King James Version
What Does Psalms 39:4 Mean?
“LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. how: or, what time I have here”
Context
2
I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. stirred: Heb. troubled
3
My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue,
4
LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. how: or, what time I have here
5
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. at: Heb. settled
6
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them. a vain: Heb. an image
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) Rhythmically and from every other reason the psalm onward from this verse must be treated as the utterance to which the poet’s feelings have at length driven him.
**How frail I am.**—This is to be preferred to the margin, which follows the LXX. and Vulg. The Hebrew word, from a root meaning to “leave off,” though in Isaiah 53:3 it means “forsaken,” here, as in Ezekiel 3:27, is active, and implies “ceasing to live.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 39:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 39:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge