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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 88:12 Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/88-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/19_Psa_088_012.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 88:12 - Day and Night I Cry Out Before You" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/88-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/88-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/88.htm">Chapter 88</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/88-11.htm" title="Psalm 88:11">◄</a> Psalm 88:12 <a href="/psalms/88-13.htm" title="Psalm 88:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/88.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/88.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Are your wonders known in the place of darkness, or your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/88.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Can the darkness speak of your wonderful deeds? Can anyone in the land of forgetfulness talk about your righteousness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/88.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Are your wonders known in the darkness, or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/88.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/88.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/88.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/88.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will Your wonders be made known in the darkness? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/88.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Will Your wonders be made known in the darkness? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/88.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Will Thy wonders be made known in the darkness? And Thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/88.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Will Your wonders be known in the darkness? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/88.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Will Your wonders be known in the darkness? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness [where the dead forget and are forgotten]?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/88.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will your wonders be known in the darkness or your righteousness in the land of oblivion?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/88.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will Your wonders be known in the darkness or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/88.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? And thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/88.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do they know of your miracles or your saving power in the dark world below where all is forgotten? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/88.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/88.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Will anyone know about your miracles in that dark place or about your righteousness in the place where forgotten people live?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/88.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Are your miracles seen in that place of darkness or your goodness in the land of the forgotten? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/88.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Can your awesome deeds be known in darkness or your righteousness in the land of oblivion?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/88.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/88.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Are your amazing deeds experienced in the dark region, or your deliverance in the land of oblivion? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/88.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/88.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/88.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/88.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Are Your wonders known in the darkness? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/88.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Are Thy wonders known in the darkness? And Thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/88.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Shall thy wonder be known in darkness, and thy justice in a land of oblivion?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/88.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Shall thy wonders be known in the dark; and thy justice in the land of forgetfulness? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/88.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 87:13>Will your wonders be known in the darkness, or your justice in the land of oblivion?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/88.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Are your marvels declared in the darkness, your righteous deeds in the land of oblivion? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/88.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Are your wonders known in the darkness, or your saving help in the land of forgetfulness?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/88.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thy wonders shall be known in the dark, and thy righteousness in the land that has been forsaken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/88.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Your wonders will be known in darkness and your righteousness in the land that was forgotten!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/88.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Shall Thy wonders be known in the dark? And Thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/88.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Shall thy wonders be known in darkness? and thy righteousness in a forgotten land?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/88-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=10985" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/88.htm">Day and Night I Cry Out Before You</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>Can Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon? <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6382.htm" title="6382: pil·’e·ḵā (N-msc:: 2ms) -- A wonder. From pala'; a miracle.">Will Your wonders</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: hă·yiw·wā·ḏa‘ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">be known</a> <a href="/hebrew/2822.htm" title="2822: ba·ḥō·šeḵ (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- From chashak; the dark; hence darkness; figuratively, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness.">in the darkness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6666.htm" title="6666: wə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯə·ḵā (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 2ms) -- Righteousness. From tsadaq; rightness, subjectively, objectively, morally or figuratively.">or Your righteousness</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: bə·’e·reṣ (Prep-b:: N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">in the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/5388.htm" title="5388: nə·šî·yāh (N-fs) -- Forgetfulness, oblivion. From nashah; oblivion.">of oblivion?