Psalms 144:4 — Word Study
WLCאָ֭דָם לַהֶ֣בֶל דָּמָ֑ה יָ֝מָ֗יו כְּצֵ֣ל עוֹבֵֽר׃
BSA◂Manʼâdâm [a human being, like Adam] is likedâmâh■ [resembles, comparable to] a breathhebel [vanity, a mere puff of air] his daysyôwm [the time of his life, a span of years] are like a passingʻâbar [similar to, akin to, fleeting, transitory] shadowtsêl [a dark image, a fleeting presence]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אָ֭דָם | humankind | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| לַהֶ֣בֶל | to breath | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| דָּמָ֑ה | he is like | Verb, Qal, perfect third person masculine singular |
| יָ֝מָ֗יו | days his | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| כְּצֵ֣ל | [are] like a shadow | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| עוֹבֵֽר׃ | passing | Verb, Qal, participle (active) masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. |
| KJV | Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away. |
| ASV | Man is like to vanity: His days are as a shadow that passeth away. |
| YLT | Man to vanity hath been like, His days [are] as a shadow passing by. |
| WEB | Man is like a breath. His days are like a shadow that passes away. |
| BBE | Man is like a breath: his life is like a shade which is quickly gone. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of לַהֶ֣בֶל — see How Translations Differ.
The verse consists of a main clause followed by a comparative phrase, highlighting the transient nature of human existence.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectאָדָם
verbדָּמָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Psalms 144:4
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Meditation on Human Frailtygenerated
Psalms 144:4 reflects on the nature of humanity, portraying it as ephemeral and insubstantial. The psalmist contemplates the significance of man in the grand scheme of creation, recognizing that even though humans are created in the image of God, their existence is fleeting. This theme resonates with other biblical passages, such as Psalm 39:5–6, which also emphasizes the brevity of life.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 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 |
| 2 | Psalm 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. |
| 3 | Psalm 89:47 | Remember the briefness of my lifespan! For what futility You have created all men! |
| 4 | Job 4:19 | how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth! |
| 5 | Job 14:1–3 | “Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 14 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אָ֭דָם, 'A.domgenerated
The word אָדָם ('adam) is a common noun referring to humankind, encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is derived from the root meaning 'to be red,' which is often associated with the earth, as Adam was created from the dust of the ground.
In this verse, it emphasizes the fragility and temporary nature of human life, likening it to a breath. The parsing indicates it is a masculine singular noun, underscoring the individual aspect of humanity while also representing mankind collectively.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree on the rendering of אָדָם as 'man' or 'humankind'.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb דָּמָ֑ה, he is like, governs the structure of the verse, linking the subject אָ֭דָם with the two comparisons that follow: a breath and a shadow. The sentence structure highlights the transient nature of human life through these vivid metaphors.
The prepositional phrase כְּצֵ֣ל introduces the second comparison, reinforcing the idea of life's fleeting quality. The arrangement of these elements emphasizes the psalmist's reflection on mortality.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, אָדָם is rendered as ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos), which also means 'man' or 'human being.' This choice maintains the focus on humanity's nature.
The translation of לַהֶ֣בֶל as ματαιότητι (mataiotēti), meaning 'vanity,' reinforces the concept of life's emptiness and transience.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Psalms 144:4 compares humanity to a breath and a shadow, emphasizing how quickly life passes. The psalmist reflects on the nature of man, recognizing that human existence is fleeting and insubstantial.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies the fleeting and insubstantial nature of human life, suggesting that our existence is temporary and fragile.
A shadow represents something that is not permanent; it highlights how quickly time passes and how life can be elusive.
This verse resonates with other scriptures that discuss the brevity of life, such as Psalm 39:5, which also emphasizes the temporary nature of human existence.
The imagery of breath and shadow serves to remind readers of the transitory nature of life and encourages reflection on the importance of how we live our days.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I see the fleeting nature of life reflected in my own experiences?
- How can I make the most of the time I have, knowing that life is like a passing shadow?
- What does it mean for me to recognize my own mortality in light of this verse?
- How can I encourage others to reflect on the significance of their lives in the context of eternity?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early Church Fathers, such as Augustine, referenced this verse to discuss the nature of humanity and the fleeting quality of life.
"Man is made like vanity: his days pass away like a shadow" [Psalms 144:4]. What vanity? Time, which passes on, and flows by.Early Church Fathers on Psalms 144 →
But if this anomalous state of things were uniform in this life, in which, as the sacred Psalmist says, “Man is like to vanity,Early Church Fathers on Psalms 144 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Psalms 144:4 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleMan 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
Read John Gill on Psalms 144 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryMan is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
Read Robert Jamieson on Psalms 144 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleMan 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.
