Keraia
Psalm 144

Psalm 144:3

Blessed Be the LORD, My Rock · Psalm 144:1–15
Read Psalm 144

Translations

Modern
O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him?
Traditional
Lord, what is man, that thou takest knowledge of him! or the son of man, that thou makest account of him!
Literal
O YHWH, what is man that You take knowledge of him, the son of man that You think of him?
Latin
Domine, quid est homo, quia innotuisti ei? aut filius hominis, quia reputas eum?

Original

Hebrew
English
O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him?

Notes

Psalms 144:3–4

what is man: The same question in Psalm 8:4–6 leads to the answer that humans are only mortal (they do not live forever), yet God gives them honor and responsibility to rule.

The psalmist focuses on how brief and fragile human life is. He describes it as temporary and passing quickly (see Psalms 90:3, 7–10; 102:11; 109:23; 146:4).

Psalms 144:1–15

This lament begins with an exclamation of love for the Lord. The community then reflects on the temporary nature of life (Psalm 144:3–4). The psalmist asks for God's help and anticipates victory (Psalm 144:5–11).

A new song (Psalm 144:9–10) and a prayer for rescue (144:11) introduce the theme of the Lord’s blessings through his care and protection (Psalm 144:12–15).

Psalms 138:1–145:21

In this final group of psalms of David, psalms of praise and wisdom (Psalms 138–139, 145) form a frame around five psalms of lament (Psalms 140–144).

Theme notes and profiles

David Questions and Doubt Royal Psalms Wisdom Psalms

Glossary

Music Psalms, Book of

Topics

Condescension of God: Scriptures Relating To God: Goodness of Humility: Exemplified Life: Brevity and Uncertainty of Man: Insignificance of