Psalms 103:15
Psalms 103:15 in Multiple Translations
As for man, his days are like grass— he blooms like a flower of the field;
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
As for man, his days are as grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
As for man, his days are as grass: his beautiful growth is like the flower of the field.
Human lifetimes are like grass: we blossom like flowers in a field,
The dayes of man are as grasse: as a flowre of the fielde, so florisheth he.
Mortal man! as grass [are] his days, As a flower of the field so he flourisheth;
As for man, his days are like grass. As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
And that wine may cheer the heart of man. That he may make the face cheerful with oil: and that bread may strengthen man’s heart.
We humans do not live forever [SIM]; we are like grass [SIM] that withers and dies. We are like wild flowers: They bloom for a short while,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 103:15
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 103:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
כֶּ/חָצִ֣יר
יָמָ֑י/ו
כְּ/צִ֥יץ
הַ֝/שָּׂדֶ֗ה
כֵּ֣ן
יָצִֽיץ
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
N-ms
כֶּ/חָצִ֣יר
châtsîyr
H2682
grass
Prep | N-ms
יָמָ֑י/ו
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
כְּ/צִ֥יץ
tsîyts
H6731
flower
Prep | N-ms
הַ֝/שָּׂדֶ֗ה
sâdeh
H7704
field
Art | N-ms
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
יָצִֽיץ
tsûwts
H6692
to blossom
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 103:15
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
"human"
N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
כֶּ/חָצִ֣יר
châtsîyr
H2682
"grass"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean grass or a type of plant, like a leek. It appears in Numbers 5:18, describing a ritual involving holy water and a grain offering.
Definition: 1a) grass 1b) of the quickly perishing (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: grass, hay, herb, leek. See also: Numbers 11:5; Psalms 147:8; Psalms 37:2.
יָמָ֑י/ו
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
כְּ/צִ֥יץ
tsîyts
H6731
"flower"
Prep | N-ms
This word can mean a feather, wing, or flower, often describing something bright or gleaming. It is used to describe the beauty of nature, like blossoms or flowers.
Definition: 1) flower, bloom 1a) flower, bloom 1b) shining thing (of gold plate on high priest's mitre) (metaph.) Also means: tsi.tsah (צִיצָה "flower" H6733)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: blossom, flower, plate, wing. See also: Exodus 28:36; 1 Kings 6:35; Psalms 103:15.
הַ֝/שָּׂדֶ֗ה
sâdeh
H7704
"field"
Art | N-ms
A field or land is what this word represents, often referring to a flat area of land used for cultivation or as a habitat for wild animals, as described in the book of Genesis. It can also mean a plain or a country, as opposed to a mountain or sea. This term is used in the story of Ruth and Boaz.
Definition: 1) field, land 1a) cultivated field 1b) of home of wild beasts 1c) plain (opposed to mountain) 1d) land (opposed to sea)
Usage: Occurs in 309 OT verses. KJV: country, field, ground, land, soil, [idiom] wild. See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 28:38; Nehemiah 12:29.
כֵּ֣ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יָצִֽיץ
tsûwts
H6692
"to blossom"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To gaze means to look closely or glance at something. It can also mean to blossom or flourish, like a flower opening up. This word is used to describe something beautiful or attractive.
Definition: 1) to blossom, shine, sparkle 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to flourish 1a2) to shine, gleam 1b) (Hiphil) to blossom, put forth blossoms, produce blossoms
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: bloom, blossom, flourish, shew self. See also: Numbers 17:23; Psalms 103:15; Psalms 72:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 103:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 103:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:15
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:15
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:15
- Sermons on Psalms 103:15
Context — Bless the LORD, O My Soul
13As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
14For He knows our frame; He is mindful that we are dust.
15As for man, his days are like grass— he blooms like a flower of the field;
16when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more. 17But from everlasting to everlasting the loving devotion of the LORD extends to those who fear Him, and His righteousness to their children’s children—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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, |
| 2 | James 1:10–11 | But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. |
| 3 | Isaiah 51:12 | “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass? |
| 4 | 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.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 28:1 | Woe to the majestic crown of Ephraim’s drunkards, to the fading flower of his glorious splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, the pride of those overcome by wine. |
| 6 | Nahum 1:4 | He rebukes the sea and dries it up; He makes all the rivers run dry. Bashan and Carmel wither, and the flower of Lebanon wilts. |
| 7 | Job 14:1–3 | “Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. Do You open Your eyes to one like this? Will You bring him into judgment before You? |
| 8 | Psalms 90:5–6 | You whisk them away in their sleep; they are like the new grass of the morning— in the morning it springs up new, but by evening it fades and withers. |
| 9 | Isaiah 28:4 | The fading flower of his beautiful splendor, set on the summit above the fertile valley, will be like a ripe fig before the summer harvest: Whoever sees it will take it in his hand and swallow it. |
Psalms 103:15 Summary
[Psalms 103:15 teaches us that our lives are short and fleeting, like grass that grows and then withers away, reminding us to make the most of every day and to trust in God's compassion and care for us, as seen in Psalms 103:13. This comparison helps us understand that our time on earth is limited, but with God, we have the opportunity to live a life that is meaningful and eternal, as promised in John 10:10. By focusing on what truly lasts, we can find joy and purpose in our daily lives, as encouraged in Psalms 118:24. Remembering that our lives are like flowers of the field should motivate us to bloom where we are planted and bring glory to God, as seen in Matthew 5:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that our days are like grass?
