Psalms 144:4
Psalms 144:4 in Multiple Translations
Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
Man is like to vanity: His days are as a shadow that passeth away.
Man is like a breath: his life is like a shade which is quickly gone.
Humanity is like a breath; their lives are like a passing shadow.
Man is like to vanitie: his dayes are like a shadow, that vanisheth.
Man to vanity hath been like, His days [are] as a shadow passing by.
Man is like a breath. His days are like a shadow that passes away.
Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
Generation and generation shall praise thy works: and they shall declare thy power.
The time that we live is as short as [SIM] a puff of wind; our time to live disappears like a shadow does.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 144:4
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 144:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֭דָם
לַ/הֶ֣בֶל
דָּמָ֑ה
יָ֝מָ֗י/ו
כְּ/צֵ֣ל
עוֹבֵֽר
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
לַ/הֶ֣בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
Prep | N-ms
דָּמָ֑ה
dâmâh
H1819
to resemble
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יָ֝מָ֗י/ו
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
כְּ/צֵ֣ל
tsêl
H6738
shadow
Prep | N-ms
עוֹבֵֽר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 144:4
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.
לַ/הֶ֣בֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
Prep | N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
דָּמָ֑ה
dâmâh
H1819
"to resemble"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To resemble means to compare or liken something, often used to describe a similarity. In the Bible, this word is used to make comparisons or analogies, like in the parables of Jesus where he compares the kingdom of God to everyday things.
Definition: 1) to be like, resemble 1a) (Qal) to be like, resemble 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to liken, compare 1b2) to imagine, think 1c) (Hithpael) to make oneself like 1d) (Niphal) Aramaic equivalent: de.mah (דְּמָה "be like" H1821)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: compare, devise, (be) like(-n), mean, think, use similitudes. See also: Numbers 33:56; Song of Solomon 8:14; Psalms 48:10.
יָ֝מָ֗י/ו
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
כְּ/צֵ֣ל
tsêl
H6738
"shadow"
Prep | N-ms
A shadow refers to a dark area, often providing shade or protection, like the shadow of a tree in Isaiah 4:6. It can also symbolize the fleeting nature of life, as mentioned in Psalm 102:11.
Definition: 1) shadow, shade 1a) shadow (on dial) 1b) shadow, shade (as protection) 1c) shadow (symbolic of transitoriness of life) Also means: tse.lel (צֵלֶל "shadow" H6752)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: defence, shade(-ow). See also: Genesis 19:8; Ecclesiastes 7:12; Psalms 17:8.
עוֹבֵֽר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 144:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 144:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 144:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 144:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 144:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 144:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
- Sermons on Psalms 144:4
Context — Blessed Be the LORD, My Rock
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. 6Flash forth Your lightning and scatter them; shoot Your arrows and rout them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 102:11 | My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass. |
| 2 | Psalms 39:5–6 | You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. |
| 3 | Psalms 109:23 | I am fading away like a lengthening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust. |
| 4 | Job 8:9 | For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 12:8 | “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher. “Everything is futile!” |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 14:14 | For surely we will die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life; but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him. |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 29:15 | For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. |
| 8 | Psalms 89:47 | Remember the briefness of my lifespan! For what futility You have created all men! |
| 9 | Psalms 62:9 | Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 1:2 | “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!” |
Psalms 144:4 Summary
Psalms 144:4 reminds us that human life is very short and temporary, like a breath of air that is quickly gone. Our days on earth are like a shadow that passes quickly, which is why it's essential to prioritize our relationship with God and make the most of the time we have (as seen in Psalm 90:12). By recognizing the fleeting nature of life, we can focus on what truly matters and trust God with our brief time on earth, just like the psalmist does in the surrounding verses (Psalms 144:2-3). This verse encourages us to live with eternal significance in mind, trusting in God's sovereignty and power, as expressed in Psalm 103:14-16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that man is like a breath?
This phrase, found in Psalms 144:4, highlights the fleeting nature of human life, reminding us that our time on earth is short and ephemeral, much like the breath we breathe (as seen in James 4:14, where our lives are compared to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes).
Why are man's days compared to a passing shadow?
The comparison of man's days to a passing shadow, as stated in Psalms 144:4, emphasizes the transient and temporary nature of human existence, suggesting that our lives are brief and lack permanence, similar to the way a shadow moves and changes with the sun (Psalm 102:11).
