Psalms 39:6
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ
H389
בְּצֶ֤לֶם׀
in a vain shew
H6754
בְּצֶ֤לֶם׀
in a vain shew
Strong's:
H6754
Word #:
2 of 12
a phantom, i.e., (figuratively) illusion, resemblance; hence, a representative figure, especially an idol
יִֽתְהַלֶּךְ
walketh
H1980
יִֽתְהַלֶּךְ
walketh
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 12
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
אִ֗ישׁ
Surely every man
H376
אִ֗ישׁ
Surely every man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 12
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)
אַךְ
H389
הֶ֥בֶל
in vain
H1892
הֶ֥בֶל
in vain
Strong's:
H1892
Word #:
6 of 12
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
יֶהֱמָי֑וּן
surely they are disquieted
H1993
יֶהֱמָי֑וּן
surely they are disquieted
Strong's:
H1993
Word #:
7 of 12
to make a loud sound (like english 'hum'); by implication, to be in great commotion or tumult, to rage, war, moan, clamor
וְֽלֹא
H3808
וְֽלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 12
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵדַ֥ע
riches and knoweth
H3045
יֵדַ֥ע
riches and knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
10 of 12
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 2:26For God giveth to a man that is good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to him that is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit.Ecclesiastes 12:13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.Ecclesiastes 5:14But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.1 Corinthians 7:31And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.James 4:14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.Isaiah 55:2Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.Proverbs 13:22A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.Ecclesiastes 12:8Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.Luke 12:29And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.1 Peter 5:7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Historical Context
David wrote from the perspective of Israel's wealthiest king who had accumulated immense riches (1 Chronicles 29:3-5). Yet even his vast wealth couldn't purchase more time or ultimate meaning. Solomon, his son, would inherit the wealth and expand these themes in Ecclesiastes, demonstrating that even royal wisdom and resources cannot overcome life's fundamental brevity.
Questions for Reflection
- In what areas of your life are you 'walking in a vain show'—going through motions without substance or eternal purpose?
- How does the certainty that someone else will gather what you accumulate change your priorities today?
- What would it look like to exchange frantic, futile 'disquiet' for restful focus on the things that matter eternally?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Surely every man walketh in a vain shew—The Hebrew aḵ-bəṣelem yithallēḵ-'îsh (אַךְ־בְּצֶלֶם יִתְהַלֶּךְ־אִישׁ) literally means "only in an image walks man." The word ṣelem (צֶלֶם, image/shadow) is the same used in Genesis 1:27 for humanity made in God's image, but here it suggests phantom or mere appearance. David's point is devastating: human life, for all its busyness, is as insubstantial as a shadow. The verb hālaḵ (walk/go about) describes daily activity, yet it's all a vain shew—empty appearance without substance.
Surely they are disquieted in vain (aḵ-heḇel yehemāyûn, אַךְ־הֶבֶל יֶהֱמָיוּן)—Heḇel (הֶבֶל, vanity/vapor) is the key word in Ecclesiastes, meaning breath, vapor, or futility. The verb hāmāh means to be in tumult, roar, or agitate—like waves crashing. Humanity rushes about in frantic activity, yet it's all in vain, producing nothing of lasting value. He heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them—This echoes Ecclesiastes 2:18-21. The participle ṣōḇēr (צֹבֵר, heaps up) suggests accumulating wealth with great effort, yet total ignorance of who will ultimately benefit.
This verse cuts to the heart of existential emptiness apart from God. All human striving—unless rooted in eternal purpose—is vapor. Jesus would later warn against laying up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21) and tell the parable of the rich fool who accumulated much but died that night (Luke 12:16-21). Only what's done for God's kingdom has permanence; everything else is shadow-walking.