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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 8:4 what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/8-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/19_Psa_008_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 8:4 - How Majestic is Your Name!" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?" /><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'; 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And the son of man, that Thou dost care for him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />What is man that You remember him, And the son of man that You care for him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />what is a human being that you remember him, a son of man that you look after him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />what is man that You remember him, the son of man that You look after him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visitest him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Then I ask, "Why do you care about us humans? Why are you concerned for us weaklings?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />what is a mortal that you remember him or the Son of Man that you take care of him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />what are human beings, that you think of them; mere mortals, that you care for them? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />what is man that you take notice of him, or the son of man that you pay attention to him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Of what importance is the human race, that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind, that you should pay attention to them, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />what is man, that you think of him, and the son of man that you care for him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />what is man, that you think of him? What is the son of man, that you care for him? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />What [is] man that You remember him? The son of man that You inspect him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> What is man that Thou rememberest him? The son of man that Thou inspectest him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />What is man that thou wilt remember him? and the son of man that thou wilt review him?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />What is man that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 8:5>What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you visit him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />What is man that you are mindful of him, and a son of man that you care for him? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />What is man, that you remember him, and a son of man that you visit him?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that Thou thinkest of him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/8-4.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=625" 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/8.htm">How Majestic is Your Name!</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>When I behold Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place— <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">what</a> <a href="/hebrew/582.htm" title="582: ’ĕ·nō·wōš (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'anash; properly, a mortal; hence, a man in general.">is man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/2142.htm" title="2142: ṯiz·kə·ren·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms:: 3mse) -- Remember. A primitive root; properly, to mark, i.e. To remember; by implication, to mention; also to be male.">You are mindful of him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ū·ḇen- (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">or the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/120.htm" title="120: ’ā·ḏām (N-ms) -- Man, mankind. From 'adam; ruddy i.e. A human being.">of man</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6485.htm" title="6485: ṯip̄·qə·ḏen·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms:: 3mse) -- To attend to, visit, muster, appoint. A primitive root; to visit; by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc.">You care for him?</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor.…<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="/hebrews/2-6.htm">Hebrews 2:6-8</a></span><br />But somewhere it is testified in these words: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? / You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor / and placed everything under his feet.” When God subjected all things to him, He left nothing outside of his control. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-17.htm">Job 7:17-18</a></span><br />What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him, / that You attend to him every morning, and test him every moment?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26-28</a></span><br />Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” / So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. / God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-3.htm">Psalm 144:3-4</a></span><br />O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him? / Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/25-6.htm">Job 25:6</a></span><br />how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15-16</a></span><br />As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; / when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-17.htm">Isaiah 40:17</a></span><br />All the nations are as nothing before Him; He regards them as nothingness and emptiness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-27.htm">1 Corinthians 15:27</a></span><br />For “God has put everything under His feet.” Now when it says that everything has been put under Him, this clearly does not include the One who put everything under Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-16.htm">Matthew 21:16</a></span><br />“Do You hear what these children are saying?” they asked. “Yes,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read: ‘From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise’?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/1-22.htm">Ephesians 1:22</a></span><br />And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">1 Peter 5:6-7</a></span><br />Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you. / Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-20.htm">Romans 8:20-21</a></span><br />For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:18-21</a></span><br />I said to myself, “As for the sons of men, God tests them so that they may see for themselves that they are but beasts.” / For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile. / All go to one place; all come from dust, and all return to dust. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/2-22.htm">Isaiah 2:22</a></span><br />Put no more trust in man, who has only the breath in his nostrils. Of what account is he?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">What is man, that you are mindful of him? and the son of man, that you visit him?</p><p class="hdg">What</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/144-3.htm">Psalm 144:3</a></b></br> LORD, what <i>is</i> man, that thou takest knowledge of him! <i>or</i> the son of man, that thou makest account of him!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/6-18.htm">2 Chronicles 6:18</a></b></br> But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house which I have built!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/7-17.htm">Job 7:17</a></b></br> What <i>is</i> man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?</p><p class="hdg">son</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/4-2.htm">Psalm 4:2</a></b></br> O ye sons of men, how long <i>will ye turn</i> my glory into shame? <i>how long</i> will ye love vanity, <i>and</i> seek after leasing? Selah.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/80-17.htm">Psalm 80:17</a></b></br> Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man <i>whom</i> thou madest strong for thyself.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/146-3.htm">Psalm 146:3</a></b></br> Put not your trust in princes, <i>nor</i> in the son of man, in whom <i>there is</i> no help.</p><p class="hdg">visitest</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/106-4.htm">Psalm 106:4</a></b></br> Remember me, O LORD, with the favour <i>that thou bearest unto</i> thy people: O visit me with thy salvation;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Genesis 21:1</a></b></br> And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-31.htm">Exodus 4:31</a></b></br> And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/40-4.htm">Account</a> <a href="/job/39-11.htm">Care</a> <a href="/job/7-18.htm">Inspectest</a> <a href="/psalms/1-2.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-31.htm">Mindful</a> <a href="/job/11-16.htm">Rememberest</a> <a href="/job/41-32.htm">Think</a> <a href="/job/35-2.htm">Thinkest</a> <a href="/psalms/5-1.