King James Version
What Does Psalms 39:5 Mean?
“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”
Context
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
7
And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **Handbreadth.**—Better, *some spans long. *The plural without the article having this indefinite sense.
**Mine age.**—Literally, *duration. *(See Psalm 17:14.) The LXX. and Vulg. have “substance.”
**Before thee.**—Since in God’s sight “one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” “If nature is below any perception of time, God, at the other extremity of being, is above it. God includes time without being affected by it, and time includes nature, which is unaware of it. He too completely transcends it, his works are too profoundly subject to it, to be otherwise than indifferent to its lapse. But we stand at an intermediate point, and bear affinity with both extremes” (J. Martineau, *Hours of Thought*)*.*
**Verily every man** **. . .**—Better, *nothing but breath is every man at his best. *(Literally, *though standing firm.*) Comp.
“Reason thus with life—
If I do lose thee, I do lose a thing
That none but fools would keep; a breath thou art.
SHAKESPEARE: *Measure for Measure.*
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 39:5 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 39:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge