Psalms 103:15

[As for] man, his days [are] as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

As for man {H582}, his days {H3117} are as grass {H2682}: as a flower {H6731} of the field {H7704}, so he flourisheth {H6692}.

Yes, a human being's days are like grass, he sprouts like a flower in the countryside -

As for man, his days are like grass— he blooms like a flower of the field;

As for man, his days are as grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Commentary

Psalms 103:15 is a poignant verse from one of David's most beloved psalms, eloquently expressing the fleeting nature of human life in contrast to the eternal character of God.

Context of Psalms 103:15

Psalm 103 is a magnificent psalm of praise, beginning with David's exhortation to his soul to bless the Lord for all His benefits. The psalm highlights God's merciful character, His forgiveness of sins, healing of diseases, and redemption from destruction. Verses 8-12 emphasize God's compassion and slowness to anger, particularly towards those who fear Him. Immediately preceding verse 15, Psalms 103:14 states, "For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust." This sets the stage for verse 15, providing the divine rationale for God's boundless compassion: He understands our inherent frailty and the brevity of our existence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Brevity and Frailty of Human Life: The central message is the transient nature of human existence. The imagery of "grass" and a "flower of the field" vividly portrays life as something that sprouts, flourishes for a short season, and then withers. This is a common biblical metaphor for the ephemeral quality of human life, reminding us that our time on earth is limited.
  • Contrast with God's Eternity: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the entire psalm underscores a profound contrast between the temporal life of man and the everlasting nature of God's love, mercy, and faithfulness (e.g., Psalms 103:17). Our fleeting days highlight the constancy and eternality of our Creator.
  • God's Compassionate Understanding: The verse implicitly reinforces God's understanding and compassion for our human weakness. Because our days are as grass, God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, deals with us accordingly, remembering our limitations and offering grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse are rich with meaning:

  • "Grass" (Hebrew: חָצִיר, chatsir): This word refers to green herbage or grass, often used in scripture to denote something fresh and vibrant but quick to wither, especially in the arid climate of the ancient Near East.
  • "Flower of the field" (Hebrew: צִיץ הַשָּׂדֶה, tzitz hassadeh): The term tzitz specifically means "blossom" or "flower." The imagery evokes a wild flower that blooms beautifully in the field but is highly susceptible to the scorching sun or passing winds, quickly fading away.
  • "Flourisheth" (Hebrew: יָצִיץ, yatzitz): This verb means "to blossom," "to bloom," or "to sprout." It emphasizes the peak of life's vitality and beauty, making the subsequent fading all the more striking.

Related Scriptures

The theme of the brevity of life is echoed throughout scripture:

  • Isaiah 40:6-8 states, "All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field... the grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." This passage mirrors Psalms 103:15 almost exactly, emphasizing the contrast between human frailty and God's enduring word.
  • James 4:14 describes life as "even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away," reinforcing the same idea of transience.
  • Job 14:2 also uses similar imagery: "He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not."

Practical Application

Understanding the truth of Psalms 103:15 offers several profound applications for daily living:

  1. Live with Intentionality: Recognizing the brevity of life should motivate us to live wisely, making the most of our days, and focusing on what truly matters and has eternal value.
  2. Cultivate Humility: The verse reminds us of our human limitations and dependence on God. It fosters humility, preventing pride and self-sufficiency.
  3. Trust in God's Enduring Love: Despite our fleeting existence, God's mercy and love are from everlasting to everlasting. This provides immense comfort and a secure hope that transcends our temporal lives. Our hope is not in our own strength or longevity, but in the eternal, unchanging God.
  4. Appreciate God's Compassion: The knowledge that God understands our fragile nature should deepen our appreciation for His patience, forgiveness, and grace towards us.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Peter 1:24 (14 votes)

    ¶ For all flesh [is] as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

  • James 1:10 (10 votes)

    But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

  • James 1:11 (10 votes)

    For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

  • Isaiah 51:12 (8 votes)

    I, [even] I, [am] he that comforteth you: who [art] thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man [that] shall die, and of the son of man [which] shall be made [as] grass;

  • Isaiah 28:1 (7 votes)

    ¶ Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty [is] a fading flower, which [are] on the head of the fat valleys of them that are overcome with wine!

  • Isaiah 40:6 (7 votes)

    The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field:

  • Isaiah 40:8 (7 votes)

    The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.