When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah.

PSALMS 39:11KJV
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Psalms 39:11 (KJV)

What does Psalms 39:11 mean?

Psalms 39:11 says that when God rebukes people for their wrongdoing, their beauty or splendor fades away quickly, like something eaten by a moth; this shows that every person’s life and achievements are fleeting and insubstantial. The verse ends with “Selah,” inviting the reader to pause and reflect on this sobering truth.

King David is speaking to God, reflecting on how temporary human life and glory are, especially when God corrects people for their sins. The verse uses the image of a moth eating away at clothing to show how quickly and quietly human greatness can disappear when God brings correction. The overall message is about the fragile and short-lived nature of human existence compared to God’s power.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 39:11

  • “rebukes” (תּוֹכֵחָה, tokhechah): This word means a sharp correction or reproof, suggesting not just a gentle warning but a clear, decisive act from God to address wrongdoing.
  • “beauty” (חֶמֶד, khemed): This word can mean delight, preciousness, or something desirable, emphasizing that even the best and most attractive parts of a person’s life can quickly fade.
  • “moth” (עָשׁ, ash): The moth is a symbol of slow, often unnoticed destruction; here, it highlights how God’s correction can quietly but completely consume what seems strong or beautiful.
  • “vanity” (הֶבֶל, hevel): This word means vapor, breath, or emptiness, underlining the idea that human life and achievements are insubstantial and quickly pass away.

Why Psalms 39:11 matters

  • Psalms 39:11 corrects the idea that human success or beauty is lasting or secure; it shows that these things can disappear suddenly when God brings correction.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of sin (“iniquity”) and how God’s response to it can affect even the most cherished parts of a person’s life.
  • In the context of the psalm, this verse deepens the theme of human frailty and encourages humility, reminding readers to reflect (“Selah”) on the limits of human strength and the reality of God’s authority.

Where else these words appear

“away” Hebrew H4529 · used in 4 verses

  • Joshua 14:8 Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me made the heart of the people melt: but I wholly followed the LORD my God.
  • Psalms 6:6 I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.
  • Psalms 147:18 He sendeth out his word, and melteth them: he causeth his wind to blow, and the waters flow.

“moth” Hebrew H6211 · used in 12 verses

  • Job 4:19 How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth?
  • Isaiah 50:9 Behold, the Lord GOD will help me; who is he that shall condemn me? lo, they all shall wax old as a garment; the moth shall eat them up.
  • Daniel 4:32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

“beauty” Hebrew H2530 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground made the LORD God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
  • Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
  • Proverbs 12:12 The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

“rebukes” Hebrew H8433 · used in 28 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
  • Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
  • Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.