Psalms 144:3
Psalms 144:3 in Multiple Translations
O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him?
LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
Jehovah, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him? Or the son of man, that thou makest account of him?
Lord, what is man, that you keep him in mind? or the son of man that you take him into account?
Lord, what are human beings that you should care about them? What are people that you should concern yourself with them?
Lord, what is man that thou regardest him! or the sonne of man that thou thinkest vpon him!
Jehovah, what [is] man that Thou knowest him? Son of man, that Thou esteemest him?
LORD, what is man, that you care for him? Or the son of man, that you think of him?
LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: and of his greatness there is no end.
Yahweh, we people are very insignificant/unimportant, so why ◄are you concerned/do you care about us► [RHQ]? It is amazing to me that you pay attention to humans.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 144:3
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 144:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יְֽהוָ֗ה
מָה
אָ֭דָם
וַ/תֵּדָעֵ֑/הוּ
בֶּן
אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ
וַֽ/תְּחַשְּׁבֵֽ/הוּ
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
מָה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
וַ/תֵּדָעֵ֑/הוּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
N-ms
וַֽ/תְּחַשְּׁבֵֽ/הוּ
châshab
H2803
to devise
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 144:3
יְֽהוָ֗ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מָה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
וַ/תֵּדָעֵ֑/הוּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
"human"
N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
וַֽ/תְּחַשְּׁבֵֽ/הוּ
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
Study Notes — Psalms 144:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 144:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 144:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 144:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 144:3
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 144:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
- Sermons on Psalms 144:3
Context — Blessed Be the LORD, My Rock
1Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
2He is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer. He is my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me.
3O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him?
4Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. 5Part Your heavens, O LORD, and come down; touch the mountains, that they may smoke.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 8:4 | what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? |
| 2 | Job 7:17 | What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him, |
| 3 | Hebrews 2:6 | But somewhere it is testified in these words: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? |
| 4 | Psalms 146:3–4 | Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish. |
| 5 | Job 15:14 | What is man, that he should be pure, or one born of woman, that he should be righteous? |
Psalms 144:3 Summary
This verse is a humble question from the psalmist, wondering why God would even think about humans, given how small and fragile we are. It's a recognition that God is all-powerful and we are not, and yet He still cares about us and wants a relationship with us (John 3:16). The psalmist is in awe of God's attention to humanity, and we can be too, trusting in His love and protection (Psalms 23:4). By remembering our place before God, we can cultivate a sense of humility and dependence on Him, just like the psalmist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'regard' man in Psalms 144:3?
This means that God pays attention to and cares about humanity, as seen in His creation of us in His own image (Genesis 1:27) and His desire for a personal relationship with us (John 3:16).
Why does the psalmist ask what man is in Psalms 144:3?
The psalmist is expressing humility and awe at God's attention to humanity, recognizing the vast difference between God's greatness and human smallness, as also noted in Psalms 8:3-4.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
This verse is a turning point in the psalm, shifting from praise for God's power and protection (Psalms 144:1-2) to a recognition of human frailty and dependence on God (Psalms 144:4).
What does the phrase 'son of man' mean in this context?
The phrase 'son of man' is a Hebrew idiom for humanity or a human being, emphasizing our mortal and fragile nature, as also seen in Psalms 8:4 and Ezekiel 2:1.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can cultivate a sense of humility and awe at God's attention to me, like the psalmist?
- How does recognizing my own smallness and fragility help me trust in God's power and protection?
- In what ways can I, like the psalmist, shift my focus from my own abilities to God's greatness and care for me?
- What are some practical ways I can 'regard' God in my daily life, paying attention to and caring about His presence and will?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 144:3
Lord, what [is] man, that thou takest knowledge of him?.... Man, that is at most and best but a creature, made of the dust of the earth, is but dust and ashes; yea, a sinful creature, that drinks up
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 144:3
LORD, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him! Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge (i:e., notice) of him!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
Lord, what is man he aggravates God’ s goodness to him, expressed , by the consideration of his own meanness. Though I am king over my people, yet, alas, I am but a man. a base, sinful, mortal, and miserable creature; if compared with thee, less than nothing and vanity. Takest knowledge of him, i.e. hast any care and kindness for him, as words of knowledge commonly imply in Scripture. Makest account of him; the same thing repeated in other words.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
Psalms 144:3 LORD, what [is] man, that thou takest knowledge of him! [or] the son of man, that thou makest account of him!Ver. 3. Lord, what is man?] What am I, that thou shouldest do all this for me? or, what is the strongest man alive, when such a giant as Goliath so suddenly and easily is slain by me? That thou makest account of him?] Tantus tantillos et tales, saith a Father.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
(3) See Psalms 8:4.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
Verse 3. Lord, what is man] See Clarke on Psalms 8:4; "Psalms 8:5". What is Adam, that thou approvest of him? Can he do any thing worthy of thy notice? Or the son of feeble perishing man, that thou shouldest hold him in repute? What care, love, and attention, dost thou lavish upon him!
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 144:3
3, 4. From the enthusiastic contemplation of Jehovah’s goodness the Psalmist turns to reflect upon the character of the object of it. Man’s insignificance and transitoriness enhance the marvel of God’s gracious care for him.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 144:3
Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him? - The sentiment here is the same as in Psalms 8:4, though the language is not precisely the same. See the notes at that passage.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 144:3
3, 4. Man is like to vanity—The wickedness and weakness of man are in several psalms set forth in this beautiful and impressive language.
Sermons on Psalms 144:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
When I Consider Thy Heavens, the Work of Thy Fingers by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches on the Psalmist's reflection on the greatness of God in contrast to the insignificance of man, highlighting the infinite goodness of God in caring for humanity |
|
Psalm 144 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the blessings and victories ascribed to God, imploring for the continuance of His mercies and depicting the happiness of God's people in vibrant colors. Th |
|
(Hebrews - Part 7): Inspiration and Revelation by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the question posed by King David in Psalm 8:4, "What is man that you are mindful of him?" He acknowledges that when we look at the vastness o |
|
|
(Hebrews - Part 9): What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him? by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the wickedness of mankind and how our daily conduct is evidence of our guilt. He argues that anyone who doubts the fall of man and the iniqu |
|
|
(The Chief End of Man - Part 2): A Mirror of the Almighty by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the tragic nature of the world we live in. He mentions a recent tragic incident where five children drowned in a car accident, highlighting t |
|
What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of God and highlights several characteristics of God mentioned in the scripture. He emphasizes that God is right, truth, light, li |
|
We See Jesus by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus amidst the brokenness and chaos of the world. It highlights the need to see Jesus in every situation, to maintain faith a |