Psalms 39:5

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הִנֵּ֤ה

H2009

lo!

טְפָח֨וֹת׀

H2947

as an handbreadth

a spread of the hand, i.e., a palm-breadth (not 'span' of the fingers); architecturally, a corbel (as a supporting palm)

נָ֘תַ֤תָּה

H5414

Behold thou hast made

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

יָמַ֗י

H3117

my days

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

וְחֶלְדִּ֣י

H2465

and mine age

life (as a fleeting portion of time); hence, the world (as transient)

כְאַ֣יִן

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

נֶגְדֶּ֑ךָ

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

אַ֥ךְ

H389

a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only

כָּל

H3605

is altogether

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

הֶ֥בֶל

H1892

vanity

emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb

#11

כָּל

H3605

is altogether

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#12

אָ֝דָ֗ם

H120

man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#13

נִצָּ֥ב

H5324

at his best state

to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively)

#14

סֶֽלָה׃

H5542

Selah

suspension (of music), i.e., pause

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Psalms.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about worship and praise?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of the progressive revelation of God's purposes throughout Scripture, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?