Psalms 39:4-5

4 “Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.^[a]

Psalms 39:4-5 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 39:4-5 In-Context

2 So I remained utterly silent, not even saying anything good. But my anguish increased;

3 my heart grew hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:

4 “Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.

6 “Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.

7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.

Cross References

• 1. S Job 14:5; Psalms 90:12
• 2. S Job 14:2
• 3. S Genesis 47:9; S Job 7:7; Psalms 103:14
• 4. S Job 10:20; Psalms 89:45; Psalms 102:23
• 5. S Job 7:7; Psalms 62:9

Footnotes

• [a]. The Hebrew has "Selah" (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 11.