Psalms 62:9
Psalms 62:9 in Multiple Translations
Lowborn men are but a vapor, the exalted but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: In the balances they will go up; They are together lighter than vanity.
Truly men of low birth are nothing, and men of high position are not what they seem; if they are put in the scales together they are less than a breath.
Ordinary people are mere breaths, while leaders are just fakes. Put them all together and weigh them on scales and they wouldn't weigh more than air!
Yet the children of men are vanitie, the chiefe men are lies: to lay them vpon a balance they are altogether lighter then vanitie.
Only — vanity [are] the low, a lie the high. In balances to go up they than vanity [are] lighter.
Surely men of low degree are just a breath, and men of high degree are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath.
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
My soul hath stuck close to thee: thy right hand hath received me.
People who are considered to be unimportant are as worthless/unreliable as a breath of air; people who are considered to be important also really ◄amount to nothing/cannot be trusted to help us►. If you put them all on a scale, it would be as if they weighed less than a puff of air.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 62:9
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 62:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בִּטְח֘וּ
ב֤/וֹ
בְ/כָל
עֵ֨ת
עָ֗ם
שִׁפְכֽוּ
לְ/פָנָ֥י/ו
לְבַבְ/כֶ֑ם
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
מַחֲסֶה
לָּ֣/נוּ
סֶֽלָה
בִּטְח֘וּ
bâṭach
H982
to trust
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
ב֤/וֹ
Prep | Suff
בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
עֵ֨ת
ʻêth
H6256
time
N-cs
עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
שִׁפְכֽוּ
shâphak
H8210
to pour
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
לְ/פָנָ֥י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
לְבַבְ/כֶ֑ם
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
מַחֲסֶה
machăçeh
H4268
refuge
N-ms
לָּ֣/נוּ
Prep | Suff
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 62:9
בִּטְח֘וּ
bâṭach
H982
"to trust"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To trust means to have confidence or faith in something or someone, like the Israelites trusting in God to lead them through the desert, as seen in Psalm 23.
Definition: 1) to trust 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to trust, trust in 1a2) to have confidence, be confident 1a3) to be bold 1a4) to be secure 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to trust, make secure 2) (TWOT) to feel safe, be careless
Usage: Occurs in 117 OT verses. KJV: be bold (confident, secure, sure), careless (one, woman), put confidence, (make to) hope, (put, make to) trust. See also: Deuteronomy 28:52; Psalms 118:8; Psalms 4:6.
ב֤/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
בְ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
עֵ֨ת
ʻêth
H6256
"time"
N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
עָ֗ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
שִׁפְכֽוּ
shâphak
H8210
"to pour"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To pour or spill something out, like blood or a liquid. In the Bible, it can mean to shed blood or to pour out one's heart in prayer or complaint. For example, in Psalm 42:4, the writer pours out his soul to God.
Definition: : pour 1) to pour, pour out, spill 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pour, pour out 1a2) to shed (blood) 1a3) to pour out (anger or heart) (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be poured out, be shed 1c) (Pual) to be poured out, be shed 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be poured out 1d2) to pour out oneself
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (up), gush out, pour (out), shed(-der, out), slip. See also: Genesis 9:6; Jeremiah 6:6; Psalms 22:15.
לְ/פָנָ֥י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
לְבַבְ/כֶ֑ם
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
אֱלֹהִ֖ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מַחֲסֶה
machăçeh
H4268
"refuge"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means a safe place to go, like a shelter from a storm. It appears in the Bible as a place of hope and trust, where people can find refuge from danger. In Psalm 71:3, God is called a rock of refuge.
Definition: 1) refuge, shelter 1a) from rain or storm, from danger 1b) of falsehood
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: hope, (place of) refuge, shelter, trust. See also: Job 24:8; Psalms 94:22; Psalms 14:6.
לָּ֣/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 62:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 62:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 62:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 62:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 62:9
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 62:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
- Sermons on Psalms 62:9
Context — Waiting on God
7My salvation and my honor rest on God, my strong rock; my refuge is in God.
8Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts before Him. God is our refuge. Selah
9Lowborn men are but a vapor; the exalted are but a lie. Weighed on the scale, they go up; together they are but a vapor.
10Place no trust in extortion or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. 11God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: that power belongs to God,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 39:5 | 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 |
| 2 | Isaiah 40:15 | Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are considered a speck of dust on the scales; He lifts up the islands like fine dust. |
| 3 | Isaiah 40:17 | All the nations are as nothing before Him; He regards them as nothingness and emptiness. |
| 4 | Psalms 118:9 | It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes. |
| 5 | Psalms 39:11 | You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity, consuming like a moth what he holds dear; surely each man is but a vapor. Selah |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 23:19–20 | Then the Ziphites came up to Saul at Gibeah and said, “Is not David hiding among us in the strongholds at Horesh, on the hill of Hachilah south of Jeshimon? Now, O king, come down whenever your soul desires, and we will be responsible for delivering him into your hand.” |
| 7 | Psalms 116:11 | In my alarm I said, “All men are liars!” |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 18:5 | So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well. |
| 9 | 1 Samuel 23:12 | So David asked, “Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me and my men into the hand of Saul?” “They will,” said the LORD. |
| 10 | Romans 3:4 | Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.” |
Psalms 62:9 Summary
[This verse teaches us that no matter who we are or what we have, we are all equal in God's eyes and will be judged by Him. Whether we are rich or poor, important or insignificant, we are all just a 'vapor' in the grand scheme of things. As it says in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14, our ultimate goal should be to fear God and keep His commandments, not to seek power or status. By trusting in God and not in our own achievements, we can find true security and significance.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'lowborn men are but a vapor' in Psalms 62:9?
