Psalms 39:4

KJV

LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it [is; that] I may know how frail I [am].

KJV (with Strong's)

LORD {H3068}, make me to know {H3045} mine end {H7093}, and the measure {H4060} of my days {H3117}, what it is; that I may know {H3045}{H8799)} how frail {H2310} I am.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Make me grasp, ADONAI, what my end must be, what it means that my days are numbered; let me know what a transient creature I am.

Berean Standard Bible

“Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is.

American Standard Version

Jehovah, make me to know mine end, And the measure of my days, what it is; Let me know how frail I am.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 39:4 is a profound prayer from David, shifting from personal anguish to a universal contemplation of human mortality. He petitions the Lord to reveal the finite nature of his existence—his "end" and the "measure of his days"—not out of morbid curiosity, but so that he might truly grasp his inherent frailty. This request underscores a deep desire for divine wisdom and perspective, aiming to cultivate humility and reorient his life in light of the brief, transient reality of human life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 39 is a deeply introspective lament psalm, attributed to David, likely composed during a period of intense personal suffering or distress. It opens with David's initial resolve to remain silent, fearing that speaking rashly might lead him to sin or dishonor God (verses 1-2). However, his internal anguish becomes so overwhelming that he cannot contain his thoughts, and his heart burns within him, compelling him to voice his lament and appeal to the Lord (verse 3). Verse 4 marks a pivotal turning point in the psalm, where David shifts from his personal struggle and internal turmoil to a broader, more universal contemplation of human existence. His direct petition to God to "make me to know mine end" signals a move from self-focused lament to a profound inquiry into the nature of life, death, and human impermanence, setting the stage for the subsequent verses that elaborate on the fleeting nature of humanity and the vanity of earthly pursuits (verses 5-6).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the specific historical circumstances surrounding the composition of Psalm 39 are not detailed, it reflects a common experience of suffering and existential questioning within ancient Israelite life. In the ancient Near East, the brevity of human life was a widely acknowledged reality, often contrasted with the enduring power of deities. However, Israelite theology uniquely grounded this understanding in the sovereignty of Yahweh, who alone determines the span of human life. The concept of "days" being "measured" or "numbered" (as seen in this verse) was not merely a poetic flourish but a theological statement affirming God's precise control over every individual's lifespan. This cultural context would have fostered a perspective where acknowledging mortality was not a sign of weakness but a path to wisdom and a deeper reliance on the eternal God, rather than on fleeting human strength or achievements.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core theological themes prevalent throughout the Psalter and broader biblical literature. Firstly, it highlights the **brevity and transience of human life**; David's plea to understand his "end" and "measure of days" emphasizes the divinely appointed, finite nature of human existence, a theme powerfully echoed in passages like [Psalm 90:10](/psalms/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life") and [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life as a Vapor"). Secondly, the verse underscores **human frailty and vulnerability**, as David desires to know "how frail I am," acknowledging the inherent weakness, impermanence, and limited strength of humanity in contrast to the eternal God. This resonates deeply with the imagery in [Isaiah 40:6-8](/isaiah/40-6 "Isaiah 40:6-8 - All Flesh is Grass"), which likens human life to fading grass. Thirdly, it demonstrates a profound **dependence on divine wisdom**; David does not passively observe mortality but actively prays for God to reveal this truth to him, indicating that a proper, humbling understanding of our limitations is a gift of divine insight. Finally, the verse implicitly points to the **sovereignty of God over life and death**, as He is the one who "makes" David to know his end and measures his days, affirming that our lifespan is not arbitrary but divinely ordained.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **End (Hebrew, _qēṣ_):** This noun signifies a boundary, limit, or termination. In the context of human life, it refers to the appointed conclusion or cessation of one's earthly existence. It powerfully conveys the idea of a fixed, divinely determined endpoint, emphasizing the finite and non-eternal nature of human life.
* **Measure (Hebrew, _middāh_):** This term denotes an appointed portion, extent, or limit. When applied to "days," it reinforces the concept that human life is not indefinite but has a precise, divinely allotted duration. It speaks to the quantitative aspect of life's span, suggesting that our days are numbered and predetermined by God.
* **Frail (Hebrew, _ḥādēl_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to cease, fail, or desist," this word vividly portrays human existence as something that is inherently temporary and will inevitably come to a stop. It highlights our transient, impermanent, and ultimately vulnerable nature, underscoring the stark contrast between human mortality and divine eternality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"LORD, make me to know mine end":** David's direct address to "LORD" (Yahweh) signifies a personal, covenantal appeal to the sovereign God. His plea is not merely for intellectual understanding but for a profound, experiential realization of the boundary of his life. This is a prayer for divine revelation concerning the ultimate termination point of his earthly journey, acknowledging God's authority over life and death.
* **"and the measure of my days, what it is":** This clause reiterates and expands on the previous petition, emphasizing the quantitative aspect of life. David desires to comprehend the full extent and divinely appointed limit of his lifespan. It's a plea to grasp the finite duration of his existence, acknowledging that his days are numbered and predetermined by God, not by chance or human will.
* **"that I may know how frail I am":** This final clause reveals the ultimate purpose and desired spiritual outcome of David's request. The knowledge of his "end" and "measure of days" is not for morbid preoccupation or despair, but for a profound realization of his inherent "frailty." This "frailty" (Hebrew: _ḥādēl_) speaks to human weakness, transience, and impermanence. The desired result is humility, a proper perspective on humanity's limited nature, and a recognition of complete dependence on God's eternal power.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 39:4 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where "mine end" and "the measure of my days" express a similar concept of life's termination and brevity through slightly varied phrasing, thereby reinforcing the central idea. The verse is structured as a direct **Petition** or **Supplication**, a heartfelt appeal to God, highlighted by the imperative "make me to know." The phrase "that I may know how frail I am" functions as a **Purpose Clause**, explicitly stating the desired spiritual outcome of David's request—a profound realization of human vulnerability and dependence on God. Furthermore, the entire verse serves as a form of **Contemplation** on mortality, a recurring theme in wisdom literature that encourages introspection and a reorientation of priorities in light of life's brevity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This prayer by David encapsulates a fundamental theological truth: humanity's existence is finite, fragile, and entirely dependent on God. It stands in stark contrast to human pride and self-sufficiency, compelling the individual to confront their mortality not with despair, but with a renewed sense of humility and reliance on the eternal Creator. The knowledge of our "end" is not meant to paralyze us with fear, but to properly orient our lives towards what truly matters in light of eternity, recognizing that our days are numbered and divinely appointed. This perspective fosters wisdom, encouraging us to "number our days" so that we "may gain a heart of wisdom" ([Psalm 90:12](/psalms/90-12 "Psalm 90:12 - A Prayer for Wisdom in Light of Mortality")).

