Psalms 88:10
Psalms 88:10 in Multiple Translations
Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah
Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? Shall they that are deceased arise and praise thee? [Selah
Will you do works of wonder for the dead? will the shades come back to give you praise? (Selah.)
Do you do miracles among the dead? Do the dead stand up to praise you? Selah.
Wilt thou shewe a miracle to the dead? or shall the dead rise and prayse thee? Selah.
To the dead dost Thou do wonders? Do Rephaim rise? do they thank Thee? Selah.
Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the departed spirits rise up and praise you? Selah.
Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
Thou rulest the power of the sea: and appeasest the motion of the waves thereof.
You certainly do not [RHQ] perform miracles for dead people! Their spirits do not [RHQ] arise to praise you! (Think about that!)
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 88:10
BAB
Word Study
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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 88:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֵינִ֥/י
דָאֲבָ֗ה
מִנִּ֫י
עֹ֥נִי
קְרָאתִ֣י/ךָ
יְהוָ֣ה
בְּ/כָל
י֑וֹם
שִׁטַּ֖חְתִּי
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
כַפָּֽ/י
עֵינִ֥/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs | Suff
דָאֲבָ֗ה
dâʼab
H1669
to languish
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
מִנִּ֫י
min
H4480
from
Prep
עֹ֥נִי
ʻŏnîy
H6040
affliction
N-ms
קְרָאתִ֣י/ךָ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
י֑וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
שִׁטַּ֖חְתִּי
shâṭach
H7849
to spread
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כַפָּֽ/י
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 88:10
עֵינִ֥/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
דָאֲבָ֗ה
dâʼab
H1669
"to languish"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To languish means to become weak or faint, often with sorrow. In the Bible, it describes a state of mourning or sadness.
Definition: (Qal) to become faint, languish
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: mourn, sorrow(-ful). See also: Psalms 88:10; Jeremiah 31:12; Jeremiah 31:25.
מִנִּ֫י
min
H4480
"from"
Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
עֹ֥נִי
ʻŏnîy
H6040
"affliction"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means affliction or misery, describing a state of trouble or hardship, as seen in the experiences of the Israelites in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) affliction, poverty, misery 1a) affliction 1b) poverty
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: afflicted(-ion), trouble. See also: Genesis 16:11; Job 36:21; Psalms 9:14.
קְרָאתִ֣י/ךָ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
יְהוָ֣ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
י֑וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
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.
שִׁטַּ֖חְתִּי
shâṭach
H7849
"to spread"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
This word means to spread or expand something, like God spreading out the heavens in Isaiah or the Israelites spreading out to conquer the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) to spread, spread abroad, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to spread 1a2) spreading, expanding (participle) 1b) (Piel) to spread out
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: all abroad, enlarge, spread, stretch out. See also: Numbers 11:32; Job 12:23; Psalms 88:10.
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
כַפָּֽ/י
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 88:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 88:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:10
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
- Sermons on Psalms 88:10
Context — I Cry Out before You
8You have removed my friends from me; You have made me repulsive to them; I am confined and cannot escape.
9My eyes grow dim with grief. I call to You daily, O LORD; I spread out my hands to You.
10Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah
11Can Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon ? 12Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?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 26:19 | Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust! For your dew is like the dew of the morning, and the earth will bring forth her dead. |
| 3 | 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? |
| 4 | 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. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 15:52–57 | in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! |
| 6 | Ezekiel 37:1–14 | The hand of the LORD was upon me, and He brought me out by His Spirit and set me down in the middle of the valley, and it was full of bones. He led me all around among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, and indeed, they were very dry. Then He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones come to life?” “O Lord GOD,” I replied, “only You know.” And He said to me, “Prophesy concerning these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh grow upon you and cover you with skin. I will put breath within you so that you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’” So I prophesied as I had been commanded. And as I prophesied, there was suddenly a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to bone. As I looked on, tendons appeared on them, flesh grew, and skin covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and tell the breath that this is what the Lord GOD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, so that they may live!” So I prophesied as He had commanded me, and the breath entered them, and they came to life and stood on their feet—a vast army. Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Look, they are saying, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope has perished; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O My people, I will open your graves and bring you up from them, and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, My people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.’” |
| 7 | Psalms 118:17 | I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done. |
| 8 | Psalms 115:17 | It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence. |
| 9 | Mark 5:35–36 | While He was still speaking, messengers from the house of Jairus arrived and said, “Your daughter is dead; why bother the Teacher anymore?” But Jesus overheard their conversation and said to Jairus, “Do not be afraid; just believe.” |
| 10 | Job 14:7–12 | For there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail. If its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the soil, at the scent of water it will bud and put forth twigs like a sapling. But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he? As water disappears from the sea and a river becomes parched and dry, so a man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens are no more, he will not be awakened or roused from sleep. |
Psalms 88:10 Summary
Psalms 88:10 is a question about whether God does amazing things for people who have died and if they can still praise Him. The psalmist is feeling very sad and alone, wondering if God is still with him, similar to feelings expressed in Job 10:1-3 and Lamentations 5:1-22. This verse reminds us that, even when we feel far from God, we can still ask Him questions and seek His presence, as seen in Psalms 22:1-2 and Matthew 27:46. It also points us to the hope of eternal life, where we will one day praise God face to face, as promised in Revelation 21:3-4 and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of the question in Psalms 88:10 about working wonders for the dead?