Read Matthew Poole on Psalms 144 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsPsalms 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.
Read John Trapp on Psalms 144 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Psalms 144 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 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.
Read AdamClarke on Psalms 144 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges4. 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.
Read Cambridge on Psalms 144 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleMan 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.
Read Albert Barnes on Psalms 144 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
Man is like a breath. His days are like a shadow that passes away.
Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
People are like a vapor, their days like a shadow that disappears.
Tyndale line
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 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 to vanitie: his dayes are like a shadow, that vanisheth.
Strictly literal
Man is like to vanity; his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
Man to vanity hath been like, His days [are] as a shadow passing by.
Man has been like a breath, || His days [are] as a shadow passing by.
Man is like the breath: his days are like a passing shadow.
Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.
From the Latin
Generation and generation shall praise thy works: and they shall declare thy power.
Simplified
Humanity is like a breath; their lives are like a passing shadow.
Man is like a breath: his life is like a shade which is quickly gone.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Psalms 144:4 reads, "אָדָם לַהֶבֶל דָּמָה יָמָיו כְּצֵל עוֹבֵר," which translates to "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text, matching all six words in a word-by-word correspondence, though the word order and articles differ due to the nature of Greek syntax. The Dead Sea Scrolls (11Q5) also align with the Masoretic Text, preserving the same six words: "אדם להבל דמה וימי׳ו כצל עובר." Therefore, all ancient witnesses agree on the wording and meaning of this verse, affirming the transitory nature of human life.
אָ֭דָם לַהֶ֣בֶל דָּמָ֑ה יָ֝מָ֗יו כְּצֵ֣ל עוֹבֵֽר׃
6 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
אדם להבל דמה וימי׳ו כצל עובר
6 words on the leather.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Psalms 144:4
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אָדָם (adam) refers to 'man' or 'mankind,' encompassing both individual humans and the species as a whole. It is also the name of the first man in the Bible, Adam, who is mentioned in various verses, including Genesis 2:19. The term can denote a city in the Jordan valley as well. The entries indicate a range of meanings, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
אָדָם 560 n.m. Gn 1:27 man, mankind
a man = human being
coll. man, mankind
n.pr.m. Adam, first man (without art.)
n.pr.loc. city in Jordan valley (as built?)
base
H120 אָדָם man, mankind . a man = human being
. coll. man, mankind
120 'adam aw-dawm'
from 119; ruddy i.e. a human being (an individual or the
species, mankind, etc.):--X another, + hypocrite, + common
sort, X low, man (mean, of low degree), person.
see HEBREW for 0119
אָדָם (a.dam) — man.
1) man, mankind
1a) man, human being
1b) man, mankind (much more frequently intended sense in OT)
1c) Adam, first man
1d) city in Jordan valley
אָדָם (a.dam) — the man (Adam).
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
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
הֶ֫בֶל (hevel) refers to vapour or breath, and is often associated with concepts of emptiness or vanity, indicating something transitory and unsatisfactory. The word can function as an adverb meaning 'vainly.' It is derived from a root meaning 'to breathe' and appears in contexts discussing the fleeting nature of life.
הֶ֫בֶל 73 n.m. vapour, breath
base
H1892 הֶ֫בֶל vapour, breath
1892 hebel heh'bel
or (rarely in the abs.) habel {hab-ale'}; from 1891;
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and
unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb:--X altogether, vain,
vanity.
see HEBREW for 01891
הֶ֫בֶל (he.vel) — vanity.
1) vapour, breath
1a) breath, vapour
1b) vanity (fig.)
adv
2) vainly
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
דָּמָה (damah) is a primitive root meaning to be like or resemble. It encompasses the ideas of comparing, imagining, and devising, with various forms indicating different nuances such as making oneself like or considering something to be similar. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts of likeness and comparison.
דָּמָה vb. be like, resemble
Qal be like, resemble
Pi. liken, compare; imagine, think, devise
liken, i.e. consider to be like, compare
imagine, form an idea, devise
Hithp. make oneself or become like
base
H1819 דָּמָה be like, resemble .be like, resemble
. liken, compare; imagine, think, devise . liken, i.e. consider to be like, compare
. imagine, form an idea, devise
. make oneself or become like
1819 damah daw-maw'
a primitive root; to compare; by implication, to resemble,
liken, consider:--compare, devise, (be) like(-n), mean, think,
use similitudes.