</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>But to You, O LORD, I cry for help; in the morning my prayer comes before You.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/10-21.htm">Job 10:21-22</a></span><br />before I go—never to return—to a land of darkness and gloom, / to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/38-18.htm">Isaiah 38:18</a></span><br />For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-5.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:5-6</a></span><br />For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing. They have no further reward, because the memory of them is forgotten. / Their love, their hate, and their envy have already vanished, and they will never again have a share in all that is done under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-13.htm">Job 14:13</a></span><br />If only You would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until Your anger has passed! If only You would appoint a time for me and then remember me!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/6-5.htm">Psalm 6:5</a></span><br />For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/30-9.htm">Psalm 30:9</a></span><br />“What gain is there in my bloodshed, in my descent to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-17.htm">Psalm 115:17</a></span><br />It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/14-9.htm">Isaiah 14:9-11</a></span><br />Sheol beneath is eager to meet you upon your arrival. It stirs the spirits of the dead to greet you—all the rulers of the earth. It makes all the kings of the nations rise from their thrones. / They will all respond to you, saying, “You too have become weak, as we are; you have become like us!” / Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/26-20.htm">Ezekiel 26:20</a></span><br />then I will bring you down with those who descend to the Pit, to the people of antiquity. I will make you dwell in the earth below like the ancient ruins, with those who descend to the Pit, so that you will no longer be inhabited or set in splendor in the land of the living.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/lamentations/3-6.htm">Lamentations 3:6</a></span><br />He has made me dwell in darkness like those dead for ages.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/8-12.htm">Matthew 8:12</a></span><br />But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-23.htm">Luke 16:23-26</a></span><br />In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. / So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ / But Abraham answered, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. But now he is comforted here, while you are in agony. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-28.htm">John 5:28-29</a></span><br />Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice / and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/2-27.htm">Acts 2:27</a></span><br />because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a></span><br />For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Shall your wonders be known in the dark? and your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?</p><p class="hdg">dark</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Psalm 143:3</a></b></br> For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down to the ground; he hath made me to dwell in darkness, as those that have been long dead.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/10-21.htm">Job 10:21,22</a></b></br> Before I go <i>whence</i> I shall not return, <i>even</i> to the land of darkness and the shadow of death; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/8-22.htm">Isaiah 8:22</a></b></br> And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and <i>they shall be</i> driven to darkness.</p><p class="hdg">in the land</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/88-5.htm">Psalm 88:5</a></b></br> Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/31-12.htm">Psalm 31:12</a></b></br> I am forgotten as a dead man out of mind: I am like a broken vessel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-16.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:16</a></b></br> For <i>there is</i> no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now <i>is</i> in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise <i>man</i>? as the fool.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/88-6.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/88-6.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/88-11.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/psalms/86-10.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/psalms/88-4.htm">Help</a> <a href="/psalms/83-4.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/psalms/82-3.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/85-13.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/78-22.htm">Saving</a> <a href="/psalms/88-10.htm">Wonders</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/91-6.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/psalms/88-18.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/psalms/102-4.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/psalms/90-16.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/psalms/88-13.htm">Help</a> <a href="/psalms/88-18.htm">Memory</a> <a href="/psalms/92-12.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/psalms/89-14.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-11.htm">Saving</a> <a href="/psalms/89-5.htm">Wonders</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 88</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/88-1.htm">A prayer containing a grievous complaint.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/88.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/88.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Will Your wonders be known in the darkness</b><br>This phrase reflects a deep sense of despair and questioning of God's presence in times of trouble. The "darkness" symbolizes a state of spiritual or emotional turmoil, often associated with death or severe trials. In biblical context, darkness is frequently used to represent chaos or the absence of God's light (<a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2</a>, <a href="/john/1-5.htm">John 1:5</a>). The psalmist is questioning whether God's miraculous works can be recognized or appreciated when one is engulfed in such darkness. This echoes the sentiments found in other psalms where the psalmist cries out for God's intervention (<a href="/psalms/22.htm">Psalm 22:1-2</a>). Theologically, it raises the question of God's omnipresence and omnipotence, even in the darkest times.