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.
Study Note
Study Note
The meditation on human transience reaches its sharpest form: 'Surely every man walks in a vain show; surely they are disquieted in vain: he heaps up riches, and knows not who shall gather them.' The Hebrew 'tselem' (shadow, image) suggests that human life is an insubstantial image rather than solid reality — an anthropological minimalism that anticipates Qohelet's 'vanity of vanities.' The irony of wealth accumulated for an unknown heir is developed extensively in Qohelet 2:18-21 and Jesus' parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:20). The psalm does not end in despair, however — verse 7 turns to hope in God alone, making the meditation on vanity a preparation for authentic trust.
Other Translations
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.
Only, in an image doth each walk habitually, Only, <FI>in<Fi> vain, they are disquieted, He heapeth up and knoweth not who gathereth them.
Truly, every man goes on his way like an image; he is troubled for no purpose: he makes a great store of wealth, and has no knowledge of who will get it.
Cross References
Though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as the clay;
He may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.
For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to …
Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they call …
It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for …
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for …
Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as …
For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?
I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of …
I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me …