Psalms 6:5
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For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol?
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
David was a weeping prophet as well as Jeremiah, and this psalm is one of his lamentations: either it was penned in a time, or at least calculated for a time, of great trouble, both outward and inward. Is any afflicted? Is any sick? Let him sing this psalm. The method of this psalm is very observable, and what we shall often meet with. He begins with doleful complaints, but ends with joyful praises; like Hannah, who went to prayer with a sorrowful spirit, but, when she had prayed, went her way, and her countenance was no more sad. Three things the psalmist is here complaining of: - 1. Sickness of body. 2. Trouble of mind, arising from the sense of sin, the meritorious cause of pain and sickness. 3. The insults of his enemies upon occasion of both. Now here, I. He pours out his complaints before God, deprecates his wrath, and begs earnestly for the return of his favour (Psa 6:1-7). II. He assures himself of an answer of peace, shortly, to his full satisfaction (Psa 6:8-10). This psalm is like the book of Job. To the chief musician on Neginoth upon Sheminith. A psalm of David.
Open source ↗6:5 from the grave? Hebrew from Sheol? In the Old Testament, Sheol is the abode of the dead. It is not necessarily associated with punishment.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence.
Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom.
“What gain is there in my bloodshed, in my descent to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?
I will not die, but I will live and proclaim what the LORD has done.
While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work.