<p><b>or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?</b><br>The "land of oblivion" is a metaphor for Sheol, the abode of the dead in ancient Hebrew thought. It is depicted as a place of forgetfulness and silence, where the dead are cut off from the living and, seemingly, from God's active presence (<a href="/psalms/6-5.htm">Psalm 6:5</a>, <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a>). The psalmist is questioning whether God's righteousness, His moral perfection and justice, can be manifested or acknowledged in such a place. This reflects a common theme in the Psalms, where the psalmist grapples with the apparent absence of God's justice in the face of death and suffering. Theologically, it points to the hope of resurrection and eternal life, where God's righteousness will ultimately be revealed and vindicated (<a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm">Isaiah 26:19</a>, <a href="/daniel/12-2.htm">Daniel 12:2</a>). In the New Testament, this hope is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who conquers death and brings life and immortality to light through the gospel (<a href="/2_timothy/1-10.htm">2 Timothy 1:10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/sons_of_korah.htm">Sons of Korah</a></b><br>The authors of <a href="/bsb/psalms/88.htm">Psalm 88</a>, a group of Levitical singers and musicians who played a significant role in temple worship.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/heman_the_ezrahite.htm">Heman the Ezrahite</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/88.htm">Psalm 88</a>, known for his wisdom and musical contributions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/darkness.htm">Darkness</a></b><br>Symbolic of despair, suffering, and the absence of God's presence.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/l/land_of_oblivion.htm">Land of Oblivion</a></b><br>A metaphorical place representing death or a state of being forgotten, where God's wonders and righteousness seem absent.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/g/god's_wonders_and_righteousness.htm">God's Wonders and Righteousness</a></b><br>Central themes of the Psalm, questioning their visibility and impact in times of deep distress.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_suffering.htm">The Reality of Suffering</a></b><br>Psalm 88 acknowledges the depth of human suffering and despair, reminding us that it is okay to bring our deepest fears and questions to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_darkness.htm">God's Presence in Darkness</a></b><br>Even when we feel abandoned, God is present. Our understanding of His wonders and righteousness may be obscured, but they remain true.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_lament.htm">The Importance of Lament</a></b><br>This Psalm teaches us the value of lament in our spiritual journey, allowing us to express our pain and seek God's intervention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_beyond_despair.htm">Hope Beyond Despair</a></b><br>While the Psalm ends in darkness, the broader biblical account assures us of hope and redemption through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>In times of personal darkness, the support of a faith community can be vital in reminding us of God's promises and presence.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_88.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 88</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_lacks_deliverance_in_psalm_88.htm">If the Old Testament often portrays God rescuing the faithful, why does Psalm 88 contain no promise of deliverance at all?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_abaddon_apollyon.htm">Who is Abaddon or Apollyon in religious texts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_5_9_conflict_with_other_miracles.htm">In Job 5:9, does the claim of God performing countless marvels conflict with documented miracles (or lack thereof) in other biblical texts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_6_5_align_with_afterlife.htm">Psalm 6:5 - How does the statement 'in death there is no remembrance of you' align with later teachings on the afterlife or resurrection?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/88.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Shall thy wonders be known in the dark?</span> (compare above, ver. 10). <span class="cmt_word">And thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?</span> "The land of forgetfulness," or "of oblivion," is another name for Hades, or Sheol - not that there are supposed to be no memories of the past in it (<a href="/isaiah/14-16.htm">Isaiah 14:16, 17</a>), but that all is faint and shadowy there, consciousness but a half-consciousness, remembrance but a half-remembrance. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/88-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Will Your wonders</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּלְאֶ֑ךָ</span> <span class="translit">(pil·’e·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6382.htm">Strong's 6382: </a> </span><span class="str2">A miracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be known</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲיִוָּדַ֣ע</span> <span class="translit">(hă·yiw·wā·ḏa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the darkness,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּחֹ֣שֶׁךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥō·šeḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2822.htm">Strong's 2822: </a> </span><span class="str2">The dark, darkness, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, wickedness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or Your righteousness</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝צִדְקָתְךָ֗</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ṣiḏ·qā·ṯə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6666.htm">Strong's 6666: </a> </span><span class="str2">Rightness, subjectively, objectively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the land</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאֶ֣רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’e·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of oblivion?</span><br /><span class="heb">נְשִׁיָּֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(nə·šî·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5388.htm">Strong's 5388: </a> </span><span class="str2">Forgetfulness, oblivion</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/88-12.htm">Psalm 88:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/88-12.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 88:12 Are your wonders made known (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/88-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 88:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 88:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/88-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 88:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 88:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>