King James Version
What Does Psalms 88:11 Mean?
“Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?”
Psalms 88:11 · KJV
Context
9
Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction: LORD, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee.
10
Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
11
Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? or thy faithfulness in destruction?
12
Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13
But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryShall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave? (הַיְסֻפַּר בַּקֶּבֶר חַסְדֶּךָ, hayesupar bakever chasdekha)—The word chesed (חֶסֶד) is God's covenant loyalty, faithful love, the very essence of His character toward His people. Can this chesed be recounted, declared, proclaimed among the dead? The psalmist assumes not—death silences testimony. Or thy faithfulness in destruction? (אֱמוּנָתְךָ בָּאֲבַדּוֹן, emunatekha ba-avadon)—Abaddon means destruction, ruin, perdition, used as a name for the realm of the dead (Job 26:6; Proverbs 15:11).
The irony is profound: the psalmist questions whether God's faithfulness can be known in the place of destruction, yet he is experiencing that very destruction now while still alive. His situation feels like Abaddon already. Still, the New Testament reveals that Christ descended into destruction itself, proclaiming victory even to the spirits in prison (1 Peter 3:19), demonstrating that God's chesed reaches even to the grave.
The irony is profound: the psalmist questions whether God's faithfulness can be known in the place of destruction, yet he is experiencing that very destruction now while still alive. His situation feels like Abaddon already. Still, the New Testament reveals that Christ descended into destruction itself, proclaiming victory even to the spirits in prison (1 Peter 3:19), demonstrating that God's chesed reaches even to the grave.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Abaddon appears six times in the Old Testament, always referring to the realm of the dead. Revelation 9:11 personifies it as "the angel of the bottomless pit." The ancient Israelite understanding that death ended the declaration of God's faithfulness made earthly life precious—every day was an opportunity to testify to God's chesed that would be lost at death.
Reflection Questions
- How does knowing that God's <em>chesed</em> (steadfast love) reaches even to the grave change your perspective on death?
- When life circumstances feel like "destruction," how can you still declare God's lovingkindness?
- In what ways does Christ's descent to the dead demonstrate the extent of God's faithfulness?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsהַיְסֻפַּ֣ר1 of 5
“be declared”
H5608properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra
חַסְדֶּ֑ךָ3 of 5
“Shall thy lovingkindness”
H2617kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
אֱ֝מֽוּנָתְךָ֗4 of 5
“or thy faithfulness”
H530literally firmness; figuratively security; morally fidelity
Study Guide
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 88:11 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 88:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge