Psalms 102:11
Psalms 102:11 in Multiple Translations
My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.
My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
My days are like a shadow that declineth; And I am withered like grass.
My days are like a shade which is stretched out; I am dry like the grass.
My life is fading away like a shadow that lengthens—I'm withering away like grass.
My dayes are like a shadowe that fadeth, and I am withered like grasse.
My days as a shadow [are] stretched out, And I — as the herb I am withered.
My days are like a long shadow. I have withered like grass.
My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
For according to the height of the heaven above the earth: he hath strengthened his mercy towards them that fear him.
My time to remain alive is like an evening shadow that will soon be gone [SIM]. I am withering like grass withers in the hot sun.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 102:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 102:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ/פְּנֵֽי
זַֽעַמְ/ךָ֥
וְ/קִצְפֶּ֑/ךָ
כִּ֥י
נְ֝שָׂאתַ֗/נִי
וַ/תַּשְׁלִיכֵֽ/נִי
מִ/פְּנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
זַֽעַמְ/ךָ֥
zaʻam
H2195
indignation
N-ms | Suff
וְ/קִצְפֶּ֑/ךָ
qetseph
H7110
wrath
Conj | N-ms | Suff
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נְ֝שָׂאתַ֗/נִי
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
וַ/תַּשְׁלִיכֵֽ/נִי
shâlak
H7993
to throw
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 102:11
מִ/פְּנֵֽי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
זַֽעַמְ/ךָ֥
zaʻam
H2195
"indignation"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to intense anger or fury, often used to describe God's displeasure with sin. In Deuteronomy 9:19, it is used to describe God's indignation towards the Israelites for worshiping a golden calf. It is a strong feeling of anger or rage.
Definition: anger, indignation
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: angry, indignation, rage. See also: Psalms 38:4; Jeremiah 50:25; Psalms 69:25.
וְ/קִצְפֶּ֑/ךָ
qetseph
H7110
"wrath"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word can mean a small splinter or twig, but also figuratively describes rage or strife, like the foam on a furious animal's mouth in Job 39:24. It signifies intense emotion or turmoil, often used to convey a sense of urgency or danger. The Bible uses it to describe intense feelings.
Definition: 1) wrath, anger 1a) of God 1b) of man
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: foam, indignation, [idiom] sore, wrath. See also: Numbers 1:53; Esther 1:18; Psalms 38:2.
כִּ֥י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
נְ֝שָׂאתַ֗/נִי
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
וַ/תַּשְׁלִיכֵֽ/נִי
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down 1a2) to cast (lots) (fig) 1b) (Hophal) 1b1) to be thrown, be cast 1b2) to be cast forth or out 1b3) to be cast down 1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
Study Notes — Psalms 102:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 102:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 102:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 102:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 102:11
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 102:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
- Sermons on Psalms 102:11
Context — The Prayer of the Afflicted
9For I have eaten ashes like bread and mixed my drink with tears
10because of Your indignation and wrath, for You have picked me up and cast me aside.
11My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.
12But You, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; Your renown endures to all generations. 13You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor— the appointed time has come.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 14:2 | Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. |
| 2 | Psalms 109:23 | I am fading away like a lengthening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust. |
| 3 | Psalms 144:4 | Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow. |
| 4 | 1 Peter 1:24 | For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, |
| 5 | James 1:10 | But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. |
| 6 | Psalms 39:5–6 | You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. |
| 7 | Isaiah 40:6–8 | A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” |
| 8 | Psalms 102:3–4 | For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 6:12 | For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun? |
| 10 | James 4:14 | You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. |
Psalms 102:11 Summary
This verse in Psalms 102:11 means that the speaker feels like their life is passing by quickly, like a shadow growing longer as the day ends, and they are weak and fragile, like grass that withers away. It's a reminder that our lives are short and we need to make the most of the time we have, as mentioned in James 4:14. The speaker is expressing their sadness and feeling of being fragile, but even in this, they are looking to God for comfort and strength, which is something we can all do when we're feeling weak or overwhelmed, just like in Psalms 42:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the days to be like lengthening shadows?
This phrase is a metaphor that describes how the speaker's life is fleeting and short, much like the shadows that grow longer as the day comes to a close, reminding us of the brevity of life as mentioned in Psalms 39:5 and James 4:14.
Why does the speaker say they wither away like grass?
The speaker is expressing the fragility and temporary nature of human life, similar to how grass withers and fades, as seen in Isaiah 40:6-8 and 1 Peter 1:24, highlighting our dependence on God for strength and sustenance.
