation, rejoicing. From suws; delight, concretely or abstractly.">the joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">of all</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the earth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3411.htm" title="3411: yar·kə·ṯê (N-fdc) -- Flank, side, extreme parts, recesses. Feminine of yarek; properly, the flank; but used only figuratively, the rear or recess.">like the peaks</a> <a href="/hebrew/6828.htm" title="6828: ṣā·p̄ō·wn (N-fs) -- North. Or tsaphon; from tsaphan; properly, hidden, i.e. Dark; used only of the north as a quarter.">of Zaphon</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: har- (N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">is Mount</a> <a href="/hebrew/6726.htm" title="6726: ṣî·yō·wn (N-proper-fs) -- A mountain in Jer., also a name for Jer. The same as tsiyuwn; Tsijon, a mountain of Jerusalem.">Zion,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7151.htm" title="7151: qir·yaṯ (N-fsc) -- A town, city. From qarah in the sense of flooring, i.e. Building; a city.">the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: rāḇ (Adj-ms) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">of the great</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: me·leḵ (N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">King.</a> 3God is in her citadels; He has shown Himself to be a fortress.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2-3</a> In 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. <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Hebrews 12:22</a> Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to myriads of angels <a href="/revelation/21-10.htm">Revelation 21:10</a> And 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, <a href="/micah/4-1.htm">Micah 4:1-2</a> In 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. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. <a href="/isaiah/60-14.htm">Isaiah 60:14</a> The 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. <a href="/zechariah/8-3.htm">Zechariah 8:3</a> This 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.” <a href="/revelation/14-1.htm">Revelation 14:1</a> Then 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. <a href="/isaiah/33-20.htm">Isaiah 33:20</a> Look 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. <a href="/joel/3-17.htm">Joel 3:17</a> Then 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. <a href="/ezekiel/40-2.htm">Ezekiel 40:2</a> In 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. <a href="/psalms/87-1.htm">Psalm 87:1-3</a> A 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 <a href="/isaiah/4-5.htm">Isaiah 4:5</a> Then 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, <a href="/isaiah/27-13.htm">Isaiah 27:13</a> And 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. <a href="/jeremiah/31-6.htm">Jeremiah 31:6</a> For 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!’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>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<a href="/psalms/50-2.htm">Psalm 50:2</a> Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined.<a href="/jeremiah/3-19.htm">Jeremiah 3:19</a> 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.<a href="/lamentations/2-15.htm">Lamentations 2:15</a> All that pass by clap their hands at thee; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?joy<a href="/isaiah/60-15.htm">Isaiah 60:15-20</a> Whereas thou hast been forsaken and hated, so that no man went through thee, I will make thee an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations… <a href="/isaiah/66-10.htm">Isaiah 66:10</a> 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:<a href="/ezekiel/20-6.htm">Ezekiel 20:6</a> In the day that 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, which is the glory of all lands:on the sides<a href="/isaiah/14-13.htm">Isaiah 14:13</a> 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<a href="/psalms/47-7.htm">Psalm 47:7,8</a> For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding… <a href="/malachi/1-14.htm">Malachi 1:14</a> But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.<a href="/matthew/5-35.htm">Matthew 5:35</a> Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/45-11.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/psalms/48-1.htm">City</a> <a href="/psalms/47-9.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-11.htm">Elevation</a> <a href="/psalms/21-3.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/psalms/38-21.htm">Far</a> <a href="/psalms/48-1.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/42-6.htm">Heights</a> <a href="/psalms/47-9.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/47-5.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/job/40-10.htm">Loftiness</a> <a href="/psalms/42-6.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/psalms/48-1.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/job/38-36.htm">North</a> <a href="/psalms/40-8.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Position</a> <a href="/psalms/3-6.htm">Sides</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">Situation</a> <a href="/job/34-36.htm">Utmost</a> <a href="/psalms/2-8.htm">Uttermost</a> <a href="/psalms/35-10.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/judges/12-1.htm">Zaphon</a> <a href="/psalms/20-2.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/50-2.htm">Beautiful</a> <a href="/psalms/48-8.htm">City</a> <a href="/psalms/48-10.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/75-6.htm">Elevation</a> <a href="/psalms/48-13.htm">Fair</a> <a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Far</a> <a href="/psalms/49-6.htm">Great</a> <a href="/psalms/65-12.htm">Heights</a> <a href="/psalms/48-3.htm">High</a> <a href="/psalms/48-11.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/isaiah/2-11.htm">Loftiness</a> <a href="/psalms/48-11.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/psalms/48-11.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/psalms/89-12.htm">North</a> <a href="/psalms/51-6.htm">Parts</a> <a href="/psalms/62-4.htm">Position</a> <a href="/psalms/104-25.htm">Sides</a> <a href="/psalms/144-15.htm">Situation</a> <a href="/psalms/139-22.htm">Utmost</a> <a href="/psalms/65-8.htm">Uttermost</a> <a href="/psalms/51-19.htm">Whole</a> <a href="/ezekiel/47-17.htm">Zaphon</a> <a href="/psalms/48-11.htm">Zion</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 48</div>1. <a href="/psalms/48-1.htm">The ornaments and privileges of the church</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/48.