Psalms 115:17
Psalms 115:17 in Multiple Translations
It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence.
The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
The dead praise not Jehovah, Neither any that go down into silence;
The dead do not give praise to the Lord; or those who go down to the underworld.
The dead do not praise the Lord, those who have gone down into the silence of the grave.
The dead prayse not the Lord, neither any that goe downe into the place of silence.
The dead praise not Jah, Nor any going down to silence.
The dead don’t praise the LORD, nor any who go down into silence,
The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
Dead people are not able to praise Yahweh; when they descend into the place where dead people are, they are unable to speak and cannot praise him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 115:17
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 115:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹ֣א
הַ֭/מֵּתִים
יְהַֽלְלוּ
יָ֑הּ
וְ֝/לֹ֗א
כָּל
יֹרְדֵ֥י
דוּמָֽה
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
הַ֭/מֵּתִים
mûwth
H4191
to die
Art | V-Qal
יְהַֽלְלוּ
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
יָ֑הּ
Yâhh
H3050
LORD
N-proper
וְ֝/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
יֹרְדֵ֥י
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal
דוּמָֽה
dûwmâh
H1745
silence
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 115:17
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הַ֭/מֵּתִים
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
יְהַֽלְלוּ
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
יָ֑הּ
Yâhh
H3050
"LORD"
N-proper
Jah is a shortened form of the name LORD, used in many compounds, such as names ending in -iah or -jah. It appears in the Bible as a way to refer to God.
Definition: A shortened form of the name ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068) used in many compounds as the letters 'Je' or 'jah'
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: Jah, the Lord, most vehement. Compare names in '-iah,' '-jah.' See also: Exodus 15:2; Psalms 118:17; Psalms 68:5.
וְ֝/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
יֹרְדֵ֥י
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
דוּמָֽה
dûwmâh
H1745
"silence"
N-fs
This word means silence or stillness, sometimes symbolizing death. The Bible uses it to describe quiet or the absence of sound. It can also imply a sense of death or inactivity.
Definition: silence
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: silence. See also: Psalms 94:17; Psalms 115:17.
Study Notes — Psalms 115:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 115:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 115:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 115:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 115:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 115:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
- Sermons on Psalms 115:17
Context — To Your Name Be the Glory
15May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
16The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth He has given to mankind.
17It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence.
18But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore. Hallelujah!Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 6:5 | For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol? |
| 2 | Isaiah 38:18–19 | For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness. The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness. |
| 3 | Psalms 88:10–12 | Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah Can Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon ? Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion? |
| 4 | Psalms 31:17 | O LORD, let me not be ashamed, for I have called on You. Let the wicked be put to shame; let them lie silent in Sheol. |
| 5 | Psalms 30:9 | “What gain is there in my bloodshed, in my descent to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness? |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 2:9 | He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail. |
Psalms 115:17 Summary
[Psalms 115:17 reminds us that it's the living who get to praise God, not those who have died. As Psalms 6:5 says, the dead do not remember God, so it's up to us to give Him thanks and worship while we can. We should make the most of the time we have to praise God, just like Psalms 115:18 says, 'But it is we who will bless the LORD, both now and forevermore.']
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'descend into silence' in Psalms 115:17?
To 'descend into silence' means to die and no longer be able to praise God, as stated in Psalms 115:17, and is also reflected in Psalms 6:5, which says that in death, there is no remembrance of God.
Why can't the dead praise the Lord according to Psalms 115:17?
The dead cannot praise the Lord because they are no longer alive to give Him thanks and worship, as Ecclesiastes 9:5 and Psalms 115:17 indicate, emphasizing the importance of praising God while we are still alive.
Is Psalms 115:17 saying that there is no afterlife?
No, Psalms 115:17 is not saying that there is no afterlife, but rather that the dead do not praise God in the same way that the living do, as seen in Psalms 115:17 and supported by Revelation 21:4, which speaks of a future time when there will be no more death or mourning.
