Translations
Modern
“What gain is there in my bloodshed, in my descent to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?
Traditional
What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
Literal
“What profit is in my blood, in my going down to the Pit? Will the dust confess You? Will it declare Your truth?
Latin
Quæ utilitas in sanguine meo, dum descendo in corruptionem? numquid confitebitur tibi pulvis, aut annuntiabit veritatem tuam?
Original
Hebrew
English
“What gain is there in my bloodshed, in my descent to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?
Notes
The psalmist faced death (also in Psalm 30:1–3), either literally or figuratively. When he turned to the Lord, the Lord rescued him and changed his mourning into joyful dancing. Only God's favor can permanently and powerfully overcome human failure and deep despair.
This individual thanksgiving psalm begins by praising the Lord for his salvation (Psalm 30:1–3). It then contrasts God's favor with his anger (Psalm 30:4–7) and ends with a transformation from mourning to dancing (30:8–12).
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Confession David Gratitude Music Place of the Dead Psalms, Book of
Topics
Afflictions and Adversities: Prayer In Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Death: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Hades: The Realm (State) of the Dead