Psalm 144:4

Blessed Be the LORD, My Rock · Psalm 144:1–15
Read Psalm 144

Translations

Modern
Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
Traditional
Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
Literal
Man is like a breath; his days are like a shadow passing by.
Latin
Homo vanitati similis factus est; dies ejus sicut umbra prætereunt.

Original

Hebrew
English
Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

Notes

what is man: The same question in Psalm 8:4–6 leads to the answer that humans are only mortal (they do not live forever), yet God gives them honor and responsibility to rule.

The psalmist focuses on how brief and fragile human life is. He describes it as temporary and passing quickly (see Psalms 90:3, 7–10; 102:11; 109:23; 146:4).

This lament begins with an exclamation of love for the Lord. The community then reflects on the temporary nature of life (Psalm 144:3–4). The psalmist asks for God's help and anticipates victory (Psalm 144:5–11).

A new song (Psalm 144:9–10) and a prayer for rescue (144:11) introduce the theme of the Lord’s blessings through his care and protection (Psalm 144:12–15).

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

Theme notes and profiles

David All Is “Vapor” Royal Psalms Wisdom Psalms

Glossary

Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Death: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Humility: Exemplified Life: Brevity and Uncertainty of Man: Compared to Vanity Man: Insignificance of Vanity: Man is Like To Vanity: Man is Similar To