How does Psalms 115:17 relate to the rest of the chapter?
Psalms 115:17 is part of a larger section that emphasizes the importance of praising and worshiping God, as seen in Psalms 115:15-18, and is connected to the idea that God is the creator of heaven and earth, as stated in Psalms 115:15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can praise the Lord today, while I am still alive?
- How can I make sure to prioritize worshiping and thanking God in my daily life?
- What does it mean to 'descend into silence', and how can I make the most of the time I have to praise God?
- How does the reality of death and the afterlife impact my worship and praise of God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 115:17
The dead praise not the Lord,.... Not the dead in sin; such as the makers of idols, and those that trust in them, who are like unto them; men must be made spiritually alive, ere they can show forth
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 115:17
The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
The dead; such as we shall suddenly be, if thou dost not succour us. Into silence; into the place of silence, the grave.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
Psalms 115:17 The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.Ver. 17. The dead praise not] Therefore be active for God while we are upon earth; where for this he giveth us life and livelihood. See Psalms 6:6.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
(17, 18) The connection of these verses with the rest of the psalm is far from plain. Why the psalmist should suddenly be struck with the dreadful thought that death broke the covenant relationship, and silenced prayer and praise, is not easy to see. Was the psalm first chanted after some victory? and was this suggested by the sight of the slain, who, though they had helped to win the triumph, could yet have no share in the praises that were ascending to Jehovah?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
Verse 17. The dead praise not the Lord] המתים hammethim, those dead men who worshipped as gods dumb idols, dying in their sins, worship not Jehovah; nor can any of those who go down into silence praise thee: earth is the place in which to praise the Lord for his mercies, and get a preparation for his glory.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 115:17
17. From heaven the poet passes to earth, and from earth to Sheol, which here, as in Psalms 94:17, is termed ‘silence.’ The dead raise no Hallelujahs; they are cut off from communion with God and from the power of rendering Him service of lip and life. For this gloomy view of the state of the dead cp. Psalms 6:5; Psalms 30:9; Psalms 88:4-5; Psalms 88:10-12; Isaiah 38:11; Isaiah 38:18; and many passages in Job, e.g. Job 7:9; Job 10:21 ff.; Job 10:14 : and see Introd. pp. xciii ff. The verse is partly a stimulus to employ life rightly; partly (in effect) a plea, for if Jehovah suffers his people to perish, He will lose their praises.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 115:17
The dead praise not the Lord - The meaning of this is, that as those who are dead cannot praise God, or cannot worship him, this should be done while we are in the land of the living.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 115:17
17. The dead praise not the Lord—That is, they do not show forth God’s praise upon earth, and among the living.
Sermons on Psalms 115:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Studies in 2 Timothy-01 2 Timothy-1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the progression of the Christian life using three illustrations: the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer. He emphasizes the need for believ |
|
John 1:49-2:4 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delves into the importance of understanding the depth of the Divine Scriptures through careful study and prayer. He contrasts the confessions of Peter and Nathanael |
|
Rev. 20:14. Death and the Grave by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 20:14, emphasizing God's ultimate victory over death and the grave, which are personified as twin enemies of humanity. He explains that death |
|
Wonders Shown to the Dead by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of Heman in Psalms 88, highlighting the deep soul struggles and the rare absence of hope in this particular Psalm. Unlike other Psalms, Hem |
|
Care of Our Feet by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the divine promise that God will keep the feet of His saints, ensuring their safety and guidance through life's slippery paths. He reassures believers that |
|
Matthew 12:9-13. Christ Heals the Man With the Withered Hand. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about Jesus' compassion and mercy, highlighting how He honored public worship, taught at the synagogue, and showed mercy to a man with a withered hand |
|
I Samuel 2:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the themes of divine protection and strength in his sermon based on I Samuel 2:9. He explains that God keeps the feet of His saints from straying and falling |