Psalms 39:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 39:6 powerfully encapsulates the psalmist's profound meditation on the transient and often misguided nature of human existence. It asserts that human life, particularly when consumed by worldly pursuits, is akin to an insubstantial illusion, and that the anxieties and efforts expended on accumulating material wealth are ultimately futile. The verse highlights the stark reality that such temporal gains are uncertain, as one cannot control who will inherit or benefit from them after death, thereby underscoring the vanity of earthly striving apart from an eternal perspective.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 39 is a deeply personal lament of David, reflecting on the brevity of life and the frailty of human existence in the face of suffering and the presence of the wicked. The psalm begins with David's resolve to remain silent and bridle his tongue, lest he speak rashly in the presence of the ungodly ([Psalms 39:1-2](/psalms/39-1 "Psalm 39:1-2 - David's Resolve to Silence")). However, his inner turmoil and burning frustration eventually compel him to speak, turning his complaint to God ([Psalms 39:3](/psalms/39-3 "Psalm 39:3 - David's Burning Heart")). This outburst transitions into a poignant prayer for understanding regarding his own mortality and the fleeting nature of his days, recognizing that his life span is but a few handbreadths and that "every man at his best state is altogether vanity" ([Psalms 39:4-5](/psalms/39-4 "Psalm 39:4-5 - The Brevity of Life")). Verse 6 then serves as a key observation and lament that further develops this theme of human insignificance and the futility of worldly endeavors, setting the stage for the psalmist's ultimate plea for God's mercy and deliverance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While Psalm 39 does not tie to a specific historical event in David's life, it reflects universal human experiences within the ancient Near Eastern context. Life in ancient Israel, as in many pre-modern societies, was often precarious and short, making the brevity of life a common subject of reflection. The accumulation of wealth was a significant societal pursuit, often tied to security, status, and family legacy. However, the uncertainties of war, famine, disease, and the inevitable reality of death meant that fortunes could be lost or inherited by unknown or undeserving parties. The cultural understanding of inheritance, where wealth was passed down, naturally led to concerns about its ultimate destination. This verse speaks to a timeless human condition, where individuals strive and worry over material possessions, only to face the inevitable reality that they cannot take their wealth beyond the grave, a concept echoed in wisdom literature like [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/2 "Ecclesiastes 2 - The Vanity of Wisdom and Pleasure").

* **Key Themes:** Psalm 39:6 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the psalm and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully underscores **the brevity and frailty of human life**, a central motif of Psalm 39 itself, emphasizing that human existence, apart from God, is insubstantial and fleeting, like a mere shadow. Secondly, the verse highlights **the vanity and futility of earthly pursuits**, particularly the accumulation of wealth and the anxieties associated with it. The "vain shew" and "disquieted in vain" strongly resonate with the teachings in [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes 1 - The Vanity of All Things"), where the Preacher declares much of human striving "vanity of vanities" if disconnected from divine purpose. Finally, the verse subtly points to **divine sovereignty over human destiny and possessions**, as the ultimate uncertainty of who will gather accumulated wealth implies that human control is limited, and God's hand is ultimately in control of all things, including life, death, and inheritance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Vain shew (Hebrew, _tselem'_):** The Hebrew word צֶלֶם (_tselem_) often means "image" or "likeness," as in God creating humanity in His own image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Man Created in God's Image")). However, in this context, it carries a profound nuance of something unsubstantial, a mere phantom, a shadow, or an illusion. It emphasizes the fleeting, insubstantial, and ultimately illusory nature of human existence and its pursuits when detached from eternal realities. It suggests that life lived solely for temporal gains is like chasing a ghost, lacking true substance or lasting impact.
* **Disquieted (Hebrew, _hamah'_):** The Hebrew verb הָמָה (_hamah_) means to be in turmoil, agitated, to make a noisy commotion, or to rage. This vividly portrays the internal unrest, anxiety, and futile striving that characterize a life predominantly focused on temporary and material gains. It speaks to the inner turmoil and restless energy expended on pursuits that ultimately yield no lasting peace or fulfillment, highlighting the emotional cost of misplaced priorities.
* **Heapeth up (Hebrew, _tsabar'_):** The Hebrew verb צָבַר (_tsabar_) means to pile up, to gather, or to store. It implies a deliberate and often strenuous effort to accumulate a large quantity of something, typically wealth or possessions. In this context, it underscores the human tendency to exert significant energy and focus on amassing material riches, often without considering the ultimate purpose or destination of such accumulation, reinforcing the theme of futility.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely every man walketh in a vain shew:"** This opening clause sets the tone, asserting with emphatic certainty ("Surely") that the entirety of human existence, when viewed from an eternal perspective, is like a shadow play or an unsubstantial illusion. It implies that the pursuits, ambitions, and even the very presence of humanity on earth are fleeting and lack true, lasting substance if not grounded in divine truth. It's a stark commentary on the superficiality of life lived without ultimate purpose.
* **"surely they are disquieted in vain:"** This second clause reinforces the initial assertion with another emphatic "surely," highlighting the futility of human anxiety and striving. The "disquiet" refers to the internal turmoil, worry, and restless effort expended by people in their worldly endeavors. The phrase "in vain" unequivocally declares that such agitation and labor, when directed towards temporary gains, are ultimately unproductive, yielding no lasting peace, security, or eternal reward. It points to a wasted expenditure of emotional and physical energy.
* **"he heapeth up [riches], and knoweth not who shall gather them."** This final clause provides a concrete example of the "vain shew" and futile "disquiet." It describes the common human endeavor of accumulating vast amounts of wealth or possessions ("heapeth up [riches]"). The profound irony and ultimate uncertainty lie in the fact that the accumulator "knoweth not who shall gather them"—they have no control over who will inherit, squander, or benefit from their accumulated wealth after their death. This powerfully emphasizes the transient nature of material possessions and the ultimate lack of control humanity has over its earthly legacy.