This phrase means that people of humble or lowly status are fleeting and insignificant in the grand scheme of God's plan, much like the temporary nature of vapor (as seen in James 4:14).
Why are 'the exalted but a lie'?
The 'exalted' refers to those who are proud or arrogant, and the phrase suggests that their self-importance is an illusion, a false sense of security that will ultimately be revealed as empty (Proverbs 16:18, 1 Peter 5:5).
What is the significance of 'weighed on the scale' in this verse?
The image of being 'weighed on the scale' is a metaphor for judgment, suggesting that all people, regardless of their status, will be evaluated by God and found wanting, emphasizing the need for humility and trust in Him (Daniel 5:27, Romans 3:23).
How does this verse relate to my everyday life?
This verse reminds us to keep things in perspective, recognizing that all human achievements and status are temporary and ultimately insignificant, and to instead focus on our relationship with God and trust in His sovereignty (Psalms 73:25-26, Matthew 6:19-21).
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I prioritize my own status or achievements over my relationship with God, and how can I shift my focus?
- How do I respond when I feel insignificant or 'lowborn' in the eyes of others, and what does this verse teach me about my true identity in Christ?
- In what ways do I 'weigh' my own worth or the worth of others, and how can I instead trust in God's evaluation and judgment?
- What are some 'lies' or illusions that I tell myself about my own importance or self-sufficiency, and how can I replace them with the truth of God's Word?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 62:9
Surely men of low degree [are] vanity,.... Or "sons of Adam" (i); of the earthly man; of fallen Adam; one of his immediate sons was called Hebel, "vanity"; and it is true of all his sons; but here it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 62:9
Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
Vanity, i.e. most vain, impotent, and helpless creatures in themselves. This he delivers as a reason or argument to enforce his foregoing exhortation; trust in God, because there is no other person or thing to which you can safely trust. A lie, because they promise much, and raise men’ s expectations upon consideration of their great power and dignity, but are not able to perform, and generally deceive those who trust in them; in which respect lying is ascribed to a fountain, , to wine, , to the olive, , when they do not give what they promise.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
Psalms 62:9 Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.Ver. 9. Surely men of low degree are vanity] Man is a depending creature, and, like the vine, must have somewhat to lean upon; apt he is to leave God, and cleave to the creature, to make either men or means his refuge; David therefore dehorteth from both, in this and the next verse showing that men of what degree soever are in nowise to be confided in. The word rendered vanity denoteth a vain light thing, such as is the breath of one’ s mouth or a bubble on the water Men of high degree are a lie] There is no more truth nor assurance in them than in a false tale; also they frustrate men’ s hopes, as a barren fruit tree, Hebrews 3:17. They are altogether, lighter,. &c.] Put all mankind into one bundle, into one balance, and vanity into the ether, and it will weigh them down, Ut ascendant ipsi prae vanitate simul.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
(9) Are vanity.—Or, mere breath.To be laid in the balance.—Literally, in the balances to go up, which may mean in the scales they must go up, i.e., kick the beam. But a slight change in one letter gives the more probable, when weighed in the scales.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
Verse 9. Men of low degree are vanity] בני אדם beney Adam, which we here translate men of low degree, literally, sons of Adam, are put in opposition to בני איש beney ish, men of high degree, literally, the sons of substance, or children of substantial men. Adam was the name of the first man when formed out of the earth; Ish was his name when united to his wife, and they became one flesh. Before, he was the incomplete man; after, he was the complete man; for it seems, in the sight of God, it requires the male and female to make one complete human being. אנוש enosh is another name given to man, but this concerns him in his low, fallen, wretched estate: it properly signifies weak, poor, addicted, wretched man. Common men can give no help. They are vanity, and it is folly to trust in them; for although they may be willing, yet they have no ability to help you: "Rich men are a lie." They promise much, but perform nothing; they cause you to hope, but mock your expectation. To be laid to the balance] במאזנים לעלות bemozenayim laaloth, In the balances they ascend: exactly answerable to our phrase, they kick the beam. They are altogether lighter than vanity.] Literally, Both of them united are vanity, המה מהבל יחד hemmah mehebel yachad. Put both together in one scale, and truth in the opposite, and both will kick the beam. They weigh nothing, they avail nothing.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 62:9
9–12. Trust in God, I say, and not in man or in material force. God’s strength and love are the guarantee for the punishment of the wicked and the reward of the righteous.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 62:9
Surely men of low degree are vanity - literally, “vanity are the sons of Adam,” but the word Adam here is used evidently to represent men, or the race.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 62:9
9. Men of low degree… high degree—Men of all degrees, as Psalms 49:2.
Sermons on Psalms 62:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Through the Bible) 1 Samuel 1-10 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the spirit of God coming upon a person's life and anointing them. He highlights the significance of having a heart turned |
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A Spiritual Appetite by Anne Dutton | Anne Dutton preaches about the spiritual appetite bestowed upon those who belong to Christ, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit's immediate influences for spiritual unders |
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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 |
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Remember—you Are but Mortal! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life, urging listeners to reflect on the brevity of their existence as highlighted in Psalm 39:5. He challenges the audience t |
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All Shadow and Vanity by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound emptiness of worldly pursuits, echoing Solomon's declaration that all is vanity. He illustrates that the pleasures and achievements of this li |