Psalms 103:15
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
Original Language Analysis
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
H376
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יָמָ֑יו
his days
H3117
יָמָ֑יו
his days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
3 of 7
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
כְּצִ֥יץ
as a flower
H6731
כְּצִ֥יץ
as a flower
Strong's:
H6731
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, glistening, i.e., a burnished plate; a wing (as gleaming in the air)
Cross References
1 Peter 1:24For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:Isaiah 51:12I, even I, am he that comforteth you: who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass;Isaiah 28:1Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which are on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!Nahum 1:4He rebuketh the sea, and maketh it dry, and drieth up all the rivers: Bashan languisheth, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languisheth.Isaiah 28:4And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up.
Historical Context
In Palestine's climate, grass and wildflowers grow rapidly with spring rains but wither quickly in summer heat. This familiar cycle provided a powerful metaphor for life's brevity that the original audience immediately understood.
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating life's brevity shape your priorities and use of time?
- What eternal investments are you making that will outlast your grass-like existence?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Human life is 'as grass' and flourishes 'as a flower of the field,' emphasizing transience and fragility. This botanical metaphor (used also in Isa 40:6-8, 1 Pet 1:24) contrasts human mortality with God's eternality. Days ('yamim) plural emphasizes that even accumulated years amount to brief existence. Yet Scripture values this brief life highly when lived for God's glory. Christ's resurrection promises that though our bodies are like grass, believers will receive immortal, glorious bodies (1 Cor 15:42-44).