Psalm 144:4

ESV Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

NIV They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.

NASB Man is like the breath; His days are like a passing shadow.

CSB A human is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.

NLT For they are like a breath of air; their days are like a passing shadow.

KJV Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.

NKJV Man is like a breath; His days are like a passing shadow.

What does Psalm 144:4 mean?

Please see our chapter commentary on Psalm 144; verse-level content coming soon!

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Context Summary
Psalm 144:1–4 praises the Lord for preparing David for battle, for protecting him, and for subduing people under him. In contrast to Lord's loving, mighty character, David portrays man as finite. It is amazing that the Lord cares for men, whose lives are short and fragile.

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Chapter Summary
David begins by praising the Lord for ability, protection, and success in battle. This is amazing because humanity is so frail and temporary compared to God. Still, David asks for the Lord's intervention. Enemy nations and those who make false promises plague David. Yet he confidently plans to praise the Lord for the anticipated victory. The song ends with a prayer for the nation of Israel to experience prosperity. This is expected when the king is preserved, and such blessings are part of being God's chosen people.

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