Psalms 103:16
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ר֣וּחַ
For the wind
H7307
ר֣וּחַ
For the wind
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
2 of 9
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
עָֽבְרָה
passeth over
H5674
עָֽבְרָה
passeth over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
3 of 9
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ
H369
וְלֹא
H3808
וְלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַכִּירֶ֖נּוּ
thereof shall know
H5234
יַכִּירֶ֖נּוּ
thereof shall know
Strong's:
H5234
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
Cross References
Isaiah 40:7The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.Job 20:9The eye also which saw him shall see him no more; neither shall his place any more behold him.Job 14:10But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?
Historical Context
The hot sirocco winds from the desert could destroy vegetation in hours. Ancient peoples lived closer to nature and death, making these metaphors viscerally meaningful rather than merely poetic abstractions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does acknowledging your mortality inform your daily decisions and relationships?
- What difference does resurrection hope make in how you face death?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The wind (ruach) passes over the flower, and 'it is gone' with 'the place thereof knowing it no more.' This extends the grass metaphor, emphasizing how quickly life ends and is forgotten. Yet this sobering reality isn't the psalm's conclusion but its foil for God's everlasting mercy (v.17). The Reformed understanding of mortality recognizes death's reality while affirming resurrection hope. Christ conquered death (1 Cor 15:54-57), ensuring believers aren't ultimately 'gone' but live eternally.