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Verse Takeaways
1
A Passing Shadow
Commentators explain that comparing man to "vanity" and a "shadow" highlights two realities: life is short, and it lacks substance on its own. Scholars note the original words can mean "breath" or "vapor." As one commentator puts it, a shadow is not a thing in itself, but merely the absence of light. This emphasizes that human existence finds its substance and meaning only in God.
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Psalms
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Commentaries
5
Albert Barnes
On Psalms 144:4
18th Century
Theologian
Man is like to vanity — See the notes at Psalms 39:5-6; Psalms 62:9. The idea here is that man can be compared only with…
Charles Ellicott
On Psalms 144:4
19th Century
Bishop
Vanity ... shadow. —See Psalms 39:5-6; Psalms 102:11. The occasion of the introduction of these sentiments here is not …
Charles Spurgeon
On Psalm 144:4
19th Century
Preacher
You know that a shadow is nothing; it is rather the absence of something than anything in itself. Shadow is the absence of light; and what is man b…
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John Gill
On Psalms 144:4
17th Century
Pastor
Man is like to vanity
Is vanity itself, in every age, state, and condition; yea, in his best estate, ([Reference Psa…
Matthew Henry
On Psalms 144:1–8
17th Century
Minister
When individuals become eminent for things for which they have had few advantages, they should be more deeply aware that God has been their Teacher…