Psalms 39:6

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.

Surely every man {H376} walketh {H1980} in a vain shew {H6754}: surely they are disquieted {H1993}{H8799)} in vain {H1892}: he heapeth up {H6651}{H8799)} riches, and knoweth {H3045}{H8799)} not who shall gather {H622}{H8802)} them.

Humans go about like shadows; their turmoil is all for nothing. They accumulate wealth, not knowing who will enjoy its benefits.

Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away.

Surely every man walketh in a vain show; Surely they are disquieted in vain: He heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them.

Context

Psalm 39 is a poignant prayer of David, reflecting on the brevity of life and the frailty of human existence. The psalmist begins by resolving to remain silent in the presence of the wicked, but his inner turmoil eventually compels him to speak (Psalm 39:2-3). This lament then shifts to a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of man, seeking understanding from God about his own mortality. Verse 6 encapsulates a key observation about humanity's misguided pursuits.

Key Themes

  • The Illusion of Earthly Existence: The phrase "Surely every man walketh in a vain shew" powerfully conveys the idea that human life, especially when focused on worldly pursuits, is like a shadow or a fleeting image. It lacks true substance and permanence. This theme resonates deeply with the broader biblical teaching on the vanity of all things under the sun, where much of human striving is declared meaningless if disconnected from God.
  • Futility of Earthly Anxiety and Effort: "Surely they are disquieted in vain" points to the ultimately fruitless nature of worry and striving for temporal gains. The anxieties people experience over wealth, status, and worldly achievements are, from an eternal perspective, often wasted effort and produce no lasting peace.
  • Uncertainty of Material Possessions: "He heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them" underscores the stark reality that wealth accumulated in a lifetime is transient. It can be lost, stolen, or inherited by those who did not earn it, often after one's death. This echoes the warning about storing up treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and thieves break through and steal.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word translated "vain shew" is tselem (צֶלֶם), which often means "image" or "likeness" (as in God creating man in His own image, Genesis 1:27). However, in this context, it carries the nuance of a mere shadow, an unsubstantial phantom, or an illusion. It emphasizes the fleeting and illusory nature of human existence and its pursuits apart from God.
  • "Disquieted" comes from the Hebrew hamah (הָמָה), meaning to be in turmoil, agitated, or make a noisy commotion. This vividly portrays the internal unrest and futile striving that characterize a life focused predominantly on the temporary and material.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a profound reminder of human mortality and the impermanence of earthly pursuits. It challenges us to critically evaluate where we place our ultimate hope, energy, and efforts. Instead of chasing after fleeting pleasures or accumulating wealth that we cannot keep, the psalmist implicitly calls us to seek that which is eternal and truly satisfying. It encourages a shift in perspective from the temporal to the eternal, aligning our lives with God's purposes rather than the empty promises of the world. Understanding that life is a "vain shew" compels us to invest in spiritual riches and a relationship with God, which alone offer true security and lasting value.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ecclesiastes 2:26

    For [God] giveth to a man that [is] good in his sight wisdom, and knowledge, and joy: but to the sinner he giveth travail, to gather and to heap up, that he may give to [him that is] good before God. This also [is] vanity and vexation of spirit.

  • Luke 12:20

    But God said unto him, [Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

  • Luke 12:21

    So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

  • James 4:14

    Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13

    ¶ Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this [is] the whole [duty] of man.

  • 1 Corinthians 7:31

    And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

  • Ecclesiastes 5:14

    But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and [there is] nothing in his hand.

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