This means that our lives are short and fleeting, just like grass that withers and dies quickly, as seen in Psalms 103:15 and similarly in Psalms 90:5-6, where our lives are compared to a dream that fades away.
Why does the Bible compare humans to flowers of the field?
The comparison to flowers of the field in Psalms 103:15 highlights the fragile and temporary nature of human life, emphasizing our dependence on God, similar to how flowers are dependent on the sun and rain for their survival, as noted in Matthew 6:28-30.
How does knowing our lives are short like grass affect our relationship with God?
Understanding the brevity of our lives should prompt us to seek a deeper relationship with God, focusing on what is eternal, as encouraged in Psalms 90:12, to make the most of the time we have, and to trust in His compassion as mentioned in Psalms 103:13.
Is the comparison of human life to grass and flowers meant to be discouraging?
No, it's meant to be a reminder of our mortality and the importance of living each day for God, as seen in Psalms 118:24, finding joy and purpose in Him despite the fleeting nature of life, and looking forward to eternal life with Him as promised in John 3:16.
Reflection Questions
- How does reflecting on the temporary nature of my life affect my priorities and decisions today?
- In what ways can I, like a flower, bloom where I am planted and bring glory to God, as seen in Matthew 5:16?
- What are some things I can do to make the most of the time I have, knowing that my days are numbered, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:16?
- How can I trust in God's compassion and care for me, even when faced with the reality of my own mortality, as promised in Psalms 103:13?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 103:15
As for man, his days are as grass,.... He himself is like the grass which springs out of the earth; continues on it for a time, and then drops into it; the continuance of the grass is very short, it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 103:15
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 103:15
A flower of the field; which is more exposed to winds and other violences than the flowers of the garden, which are secured by the art and care of the gardener.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 103:15
Psalms 103:15 [As for] man, his days [are] as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.Ver. 15. As for man, his days are as grass] The frailty of man’ s life, intimated in the former verse, is here lively painted out under the similitude of grass, as likewise in many other Scriptures. See Psalms 37:2; Psalms 90:5-6, &c. As a flower of the field, so he flourisheth] Take him in all his gaiety, his beauty, and his bravery, he is but as a flower; and that not of the garden, which hath more shelter and better ordering, but of the field, and so more subject to heat, weather, pulling up, or treading down, Isaiah 40:6-8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 103:15
Verse 15. His days are as grass] See Clarke on Psalms 90:5.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 103:15
15–18. Man passes away, but God’s mercy endures for ever.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 103:15
As for man - literally, “Man; like the grass are his days!” The thought is fixed on man: man so frail and weak; man, not only made originally of earth, but man delicate, feeble, soon to pass away
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 103:15
15. As for man—As for the human race, “man” being used collectively of all men, as Deuteronomy 32:26; Job 7:17; Psalms 8:4-5. Grass… flower—Emblems of frailty and beauty. Job 14:2; Psalms 90:6
Sermons on Psalms 103:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Liar and a Coward by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares personal experiences and reflections on the impact of hard work and the loss of his father. He recalls struggling academically but credits his fa |
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Paul Washers Story by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal journey of how he came to be a Christian and a preacher. He talks about having dreams of preaching as a young boy and his reluctanc |
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Take Up Your Cross - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the urgency and importance of spreading the word of God to the billions of people who have never heard of Jesus. The speaker shares a persona |
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Smoking Spiritualized by Ralph Erskine | Ralph Erskine delivers a powerful sermon using the metaphor of smoking tobacco to reflect on the transient nature of life, the vanity of worldly pursuits, the reminder of sin and m |
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The Flowers That Never Fade by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett emphasizes the eternal nature of God's inheritance compared to temporary possessions on earth, using the example of taking the landscape of Arran with him whereve |
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Our Present Fears by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson addresses the fears that many Christians face in a world filled with violence and uncertainty, emphasizing that despite the chaos, believers can find peace in God's |
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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 |