Psalm 89:48

ESV What man can live and never see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah
NIV Who can live and not see death, or who can escape the power of the grave?
NASB What man can live and not see death? Can he save his soul from the power of Sheol? Selah
CSB What courageous person can live and never see death? Who can save himself from the power of Sheol? Selah
NLT No one can live forever; all will die. No one can escape the power of the grave. Interlude
KJV What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.
NKJV What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah

What does Psalm 89:48 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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