Is this verse only talking about the speaker's personal struggles or is there a broader application?
While the speaker is expressing their personal feelings of sorrow and frailty, the verse can also be applied to the broader human experience, reminding us of our shared mortality and the importance of seeking comfort and hope in God, as seen in Psalms 42:11 and Romans 8:18.
How can we balance the sorrow in this verse with the joy and hope found in other parts of Scripture?
This verse, like many others in the Psalms, acknowledges the pain and struggles of life, but it is precisely in these moments that we are reminded to look to God for comfort and strength, as seen in Psalms 30:5 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, where sorrow and joy are not mutually exclusive, but intertwined in our walk with God.
Reflection Questions
- How do you identify with the feeling of your days being like lengthening shadows, and what does this mean for how you live your life?
- In what ways do you feel like you are withering away like grass, and how can you seek nourishment and strength from God in those areas?
- What are some things in your life that are causing you to feel fragile or weak, and how can you cast your cares on God, as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:7?
- How does remembering the brevity of life and the fragility of human existence impact your priorities and decisions?
- What role does trust in God's sovereignty and goodness play in navigating the difficulties and uncertainties of life, as expressed in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 102:11
My days are like a shadow that declineth,.... Or, "that is stretched out" (s), which, though it may appear long, is soon at an end; as it does appear longer when the sun sets (t), and departs from
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 102:11
My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
My days; my hopes, and comforts, and happiness; days being oft put for happy days, or a happy state, as , as elsewhere they are put more generally for the events which happen in those days; in both which cases it is a metonymy of the adjunct. That declineth; or, that is extended or stretched out to its utmost length, as it is when the sun is setting, when it speedily and totally vanisheth. And just so the hopes of our restitution, which sometimes we have, are quickly cut off and disappointed.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
Psalms 102:11 My days [are] like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.Ver. 11. My days are like a shadow that declineth] As at sunset the shadows are at longest, but not longlasting. And I am withered like grass] Mown down, and laid a drying.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
(11) A shadow that declineth.—Rather, a lengthening shadow, growing longer as the day declines, and therefore soon to vanish altogether. (Comp. Psalms 109:23.) “And now the sun had stretched out all the hills.” MILTON: Lycidas,See also Note, Son 2:17.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
Verse 11. My days are like a shadow that declineth] Or rather, My days decline like the shadow. I have passed my meridian, and the sun of my prosperity is about to set for ever. There may be here an allusion to the declination of the sun towards the south, which, by shortening their days, would greatly lengthen their nights. Similar to the exclamation of a contemporary prophet, Jeremiah 8:20: "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved." There is now scarcely any human hope of our deliverance.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 102:11
11. like a shadow that declineth] Or, like a shadow stretched out (Jeremiah 6:4) towards evening, and about to disappear altogether as the sun sinks below the horizon. I am withered like grass] Rather, I am withering away like grass. The common emblem for frail and transitory mortality. Cp. Isaiah 40:7; James 1:11.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 102:11
My days are like a shadow that declineth - The shadow made by the gnomon on a sun-dial, which marks the hours as they pass. See 2 Kings 20:10.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 102:11
11. Shadow that declineth—Which lengthens and darkens till it loses itself in night. Withered like grass—See on Psalms 102:4
Sermons on Psalms 102:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Becoming a Prophetic Church) 5. Psalm 102 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the unique recognition of God that Jews historically have not experienced in times of suffering. The speaker emphasizes the importance of unde |
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The Story of Desmond Doss by Steve Zehr | In this sermon, the speaker tells the story of Desmond Doss, a man who exemplified unwavering faith and commitment to God. Desmond grew up with a strong belief in the commandment " |
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The Locust by Harriet N. Cook | Harriet N. Cook delves into the destructive nature of locusts as described in the Bible, particularly during the plague in Egypt where they devoured all vegetation, leaving the lan |
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No More Conscience of Sins by John Nelson Darby | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'passing away' (parago) in the Bible, highlighting its various senses such as leading past, leading aside, and going out of existence. Throu |
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The Worship Service: A Hindrance or a Highway for Revival by Ron Owens | The preacher delves into the concept of futility, describing it as emptiness, vanity, and purposelessness, particularly in the context of rejecting the truth about God. The futilit |
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Here's My Life by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about meeting a 94-year-old lady who lived to be 108. He reflects on the brevity of life and asks the audience to consider what |
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The Problem of a Good God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God wholeheartedly and not holding back in one's commitment. He urges young people to dedicate themselves to God a |