What is the significance of this verse in the context of the Psalm?
Psalms 144:4 serves as a reminder of human frailty and the brevity of life, prompting the psalmist to cry out to God for deliverance and intervention, as seen in the surrounding verses (Psalms 144:2-3, Psalms 144:5-6), and encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty and power (Psalm 103:14-16).
How can we apply this verse to our daily lives?
By recognizing the fleeting nature of human life, as expressed in Psalms 144:4, we are encouraged to prioritize our relationship with God, seek His will, and make the most of the time we have, as advised in Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5, making every moment count for His glory.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can remind myself of the brevity of life and the importance of prioritizing my relationship with God?
- How can I use the fleeting nature of human existence as a motivation to share the Gospel with others and make a lasting impact for God's kingdom?
- In what ways can I apply the truth of Psalms 144:4 to my daily decisions and actions, ensuring that I am living with eternal significance in mind?
- What are some practical steps I can take to 'make the most of the time' I have, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:16, and how can I trust God with the brevity of my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 144:4
Man is like to vanity,.... Is vanity itself, in every age, state, and condition; yea, in his best estate, Psalms 39:5; or, "to the breath" (h) of the mouth, as Kimchi; which is gone as soon as seen
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 144:4
Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
Man is like, in his nature and continuance in the world, to vanity, or to a vapour or a breath, as , which is gone in an instant. That passeth away; or, that declineth, as 109:23; that groweth less and less, till it be quite out of sight, and lost.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
Psalms 144:4 Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passeth away.Ver. 4. Man is like to vanity] See Psalms 39:6; Psalms 62:9. Adam Abelo compar est, Adam is Abel’ s mate. His days are as a shadow] Which is a mere privation, and hath no subsistence at all.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
(4) Vanity . . . shadow.—See Psalms 39:5-6; Psalms 102:11. The occasion of the introduction of these sentiments here is not quite clear. It may be the humility of the warrior who ascribes all success to God instead of to human prowess, or it may be a reflection uttered over the corpses of comrades, or, perhaps, a blending of the two.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
Verse 4. Man is like to vanity] אדם להבל דמה Adam lahebel damah, literally, Adam is like to Abel, exposed to the same miseries, accidents, and murderers; for in millions of cases the hands of brothers are lifted up to shed the blood of brothers. What are wars but fratricide in the great human family? His days are as a shadow] The life of Abel was promissory of much blessedness; but it afforded merely the shadow of happiness. He was pure and holy, beloved of his parents, and beloved of God; but, becoming the object of his brother's envy, his life became a sacrifice to his piety.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 144:4
4. vanity] Or, a breath, unsubstantial and evanescent (a different word from that in Psalms 144:8; Psalms 144:11). Cp. Psalms 39:5; Psalms 39:11; Psalms 62:9. his days &c.] Cp. Psalms 102:11; Psalms 109:23; Job 8:9; Ecclesiastes 6:12.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 144:4
Man is like to vanity - See the notes at Psalms 39:5-6; Psalms 62:9. The idea here is, that man can be compared only with that which is utterly vain - which is emptiness - which is nothing.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 144:4
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 144:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
No More Conscience of Sins by John Nelson Darby | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'passing away' (parago) in the Bible, highlighting its various senses such as leading past, leading aside, and going out of existence. Throu |
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The Worship Service: A Hindrance or a Highway for Revival by Ron Owens | The preacher delves into the concept of futility, describing it as emptiness, vanity, and purposelessness, particularly in the context of rejecting the truth about God. The futilit |
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(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 5. Psalm 102 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unique recognition of God that Jews historically have not experienced in times of suffering. The speaker emphasizes the importance of unde |
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The Story of Desmond Doss by Steve Zehr | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Desmond Doss, a man who exemplified unwavering faith and commitment to God. Desmond grew up with a strong belief in the commandment " |
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No Room for Vanity and Pride by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the fleeting nature of human achievements and the vanity of worldly success, drawing from Psalms 39 and the story of King Nebuchadnezzar. It highlights the i |
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1 Thessalonians 4:13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Resurrection to banish grief and sorrow, emphasizing that even those who have fallen asleep in Je |
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Vanities Social and Political. 4:1-16 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher reflects on the endless cycle of vanity and hopelessness that plagues humanity. He observes the oppression and suffering in the world, l |