דָּמָה (da.mah) — to resemble.
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)
V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Verb · Qal · perfect third person masculine singularHVqp3ms
יוֹם (yowm) means 'day' and refers to a division of time, contrasting with night. It can denote a literal 24-hour period, a general time span, or even a year. The term is used in various contexts, including the 'day of Yahweh,' which signifies a time of divine judgment. It also appears in phrases indicating temporal references like today, yesterday, and tomorrow.
יוֹם 2285 n.m. day
day, opp. night
Day as division of time
יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous
Pl. days of anyone
Days
יוֹם = time
Phrases
base
H3117 יוֹם day . day, opp. night
. Day as division of time
. יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous
. Pl. days of anyone
. Days
. יוֹם = time
. Phrases
3117 yowm yome
from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm
hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one
sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by
an associated term), (often used adverb):--age, + always, +
chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to)
day, (now a, two) days (agone), + elder, X end, + evening, +
(for) ever(-lasting, -more), X full, life, as (so) long as
(... live), (even) now, + old, + outlived, + perpetually,
presently, + remaineth, X required, season, X since, space,
then, (process of) time, + as at other times, + in trouble,
weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), X whole
(+ age), (full) year(-ly), + younger.
יוֹם (yom) — day.
: 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
יוֹם (yom) — day: old.
: old/(full/many)[days]
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
יוֹם (yom) — day: year.
: year[of_days]
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
N-mp | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3ms
צֵל (tsel) means 'shadow' or 'shade,' encompassing both literal and figurative uses. It can refer to a physical shadow, as well as a protective shade or a symbol of life's transience. The word is derived from a root meaning to shade, and it is related to another term, צֵלֶל (tselel), which also means 'shadow.'
H6738 צֵל shadow
6738 tsel tsale
from 6751; shade, whether literal or figurative:--defence,
shade(-ow).
see HEBREW for 06751
צֵל (tsel) — shadow.
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)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
Sometimes denotes intense darkness and gloom, Ps 23:4, and sometimes a cool retreat, Isa 33:2, or perfect protection, Ps 17:8 Isa 49:2 Da 4:12.
The long shadows cast by the declining sun are alluded to in Job 7:2 Jer 6:4. The swift, never ceasing motion of a shadow is an emblem of human life, 1Ch 29:15 Ps 102:11.
The Hebrew word עָבַר (abar) is a versatile verb meaning to pass over, through, or by, and it encompasses a range of actions including crossing, traversing, and alienating. It can also imply causing something to pass or be transferred, as well as emotional states like anger in its Hithpael form. The entries highlight its use in various contexts, though they do not provide specific verse references.
עָבַר 648 vb. pass over, through, by, pass on
Qal
pass over
Pass beyond
Pass through, traverse
pass along by
pass by
sweep by, of scourge
be past, over, of time
pass along (from hand to hand)
Pass on, go on
Pass away
Niph. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded
Pi.
his bull impregnateth
cause one to cross river
cause something to pass over
make over to
devote children to (לְ) heathen god
pass along (from hand to hand)
cause to pass through
let pass through
cause to pass by
let pass by
cause arrow to pass beyond
cause to pass under rod, for counting
cause to pass away, take away
Hiph.
cause to pass over, bring over
he made to pass across with chains of gold
base
[עָבַר] vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself
base
H5674a עָבַר pass over, through, by, pass on .. pass over
. Pass beyond
. Pass through, traverse
. . pass along by
. pass by
. sweep by, of scourge
. be past, over, of time
. pass along (from hand to hand)
. Pass on, go on
. Pass away
. Impf. a stream which cannot be forded
. . his bull impregnateth . cause one to cross river
. cause something to pass over
. make over to
. devote children to (לְ) heathen god
. pass along (from hand to hand)
. . cause to pass through
. let pass through
. . cause to pass by
. let pass by
. cause arrow to pass beyond
. cause to pass under rod, for counting
. cause to pass away, take away
. . cause to pass over, bring over
. he made to pass across with chains of gold
H5674b עָבַר vb. denom. Hithp. be arrogant, infuriate oneself
5674 `abar aw-bar'
a primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any
transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive,
intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
copulation):--alienate, alter, X 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) + proclaim(-amation), perish,
provoke to anger, put away, rage, + raiser of taxes, remove,
send over, set apart, + shave, cause to (make) sound, X
speedily, X sweet smelling, take (away), (make to)
transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-)faring man, be
wrath.
עָבַר (a.var) — to pass.
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)
V-Qal — Verb · Qal · participle (active) masculine singularHVqrmsa