#### Literary Devices
The psalmist employs several potent **literary devices** in Psalms 39:6 to convey his message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous and emphatic parallelism. The repetition of "Surely" at the beginning of the first two clauses ("Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain:") serves to emphasize the certainty and universality of the observation, driving home the point about human futility. The phrase "in vain" also repeats, reinforcing the emptiness of human striving. **Metaphor** and **Simile** are central to "vain shew," which likens human life and its pursuits to an unsubstantial image, shadow, or phantom, highlighting its ephemeral and illusory nature. There is also an element of **Irony** in the final clause, as the intense effort to "heap up riches" is contrasted with the ultimate powerlessness to control their destiny, creating a sense of tragic futility. The verse also contains an implied **Rhetorical Question** in "knoweth not who shall gather them," prompting the reader to reflect on the ultimate uncertainty of earthly possessions and the wisdom of investing in what is eternal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 39:6 serves as a profound theological statement on the human condition, echoing themes found throughout biblical wisdom literature. It underscores the inherent transience of life and the ultimate futility of placing one's hope and security in material possessions or worldly achievements. From a theological perspective, this verse challenges the idolatry of wealth and self-sufficiency, reminding humanity of its creaturely limitations and dependence on God. It implicitly calls for a reorientation of values from the temporal to the eternal, recognizing that true substance, lasting peace, and ultimate security are found not in what one accumulates on earth, but in a relationship with the sovereign God who alone determines the course of life and the destiny of all things. The psalmist's lament over the brevity of life and the vanity of human striving is a call to seek meaning and purpose beyond the fleeting "show" of this world.

* [Ecclesiastes 2:18-19](/ecclesiastes/2-18 "Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 - The Futility of Labor")
* [Luke 12:20-21](/luke/12-20 "Luke 12:20-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life is a Mist")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 39:6 serves as a powerful mirror, inviting us to critically examine the direction of our lives and the objects of our ultimate hope. In a world often driven by the relentless pursuit of wealth, status, and fleeting pleasures, this verse reminds us that such endeavors, when disconnected from eternal purpose, are ultimately a "vain shew" that leads to "disquiet in vain." It challenges us to consider where our true treasures lie and what truly constitutes a life of substance. Instead of investing our precious time, energy, and anxieties into accumulating possessions that we cannot keep and over which we have no ultimate control, the psalmist implicitly calls us to align our priorities with God's eternal kingdom. This means cultivating a deep relationship with God, investing in spiritual riches, serving others, and seeking justice, mercy, and humility. Understanding the brevity of life and the impermanence of earthly things should not lead to despair or idleness, but rather to a profound sense of urgency to live purposefully, to steward our resources wisely, and to find our ultimate security and satisfaction in the unshakeable reality of God's presence and promises.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily invest my time, energy, and resources? Do these investments align with eternal values or temporal gains?**
* **What earthly pursuits currently cause me the most anxiety or "disquiet"? How might shifting my focus to God's sovereignty alleviate this turmoil?**
* **How does the brevity of life, as highlighted in this verse, impact my daily decisions and long-term goals? Am I living with an eternal perspective?**
* **What does it practically mean for me to "store up treasures in heaven" rather than "heap up riches" on earth?**

### FAQ

**Does this verse discourage hard work or saving for the future?**

Answer: No, Psalm 39:6 does not discourage diligent work or responsible saving. The Bible consistently commends hard work and wise stewardship (e.g., [Proverbs 6:6-11](/proverbs/6-6 "Proverbs 6:6-11 - The Ant's Diligence")). Instead, this verse critiques the *ultimate trust* and *ultimate purpose* behind such activities. It warns against making wealth an idol or believing that material accumulation can provide lasting security, peace, or meaning. The "vain shew" and "disquieted in vain" refer to the futility of a life *defined* by and *anxious* over earthly possessions, especially when one forgets their transient nature and God's ultimate sovereignty. The point is to prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, knowing that all else will be added according to His will ([Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom")).

**What does "vain shew" truly mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The phrase "vain shew" translates the Hebrew word _tselem_ (צֶלֶם), which literally means "image" or "likeness." While it can refer to a physical representation, in this context, it carries the nuance of something unsubstantial, illusory, or fleeting—like a shadow, a phantom, or a mere reflection. Its significance lies in its powerful portrayal of the human condition when detached from eternal realities. It suggests that life lived solely for worldly pursuits is like walking in a dream or chasing an illusion; it lacks true substance, permanence, and ultimate meaning. This imagery emphasizes the ephemeral nature of human existence and the emptiness of striving for things that will ultimately pass away, urging a deeper pursuit of what is real and lasting.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 39:6, with its lament over the "vain shew" of human existence and the futility of earthly accumulation, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Humanity's striving for security and meaning in transient possessions is revealed as a "vain shew" because true substance and eternal life are found only in Him. Jesus Himself taught against "storing up treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal," urging His followers instead to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven")). He is the ultimate reality to our shadows, the eternal truth to our illusions. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ conquered the vanity of sin and the finality of death, offering not a fleeting existence but an abundant and everlasting life ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). The "disquieted in vain" finds peace in the One who promises, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me")). In Christ, our labor is not "in vain," for our work done for His kingdom has eternal significance ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfast in the Lord")), and the "riches" we accumulate in Him, through faith and good works, are imperishable and secure, gathered by the Lord Himself for all eternity. He is the Lamb of God who truly takes away the sin of the world, providing the ultimate antidote to the futility and fear of death that grips humanity ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

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.