Psalms 103:16
Psalms 103:16 in Multiple Translations
when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; And the place thereof shall know it no more.
The wind goes over it and it is gone; and its place sees it no longer.
but then the wind blows and we are gone, disappearing without a trace.
For the winde goeth ouer it, and it is gone, and the place thereof shall knowe it no more.
For a wind hath passed over it, and it is not, And its place doth not discern it any more.
For the wind passes over it, and it is gone. Its place remembers it no more.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and its place shall know it no more.
The trees of the field shall be filled, and the cedars of Libanus which he hath planted:
but then the hot wind blows over them, and they disappear; no one sees them again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 103:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 103:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
ר֣וּחַ
עָֽבְרָה
בּ֣/וֹ
וְ/אֵינֶ֑/נּוּ
וְ/לֹא
יַכִּירֶ֖/נּוּ
ע֣וֹד
מְקוֹמֽ/וֹ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
עָֽבְרָה
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
בּ֣/וֹ
Prep | Suff
וְ/אֵינֶ֑/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Conj | Part | Suff
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יַכִּירֶ֖/נּוּ
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
ע֣וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
מְקוֹמֽ/וֹ
mâqôwm
H4725
place
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 103:16
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
עָֽבְרָה
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
בּ֣/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/אֵינֶ֑/נּוּ
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Conj | Part | Suff
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יַכִּירֶ֖/נּוּ
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
ע֣וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
מְקוֹמֽ/וֹ
mâqôwm
H4725
"place"
N-ms | Suff
Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.
Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of
Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.
Study Notes — Psalms 103:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 103:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
- Sermons on Psalms 103:16
Context — Bless the LORD, O My Soul
14For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.
15As for man, his days are like grass— he blooms like a flower of the field;
16when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.
17But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children— 18to those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 40:7 | The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. |
| 2 | Job 20:9 | The eye that saw him will see him no more, and his place will no longer behold him. |
| 3 | Job 14:10 | But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he? |
| 4 | Genesis 5:24 | Enoch walked with God, and then he was no more, because God had taken him away. |
| 5 | Job 7:6–10 | My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope. Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness. The eye that beholds me will no longer see me. You will look for me, but I will be no more. As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come back up. He never returns to his house; his place remembers him no more. |
| 6 | Job 8:18–19 | If he is uprooted from his place, it will disown him, saying, ‘I never saw you.’ Surely this is the joy of his way; yet others will spring from the dust. |
| 7 | Job 27:20–21 | Terrors overtake him like a flood; a tempest sweeps him away in the night. The east wind carries him away, and he is gone; it sweeps him out of his place. |
Psalms 103:16 Summary
[Psalms 103:16 is a reminder that our lives are short and can be taken away quickly, like the wind blowing over a field of grass. This verse encourages us to trust in God's enduring love, which lasts from everlasting to everlasting (Psalms 103:17), and to make the most of the time we have, knowing that our legacy of faith can outlast us (Psalms 103:18). By keeping things in perspective and focusing on what truly lasts, we can live our lives with purpose and meaning, and trust in God's plan to give us hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the wind to pass over and a thing to vanish in Psalms 103:16?
This phrase is a metaphor that describes the fleeting nature of human life, emphasizing how quickly it can be taken away, much like the grass that withers in the wind, as seen in Isaiah 40:7-8.
Is this verse saying that our lives have no lasting impact?
While our physical bodies may return to dust, as stated in Genesis 3:19, the legacy of our faith and the impact of our lives can have a lasting effect on future generations, as mentioned in Psalms 103:17-18.
How can we find comfort in a verse that talks about the impermanence of life?
We can find comfort in knowing that despite the fleeting nature of human life, God's love and devotion endure from everlasting to everlasting, as stated in Psalms 103:17, and that He has a plan to give us hope and a future, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11.
What does it mean for a place to 'remember it no more'?
This phrase suggests that once something or someone is gone, it can be completely forgotten by the world, but not by God, who remembers and cares for His people, as seen in Isaiah 49:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I can make the most of the time I have, knowing that my life is fleeting like the grass?
- How can I trust in God's enduring love and devotion, even when faced with the impermanence of life?
- In what ways can I leave a lasting legacy of faith for future generations, despite the fact that my physical body will one day return to dust?
- What are some things in my life that I am holding onto too tightly, and how can I learn to let go, knowing that they are temporary and fleeting?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:16
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone,.... A stormy wind, as the Targum, which tears it up by its roots, or blows off the flower, and it is seen no more; or a blighting easterly wind, which,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:16
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
A blasting or stormy wind bloweth upon it, and there is no more any appearance nor remembrance of it in the place where it stood and flourished.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
Psalms 103:16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.Ver. 16. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone] Heb. it is not; that is, it neither continues any longer in being nor returns any more into being: so here, Job 14:7-12. And the place thereof shall know it no more] Though, while it stood and flourished, the place of it seemed as it were to know nothing but it, the glory and beauty of it drew all eyes to it, &c. Think the same of men in their flourish, soon forgotten, as dead men out of mind, Psalms 31:12.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
(16) The wind—i.e., the hot, scorching blast, as in Isaiah 40:7. Even in our humid climate, it may be said of a flower— “If one sharp wind sweep o’er the field, It withers in an hour.” But the pestilential winds of the East are described as bringing a heat like that of an oven, which immediately blasts every green thing. Know it no more.—Comp. Job 7:10. Man vanishes away without leaving a trace behind. The pathos of the verse has been well caught in the well-known lines of Gray:— “One morn I missed him on the accustomed hill, Along the heath, and near his favourite tree: Another came, nor yet beside the rill, Nor up the lawn, nor at the wood was he.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
Verse 16. The wind passeth over it] Referring perhaps to some blasting pestilential wind.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:16
16. The verse may refer to the withering of the flower (A.V.), but it is more poetical to understand it metaphorically of the disappearance of the man. For a wind passeth over him, and he is not, And his place shall know him no more. “The east wind, blowing over the desert in summer, is dry and parching, and withers up all vegetation.” Tristram, Nat. Hist. p. 34. Cp. Hosea 13:15. The second line is from Job 7:10; cp. Job 8:18, Job 20:9.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:16
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone - Margin, as in Hebrew, “it is not.” The reference is either to a hot and burning wind, that dries up the flower; or to a furious wind that tears it from
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:16
16. The wind passeth over it—The allusion is to the east and southeast winds, which, coming from the hot desert of Arabia, pass over Palestine with vehemence, destroying life, withering grass and
Sermons on Psalms 103:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Spirit in Creation by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan explores the profound role of the Holy Spirit in creation, emphasizing that His generative work is often overlooked compared to His regenerative role. He illustr |
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1 Corinthians 12:1-2 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding spiritual gifts and the manifestation of the Spirit, emphasizing the diversity of gifts given by the same Spirit for |
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Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker |
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(Hebrews - Part 38): Heroes of Faith by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God and understanding His high expectations for us. He encourages the audience to put away sin, separate them |
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(Hebrews - Part 33): By Faith Enoch by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Enoch from the Bible and highlights five key lessons that can be learned from his life. The first lesson is that without faith, |
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(Hebrews - Part 34): Noah Dared to Believe God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing how some people are easily moved to tears and love stories. He shares a story about a faithful dog who went out in a storm to brin |
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(The Last Days) Faith That Overcomes Fear by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared for the future, focusing on the significance of prophecy in directing and guiding people. It highlights the need to walk wit |