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/48.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Beautiful in loftiness This 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 (<a href="/matthew/17.htm">Matthew 17:1-9</a>).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 in <a href="/isaiah/2-2.htm">Isaiah 2:2-3</a>, 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 (<a href="/galatians/3-8.htm">Galatians 3:8</a>).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 (<a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Hebrews 12:22</a>).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 (<a href="/psalms/47-2.htm">Psalm 47:2</a>). 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 (<a href="/revelation/21-2.htm">Revelation 21:2-3</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/mount_zion.htm">Mount Zion</a> A 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. <a href="/topical/z/zaphon.htm">Zaphon</a> A 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. <a href="/topical/t/the_great_king.htm">The Great King</a> Refers to God, who is sovereign over all the earth and whose presence sanctifies Mount Zion, making it a place of joy and beauty.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_beauty_of_holiness.htm">The Beauty of Holiness</a> Mount 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. <a href="/topical/j/joy_in_god's_presence.htm">Joy in God's Presence</a> Just 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. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a> The 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. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_aspiration.htm">Spiritual Aspiration</a> The 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.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_48.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 48</a> <a href="/q/why_is_jerusalem_called_'joy_of_the_earth'.htm">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? </a> <a href="/q/what_defines_fake_news.htm">What is God's Holy Mountain?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_zaphon_in_the_bible.htm">What is Zaphon in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/why_has_jerusalem_faced_such_sorrow.htm">Why has Jerusalem suffered such great devastation and sorrow?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/48.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(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 beautiful or supremely beautiful (comp. <a href="/lamentations/2-15.htm" title="All that pass by clap their hands at you; they hiss and wag their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that men call The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?">Lamentations 2:15</a>, "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 (see <a href="/ezekiel/38-6.htm" title="Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with you.">Ezekiel 38:6</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/38-15.htm" title="And you shall come from your place out of the north parts, you, and many people with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company, and a mighty army:">Ezekiel 38:15</a>; <a href="/ezekiel/39-2.htm" title="And I will turn you back, and leave but the sixth part of you, and will cause you to come up from the north parts, and will bring you on the mountains of Israel:">Ezekiel 39:2</a>; <a href="/isaiah/14-13.htm" title="For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:">Isaiah 14:13</a>), but which, from the various uses of two words making it up, might mean northern recesses or secret recesses, according as we adopt the derived or the original meaning of ts?phon. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/48.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>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, is Mount Zion (comp. <a href="/romans/2-15.htm">Romans 2:15</a>). 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 <a href="/isaiah/14-15.htm">Isaiah 14:15</a>. 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"). <a href="/commentaries/psalms/48-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Beautiful יְפֵ֥ה (yə·p̄êh) Adjective - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3303.htm">Strong's 3303: </a> Fair, beautiful in loftiness, נוֹף֮ (nō·wp̄) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5131.htm">Strong's 5131: </a> Elevation, height the joy מְשׂ֪וֹשׂ (mə·śō·wś) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4885.htm">Strong's 4885: </a> Exultation, rejoicing of all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the earth, הָ֫אָ֥רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land like the peaks יַרְכְּתֵ֣י (yar·kə·ṯê) Noun - fdc <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3411.htm">Strong's 3411: </a> Flank, side, extreme parts, recesses of Zaphron צָפ֑וֹן (ṣā·p̄ō·wn) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6828.htm">Strong's 6828: </a> Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarter [is] Mount הַר־ (har-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> Mountain, hill, hill country Zion, צִ֭יּוֹן (ṣî·yō·wn) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6726.htm">Strong's 6726: </a> Zion -- a mountain in Jerusalem, also a name for Jerusalem the city קִ֝רְיַ֗ת (qir·yaṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7151.htm">Strong's 7151: </a> A town, city of the great רָֽב׃ (rāḇ) Adjective - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great King. מֶ֣לֶךְ (me·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/psalms/48-2.htm">Psalm 48:2 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/psalms/48-2.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 48:2 Beautiful in elevation the joy (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/48-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 48:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 48:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/48-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 48:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 48:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>