Psalms 6:5

Authorized King James Version

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For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אֵ֣ין H369
אֵ֣ין
Strong's: H369
Word #: 2 of 8
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
בַּמָּ֣וֶת For in death H4194
בַּמָּ֣וֶת For in death
Strong's: H4194
Word #: 3 of 8
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
זִכְרֶ֑ךָ there is no remembrance H2143
זִכְרֶ֑ךָ there is no remembrance
Strong's: H2143
Word #: 4 of 8
a memento, abstractly recollection (rarely if ever); by implication, commemoration
בִּ֝שְׁא֗וֹל of thee in the grave H7585
בִּ֝שְׁא֗וֹל of thee in the grave
Strong's: H7585
Word #: 5 of 8
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
מִ֣י H4310
מִ֣י
Strong's: H4310
Word #: 6 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יֽוֹדֶה who shall give thee thanks H3034
יֽוֹדֶה who shall give thee thanks
Strong's: H3034
Word #: 7 of 8
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
לָּֽךְ׃ H0
לָּֽךְ׃
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 8

Analysis & Commentary

This verse reflects Old Testament understanding of death as separation from active worship. The Hebrew 'sheol' (grave) was conceived as the realm of the dead where conscious praise ceased. David's argument is not that the dead cease to exist but that they cannot fulfill worship's purpose on earth. This motivates his plea for life - so he can continue glorifying God. While we now understand fuller resurrection hope through Christ, the principle remains: God is glorified through our active worship and witness in this life.

Historical Context

Pre-resurrection Jewish theology viewed Sheol as a shadowy existence where God was not actively praised. This wasn't full theology of afterlife but reflected limited Old Testament revelation. Jesus's resurrection revolutionized this understanding, revealing conscious existence after death and bodily resurrection. Yet even now, our earthly witness for God has unique value.

Questions for Reflection