The question in Psalms 88:10 is asked in a context of deep sorrow and feeling abandoned by God, as seen in the surrounding verses, Psalms 88:8-9 and Psalms 88:11-12, where the psalmist feels removed from friends and confined in grief, similar to the feelings expressed in Job 19:13-14 and Lamentations 3:1-20.
Does the Bible teach that departed spirits can rise up to praise God?
The Bible does not teach that departed spirits can rise up to praise God in the same way living believers can, as seen in Hebrews 13:15, which emphasizes the importance of living believers offering praise to God, and in Revelation 21:4, which looks forward to a future time when there will be no more death or sorrow.
What is the significance of the word 'Selah' at the end of Psalms 88:10?
The word 'Selah' is a musical term that likely indicates a pause or a moment of reflection, similar to its use in Psalms 3:2 and Psalms 32:4, where it is used to separate sections of a song or to prompt the reader to consider the weight of what has been said.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's power and faithfulness?
This verse, in questioning God's work among the dead, highlights the psalmist's struggle to understand God's power and faithfulness in times of sorrow, a theme also explored in Psalms 77:7-10 and Romans 8:28, where God's faithfulness is affirmed even in the midst of difficulty and suffering.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I, like the psalmist, struggle to understand God's presence and power in my darkest moments, and how can I express these feelings to God?
- What are some ways that I can, even in the midst of sorrow, offer praise to God and acknowledge His wonders, as encouraged in Psalms 9:1-2 and Psalms 107:1-2?
- How does the reality of death and the afterlife influence my priorities and my worship of God, in light of verses like Psalms 90:12 and Ecclesiastes 12:1-7?
- In what ways can I trust in God's loving devotion and faithfulness, even when I do not see or feel His presence, as expressed in Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 11:1-3?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 88:10
Wilt thou show wonders to the dead?.... The Lord does show wonders to some that are spiritually dead, dead in Adam, dead in law, dead in trespasses and sins, by quickening them; whereby the wonders
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 88:10
Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
Wilt thou show wonders to the dead, to wit, in raising them to live again in this world? as it is in the next clause. I know that thou wilt not. And therefore now hear and help me, or it will be too late. Praise thee, to wit, amongst mortal men in this world.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
Psalms 88:10 Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise [and] praise thee? Selah.Ver. 10. Wilt thou show wonders to the dead?] Wilt thou delay to deliver me till I am dead, and then raise me again by a miracle, that I may praise thee? But he should have considered that God neither needeth our poor praises nor can his help ever come too late. Shall the dead arise] Heb. the giants, that is, those that are swallowed up of death, as the giants were of the deluge.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
(10-12) These verses probably contain the prayer tittered with the “stretched-out hands.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
Verse 10. Wilt thou show wonders to the dead!] מתים methim, dead men. Shall the dead] רפאים rephaim, "the manes or departed spirits." Arise and praise thee?] Any more in this life? The interrogations in this and the two following verses imply the strongest negations.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 88:10
10. This and the two following verses can hardly be, as some commentators suppose, the prayer to which he refers in Psalms 88:9. The connexion of thought seems to be this. He has prayed that God will shew him His marvellous lovingkindness, but he will soon be beyond the reach of it, for of course from his point of view there can be but one answer to the questions of Psa 88:10-12, and that a negative one. In despair he asks; Wilt thou do wonders for the dead? Shall the shades arise and praise thee? To do ‘wonders’ is the prerogative of God (Exodus 15:11; Psalms 77:11; Psalms 77:14): to give thanks to Him for them is the duty of man: but the Psalmist cannot believe that even God will work such a miracle that the dead shall arise and praise Him. Rephâîm, the Heb. word for ‘shades,’ denotes the dead as weak and nerveless ghosts. Arise might mean no more than ‘stand up,’ referring to what takes place in the unseen world, but the parallel of Isa 26:14 suggests that it is a resurrection of which the poet speaks as inconceivable. Cp.
Job 14:12.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 88:10
Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? - The wonders - or the things suited to excite admiration - which the living behold.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 88:10
10. Wilt thou show wonders to the dead—A wonder, singular, a token, a proof of saving power and favour. God’s “wonders,” for the edification of living men, are shown to the living, not to the dead.
Sermons on Psalms 88:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Through the Bible - Isaiah - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of delivering a strong message to people whose hearts are insensitive and ears are dull. He references Jesus quoting from Isai |
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The Doctrine of the Resurrection, Stated and Defended. in Two Sermons, Preached at a Lecture in Lime-Street. by John Gill | John Gill emphasizes the critical importance of the doctrine of resurrection, arguing that without it, the foundation of Christian faith crumbles. He defends the resurrection again |
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Job 14:14 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith explores the profound question posed by Job, 'If a man die, shall he live again?' He emphasizes that while Job faced despair, he also glimpsed the hope of life beyond d |