Psalm 39:5

Psalm 39:5 in 6 English translations. Each links through to the full chapter for context.

New International Version (NIV)

5You have made my days a mere handbreadth;

the span of my years is as nothing before you.

Everyone is but a breath,

even those who seem secure.39:5 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 11.

5“Behold, You have made my days like 39:5 I.e., shorthand widths,

And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;

Certainly all mankind standing is 39:5 Or altogether breatha mere breath. Selah

5Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths,

And my lifetime as nothing in Your sight;

Surely every man at his best is a mere breath. Selah.

5“Behold, You have made my days as [short as] hand widths,

And my lifetime is as nothing in Your sight.

Surely every man at his best is a mere breath [a wisp of smoke, a vapor that vanishes]! [Eccl 1:2] Selah.

5You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths,

and my lifetime as nothing before You.

Truly each man at his best

exists as but a breath.

Selah

5You have given me only a few days to live.

My whole life doesn’t seem like anything to you.

No one lasts any longer than a breath.

This is true even for those who feel secure.