Psalm 89:47

ESV Remember how short my time is! For what vanity you have created all the children of man!
NIV Remember how fleeting is my life. For what futility you have created all humanity!
NASB Remember what my lifespan is; For what futility You have created all the sons of mankind!
CSB Remember how short my life is. Have you created everyone for nothing?
NLT Remember how short my life is, how empty and futile this human existence!
KJV Remember how short my time is: wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?
NKJV Remember how short my time is; For what futility have You created all the children of men?

What does Psalm 89:47 mean?

Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 89, verse-level content coming soon!
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Context Summary
Psalm 89:46–52 closes the psalm begging the Lord to reverse Israel's fortunes before the psalmist dies. In this time of crisis, life itself seems pointless. While Israel is insulted and mocked, the psalmist calls on God to see and respond. History provides no indication of what was happening, but some suggest this was written about the Jewish exile under Babylon (2 Kings 24:10–16). Another possibility is an Egyptian raid (1 Kings 14:25–28) during the time of Rehoboam.

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Chapter Summary
This psalm is not directly connected to other events in Scripture; it might be associated with the Babylonian captivity (2 Kings 24:10–16) or the Egyptian raid against Rehoboam (1 Kings 14:25–28). The psalmist begins by praising God for His loyal love. It applauds His covenant with David. However, this turns to grief over apparent defeats and humiliations. The psalm ends with a plea for the Lord to remember His promises and reverse Israel's fortunes.
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