Psalms 89:48

What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

מִ֤י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

גֶ֣בֶר

H1397

What man

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

יִֽ֭חְיֶה

H2421

is he that liveth

to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִרְאֶה

H7200

and shall not see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

מָּ֑וֶת

H4194

death

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

יְמַלֵּ֨ט

H4422

shall he deliver

properly, to be smooth, i.e., (by implication) to escape (as if by slipperiness); causatively, to release or rescue; specifically, to bring forth youn

נַפְשׁ֖וֹ

H5315

his soul

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מִיַּד

H3027

from the hand

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#10

שְׁא֣וֹל

H7585

of the grave

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

#11

סֶֽלָה׃

H5542

Selah

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Psalms, this passage highlights worship and praise through universal language and absolute statements. 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

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?
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?
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?