* [Psalm 90:12](/psalms/90-12 "Psalm 90:12 - Teach Us to Number Our Days")
* [Job 14:1-2](/job/14-1 "Job 14:1-2 - Man's Brief and Troubled Life")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life is a Vapor")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
David's prayer in Psalms 39:4 is profoundly relevant for contemporary believers, challenging us to cultivate a realistic and humble perspective on our own mortality. In a culture often preoccupied with extending life, denying death, or pursuing endless temporal achievements, this verse calls us to embrace the truth of our finite nature. Understanding that our days are measured and our lives are frail should not lead to fatalism or anxiety, but rather to a profound sense of urgency and purpose. It compels us to evaluate our priorities, ensuring that our time, energy, and resources are invested in what holds eternal value. This awareness fosters a spirit of humility, reminding us that every breath is a gift from God and that our ultimate hope rests not in our own strength or longevity, but in the steadfast love and eternal sovereignty of the Lord. It encourages us to live each day intentionally, seeking God's will and serving His purposes, knowing that our earthly sojourn is but a fleeting moment in the grand tapestry of His eternal plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does acknowledging the "measure of your days" impact your daily priorities and long-term goals?**
* **In what ways does the awareness of human "frailty" lead to greater humility and dependence on God in your life?**
* **What specific actions can you take to "number your days" (as in Psalm 90:12) and apply your heart to wisdom?**

### FAQ
**Why does David want to know his "end" and "measure of days"? Isn't that morbid?**

Answer: David's request is not morbid curiosity about the exact date of his death, nor is it a desire to escape life. Instead, it's a profound spiritual plea for divine wisdom and perspective. He wants to fully grasp the finite nature of his existence ("mine end") and the limited duration of his life ("the measure of my days"). The ultimate purpose, as stated in the verse, is "that I may know how frail I am." This knowledge is intended to cultivate humility, to remind him of his dependence on God, and to correctly orient his priorities. It's a prayer for wisdom to live purposefully in light of mortality, a theme echoed in [Psalm 90:12](/psalms/90-12 "Psalm 90:12 - Applying Our Hearts to Wisdom"), which asks God to "teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Far from being morbid, it's a path to deeper spiritual insight and a more intentional life that honors God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 39:4, with its poignant reflection on human frailty and the brevity of life, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While humanity is indeed "frail" and our days are "measured," the Incarnation reveals God's eternal Son taking on this very human frailty, not to be consumed by it, but to conquer it. Jesus, "who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Humiliation")). He experienced the full measure of human existence, including its limitations and mortality, culminating in His death on the cross, a death He willingly embraced to redeem us from the ultimate "end" of sin and death ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")). Through His resurrection, Jesus triumphed over the "frailty" of death, demonstrating His absolute authority over life and the grave, as He holds "the keys of Death and Hades" ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ's Authority Over Death")). He is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), offering eternal life to all who believe. Thus, our knowledge of our own "end" and "frailty" should not lead to despair, but to a deeper trust in Christ, who has secured for us a hope that transcends the grave and promises an eternal "measure of days" in His presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 90:12

¶ So teach [us] to number our days, that we may apply [our] hearts unto wisdom.

Psalms 103:14

For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we [are] dust.

Psalms 119:84

¶ How many [are] the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?

Job 14:13

O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!