Psalm 39 6

Psalm 39:6 kjv

Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.

Psalm 39:6 nkjv

Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them.

Psalm 39:6 niv

"Surely everyone goes around like a mere phantom; in vain they rush about, heaping up wealth without knowing whose it will finally be.

Psalm 39:6 esv

Surely a man goes about as a shadow! Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!

Psalm 39:6 nlt

We are merely moving shadows,
and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.
We heap up wealth,
not knowing who will spend it.

Psalm 39 verses

Psalm 39 6 Meaning

Psalm 39:6 reveals the universal human condition as fleeting and ultimately futile when life is lived without an eternal perspective. It portrays humanity as a mere shadow or breath, busily striving and accumulating wealth, only for these endeavors to prove pointless, as one cannot know who will ultimately inherit or benefit from their accumulated riches after death. The verse highlights the brevity and insubstantiality of life and the vanity of worldly pursuits when God is not at the center.

Psalm 39 6 Context

Psalm 39 is a contemplative psalm of David, serving as a personal lament and reflection on the brevity and frailty of human life in the presence of a righteous and judging God. Prior to verse 6, the psalmist expresses his intention to guard his words, then requests God to show him the measure of his days (v. 4-5) so he may know how transient he is. Verse 6 then becomes a profound observation and exclamation on this very transience, applying the understanding of individual mortality to the general human condition, particularly regarding their busy, worldly pursuits. The lament is rooted in a desire for understanding and ultimately expresses a turning back to God amidst life's struggles. The verse directly links to the wisdom literature, especially Ecclesiastes, with its pervasive theme of "hevel" (vanity or futility).

Psalm 39 6 Word analysis

• Surely (אַךְ - ʾakh): An emphatic particle meaning "truly," "indeed," or "only." It highlights the certainty and absolute truth of the statement, asserting a profound, undeniable reality.
• every man (אִישׁ - ish): Refers to humankind universally, not just a specific individual. It emphasizes that this condition applies to all people.
• walks about (יִתְהַלֶּךְ - yithallekh): From the verb halakh (to walk, to go). This isn't just physical movement but denotes one's way of life, conduct, or existence. It implies purposeful activity and continuous existence.
• like a phantom (כְּצֶלֶם - ketṣelem): Literally "like an image" or "like a shadow." Tselem implies an image or semblance without substance or lasting reality. It points to human existence being insubstantial, fleeting, and transient, leaving no permanent trace.
• Surely they are in an uproar (אָךְ יֶהֱמָיוּן - akh yehemayun): Repetition of "surely" re-emphasizes the certainty. Yehemayun from hamah, meaning "to roar," "be tumultuous," "be disquieted." It depicts agitated, restless, and busy activity, a bustling confusion, or vain anxiety.
• in vain (הֶבֶל - hevel): A crucial term meaning "breath," "vapor," "futility," "emptiness," or "vanity." This word is central to Ecclesiastes. It denotes that which is fleeting, unsubstantial, and ultimately accomplishes nothing of lasting value or significance. Their busy commotion leads to naught.
• heaping up riches (יִצְבּר - yitzbor): From tsavar, "to collect," "pile up," "accumulate." This specifically refers to the gathering and hoarding of material wealth.
• and not knowing (וְלֹא יָדַע - v'lo yada): Implies a lack of foresight, control, or certainty. Despite the diligent effort of accumulation, the ultimate outcome is beyond their knowledge and power.
• who will gather them (מִי־אֹסְפָם - mi osefam): The rhetorical question emphasizes the ultimate futility. The wealth will pass into the hands of another, perhaps unknown or undesired, highlighting the ultimate loss of control over one's life's accumulation at the point of death.

Words-group analysis

• Surely every man walks about like a phantom: This phrase encapsulates the fleeting, insubstantial nature of all human life. Despite outward appearances of solid existence, every human being's time on earth is presented as no more substantial than a transient shadow. This directly contrasts human perceived stability with divine eternity.
• surely they are in an uproar in vain: This speaks to the intense, restless, often anxious activity of human beings, all for nothing. The combined sense is that all the worldly fuss, striving, and ambition are ultimately without any meaningful, lasting purpose or outcome in the grand scheme of eternity. The energy expended leads to emptiness.
• heaping up riches and not knowing who will gather them: This final part highlights the ultimate pointlessness of accumulating material wealth without eternal perspective. Individuals dedicate their lives to amassing possessions, but they have no guarantee or control over what happens to these accumulations after they die. This underlines the profound insecurity of trusting in material things.

Psalm 39 6 Bonus section

The core message of Psalm 39:6 stands as an implicit call to sapientia cordis – the wisdom of heart found in Psalm 90:12 ("So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom"). By recognizing the brevity and futility of an existence centered on temporal accumulation, the verse naturally directs the reader towards seeking permanent and eternal value. This isn't a condemnation of work or financial provision per se, but of misplacing ultimate trust and meaning in such things. It contrasts sharply with God's eternal nature and His unchanging faithfulness. While humans are like phantoms, God remains sovereign, and His purpose endures. The verse thus subtly invites introspection into where true treasure and lasting significance can be found.

Psalm 39 6 Commentary

Psalm 39:6 serves as a stark commentary on the universal human condition. It confronts the common folly of humanity, characterized by an obsessive pursuit of worldly security and possessions, contrasting it sharply with the fleeting nature of life itself. The imagery of a "phantom" underscores our momentary existence – we appear and disappear like shadows, leaving no trace. Coupled with this is the restless "uproar" of human activity, often driven by anxiety and desire for gain, which is emphatically declared to be "in vain." This isn't merely to say such efforts are futile but, as suggested by "hevel" in Hebrew, they are like breath—ephemeral and without lasting substance. The specific mention of "heaping up riches" zeroes in on a common human ambition, exposing its ultimate meaninglessness. The final stroke of "not knowing who will gather them" delivers the most cutting blow: all the strenuous labor for wealth ultimately culminates in its loss of control. The very security one sought through accumulation vanishes with death, as another, perhaps unexpected or unworthy heir, benefits. This verse thus stands as a profound warning against placing trust and hope in earthly things, implicitly urging a refocusing on that which is eternal and secure in God.

• Example: Think of a person who works excessively, neglecting family and spiritual life, solely to accumulate a vast inheritance. This verse highlights that upon their death, they lose all control over that wealth; it could be squandered by their heirs or lost to disputes, confirming its vanity.