Christian Standard Bible
Psalms 115:17
17It is not the dead who praise the Lord, nor any of those descending into the silence of death.
Psalms 115:17 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.
- New International Version (NIV)It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence;
- English Standard Version (ESV)The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.
- New King James Version (NKJV)The dead do not praise the Lord, Nor any who go down into silence.
Context of Psalms 115:17
15May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 16The heavens are the Lord’s, but the earth he has given to the human race. It is not the dead who praise the Lord, nor any of those descending into the silence of death. 18But we will bless the Lord, both now and forever. Hallelujah!
Read all of Psalms 115Psalms 115:17 word by word
לֹ֣א הַ֭מֵּתִים יְהַֽלְלוּ־יָ֑הּ וְ֝לֹ֗א כָּל־יֹרְדֵ֥י דוּמָֽה׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Psalms 115:17
- Psalms 6:5For there is no remembrance of you in death; who can thank you in Sheol?
- Psalms 30:9“What gain is there in my death, if I go down to the Pit? Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your truth?
- Psalms 88:10Do you work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise you?Selah
- Isaiah 38:18For Sheol cannot thank you; Death cannot praise you. Those who go down to the Pit cannot hope for your faithfulness.
- Psalms 31:17Lord, do not let me be disgraced when I call on you. Let the wicked be disgraced; let them be quiet in Sheol.
- 1 Samuel 2:9He guards the steps of his faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness, for a person does not prevail by his own strength.
Commentaries on Psalms 115:17
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 17The dead praise not the Lord - המתים hammethim, those dead men who worshipped as gods dumb idols, dying in their sins, worship not Jehovah; nor can any of those who go down into silence praise thee: earth is the place in which to praise the Lord for his mercies, and get a preparation for his glory.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 17The dead praise not the Lord - The meaning of this is, that as those who are dead cannot praise God, or cannot worship him, this should be done while we are in the land of the living. This opportunity, like all other opportunities, will be cut off in the grave, and hence, we should be faithful in this duty, and should avail ourselves of this privilege, while life lasts. In regard to the sentiment here expressed, and the grounds on which that sentiment was…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 9-18Verses 9-18 It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that trust in him. Wherever there is right fear of God, there may be cheerful faith in him; those who reverence his word, may rely upon it. He is ever found faithful. The greatest need his blessing, and it shall not be denied to the meanest that fear him. God's blessing gives an increase, especially in spiritual blessings…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 16-18The highest heavens belong to the LORD: God's exaltation starts in heaven (Psalm 113:4), far above the gods of other nations. The earth also belongs to him (Psalm 47:9; 95:4). The dead cannot participate in God’s blessings. The living praise God in thanksgiving for his blessings (Psalm 79:13).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 15-1715-17. They were not only God's peculiar people, but as living inhabitants of earth, assigned the work of His praise as monuments of divine power, wisdom, and goodness.Read the comment
Topics related to Psalms 115:17
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Psalms 115
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- The Treasury of David
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
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