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
Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken …
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, …
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole …
Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he …
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
But those riches perish by evil travail: and he begetteth a son, and there is nothing in his hand.
There is one alone, and there is not a second; yea, he hath neither child nor brother: yet is there …
Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun.