Psalms 144:3
LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
Original Language Analysis
יְֽהוָ֗ה
LORD
H3068
יְֽהוָ֗ה
LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 7
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מָה
H4100
מָה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
אָ֭דָם
what is man
H120
אָ֭דָם
what is man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
3 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וַתֵּדָעֵ֑הוּ
that thou takest knowledge
H3045
וַתֵּדָעֵ֑הוּ
that thou takest knowledge
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בֶּן
of him! or the son
H1121
בֶּן
of him! or the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
Psalms 8:4What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?Job 7:17What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?Hebrews 2:6But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?Job 15:14What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
Historical Context
This question gained urgency throughout Israel's history. Why would Yahweh choose Abraham's descendants among all nations? Why deliver slaves from Egypt? Why establish David's dynasty? The answer: sovereign, electing love (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). The incarnation provides the ultimate answer: God takes knowledge of humanity by becoming human (John 1:14, Philippians 2:6-8).
Questions for Reflection
- How does contemplating human smallness and divine condescension produce both humility and security in God's love?
- What does it mean that God 'knows' humanity in the covenant sense (intimate relationship) rather than merely being aware we exist?
- How does Christ as the ultimate 'Son of Man' fulfill God's plan to exalt weak humanity to glory (Hebrews 2:9-10)?
Analysis & Commentary
Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him? (יְהוָה מָה־אָדָם וַתֵּדָעֵהוּ)—Mah-adam (what is man/humanity?) echoes Psalm 8:4 but with different emphasis. Vatteda'ehu (that you know him) uses yada (intimate, covenantal knowing), not mere awareness. Or the son of man, that thou makest account of him? (ben-enosh tachashvehu)—enosh emphasizes human frailty and mortality.
David marvels at the absurdity: the infinite, self-sufficient Creator condescends to 'make account' of mortal, frail humanity. This isn't philosophical musing but worshipful wonder. God doesn't need humanity, yet chooses covenant relationship. Hebrews 2:6-9 quotes Psalm 8:4-6, seeing ultimate fulfillment in Christ's incarnation—God made flesh, the Son of Man who tasted death for everyone.