Psalms 89:47

Authorized King James Version

Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?

Word-by-Word Analysis

זְכָר

H2142

Remember

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֲנִ֥י

H589

מֶה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

חָ֑לֶד

H2465

how short

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

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

שָּׁ֝֗וְא

H7723

in vain

evil (as destructive), literally (ruin) or morally (especially guile); figuratively idolatry (as false, subjective), uselessness (as deceptive, object

בָּרָ֥אתָ

H1254

my time is wherefore hast thou made

(absolutely) to create; (qualified) to cut down (a wood), select, feed (as formative processes)

כָל

H3605

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

#10

בְּנֵי

H1121

all men

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

אָדָֽם׃

H120

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

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

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?
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?
How does the worship and praise theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?