Add parallel Print Page Options

As a cloud dissolves and vanishes,(A)
    so whoever goes down to Sheol shall not come up.

Read full chapter

For a tree there is hope;
    if it is cut down, it will sprout again,
    its tender shoots will not cease.
Even though its root grow old in the earth
    and its stump die in the dust,
Yet at the first whiff of water it sprouts
    and puts forth branches like a young plant.
10 But when a man dies, all vigor leaves him;(A)
    when a mortal expires, where then is he?
11 As when the waters of a lake fail,
    or a stream shrivels and dries up,
12 So mortals lie down, never to rise.
    Until the heavens are no more, they shall not awake,
    nor be roused out of their sleep.(B)

Read full chapter

[a]For my soul is filled with troubles;(A)
    my life draws near to Sheol.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 88:4–8 In imagination the psalmist already experiences the alienation of Sheol.

10     my eyes grow dim from trouble.

All day I call on you, Lord;
    I stretch out my hands to you.
11 [a]Do you work wonders for the dead?
    Do the shades arise and praise you?(A)
Selah

III

12 Is your mercy proclaimed in the grave,
    your faithfulness among those who have perished?[b]

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 88:11–13 The psalmist seeks to persuade God to act out of concern for divine honor: the shades give you no worship, so keep me alive to offer you praise.
  2. 88:12 Perished: lit., “Abaddon,” the deepest part of Sheol.