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/job/7-18.htm">Visitest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/10-13.htm">Account</a> <a href="/psalms/22-9.htm">Care</a> <a href="/job/7-18.htm">Inspectest</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/psalms/9-12.htm">Mindful</a> <a href="/psalms/88-5.htm">Rememberest</a> <a href="/psalms/35-25.htm">Think</a> <a href="/jeremiah/12-5.htm">Thinkest</a> <a href="/psalms/10-12.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Visitest</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/8-1.htm">God's glory is magnified by his works, and by his love to man</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/8.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/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>what is man that You are mindful of him</b><br>This phrase reflects the psalmist's awe at God's attention to humanity. In the biblical context, "man" refers to humanity in general, emphasizing human frailty and insignificance compared to the vastness of creation. The Hebrew word for "man" here is "enosh," which often denotes human weakness. This echoes <a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26-27</a>, where humans are created in God's image, highlighting the unique relationship between God and humanity. The psalmist marvels at God's mindfulness, which implies a deep, ongoing awareness and care. This mindfulness is seen throughout Scripture, such as in <a href="/matthew/10-29.htm">Matthew 10:29-31</a>, where Jesus speaks of God's care for even the smallest sparrow, underscoring His greater care for humans.<p><b>or the son of man that You care for him?</b><br>The term "son of man" is a Hebrew idiom for human beings, emphasizing their mortality and dependence on God. It is also a title Jesus frequently used for Himself, as seen in the Gospels, linking this psalm to Christological themes. The phrase "You care for him" suggests God's active involvement and concern for human welfare. This care is evident in God's covenantal relationship with Israel and His provision and guidance throughout their history. Theologically, it points to God's grace and mercy, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13-14</a>, where God's compassion is likened to that of a father for his children. This care is ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who embodies God's love and concern for humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/d/david.htm">David</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/8.htm">Psalm 8</a>, King David, is reflecting on the majesty of God and the place of humanity within creation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Creator, whose majesty and mindfulness of humanity are central themes in this Psalm.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/m/man.htm">Man</a></b><br>Refers to humanity in general, highlighting the humble position of humans in comparison to the vastness of creation.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/son_of_man.htm">Son of Man</a></b><br>A term often used to emphasize human frailty and mortality, but also a messianic title in other contexts.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/creation.htm">Creation</a></b><br>The backdrop of the Psalm, showcasing the heavens and the earth as a testament to God's glory and the context for human existence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_majesty_of_god.htm">The Majesty of God</a></b><br>Reflect on the greatness of God as seen in creation. Recognize that the vastness of the universe points to a Creator who is both powerful and intentional.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_significance.htm">Human Significance</a></b><br>Despite our smallness in the grand scheme of creation, God values and cares for each person. This should instill a sense of worth and purpose in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_mindfulness.htm">Divine Mindfulness</a></b><br>God's mindfulness of humanity is a profound truth. He is not distant or indifferent but is actively involved in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_and_gratitude.htm">Humility and Gratitude</a></b><br>Recognize our humble position before God and respond with gratitude for His care and attention. This should lead to a life of worship and service.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/christ_as_the_fulfillment.htm">Christ as the Fulfillment</a></b><br>Jesus, the ultimate "Son of Man," fulfills the role of humanity as intended by God. Through Him, we find our true identity and purpose.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_humans_just_below_angels.htm">Are humans slightly below angels in status?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_psalm_8_with_harsh_judgments.htm">How do we reconcile Psalm 8’s depiction of a caring God with other biblical passages that portray divine indifference or harsh judgment toward humans?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_defines_an_earth_angel.htm">What defines an earth angel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_signifies_the_son_of_man.htm">What signifies the Son of Man?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Man . . .</span> <span class= "bld">son of</span> <span class= "bld">man . . .</span>--The first, possibly, with suggestion of frailty; the second to his life derived from human ancestry. The answer to this question must always touch the two poles, of human frailty on the one hand, and the glory of human destiny on the other. "O the grandeur and the littleness, the excellence and the corruption, the majesty and the meanness, of man."--<span class= "ital">Pascal.</span><p>The insignificance of man compared to the stars is a common theme of poetry; but how different the feeling of the Hebrew from that of the modern poet, who regrets the culture by which he had been<p>"Brought to understand<p>A sad astrology, the boundless plan<p>That makes you tyrants in your iron skies,<p>Innumerable, pitiless, passionless eyes,<p>Cold fires, yet with power to burn and brand<p>His nothingness into man."--TENNYSON: <span class= "ital">Maud.</span><p>And yet, again, how far removed from the other pole of modern feeling, which draws inanimate nature into close sympathy with human joy or sorrow, expressed in the following words:--"When I have gazed into these stars, have they not looked down upon me as if with pity from their serene spaces, like eyes glistening with heavenly tears over the little lot of man?"--<span class= "ital">Carlyle.</span><p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">What is man, that thou art mindful of him?</span> In comparison with the lofty heavens, the radiant moon, and the hosts of sparkling stars, man seems to the psalmist wholly unworthy of God's attention. He is not, like Job, impatient of God's constant observation (<a href="/job/7-17.htm">Job 7:17-20</a>), but simply filled with wonder at his marvellous condescension (comp. <a href="/psalms/144-3.htm">Psalm 144:3</a>). And the son of man, that thou visitest him? The "son of man" here is a mere variant for "man" in the preceding hemistich. The clause merely emphasizes the general idea. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/8-4.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">what</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽה־</span> <span class="translit">(māh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is man</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱנ֥וֹשׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·nō·wōš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_582.htm">Strong's 582: </a> </span><span class="str2">Man, mankind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You are mindful [of him],</span><br /><span class="heb">תִזְכְּרֶ֑נּוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiz·kə·ren·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2142.htm">Strong's 2142: </a> </span><span class="str2">To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or the son</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבֶן־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇen-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of man</span><br /><span class="heb">אָ֝דָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_120.htm">Strong's 120: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ruddy, a human being</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">You care for him?</span><br /><span class="heb">תִפְקְדֶֽנּוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯip̄·qə·ḏen·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6485.htm">Strong's 6485: </a> </span><span class="str2">To visit, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/8-4.htm">Psalm 8:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/8-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 8:4 What is man that you think (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/8-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 8:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 8:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/8-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 8:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 8:5" /></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>