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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 146:4 When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/146-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/19_Psa_146_004.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 146:4 - Praise the LORD, O My Soul" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish." /><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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on that very day their plans come to nothing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/146.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/146.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/146.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/146.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/146.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; In that very day his plans perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/146.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; On that <i>very</i> day his plans perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/146.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/146.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/146.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; In that very day his plans perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/146.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When his spirit leaves him, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts <i>and</i> plans perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/146.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/146.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/146.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; In that very day his thoughts perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/146.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Once they die and are buried, that will be the end of all their plans. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/146.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/146.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When they breathe their last breath, they return to the ground. On that day their plans come to an end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/146.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When they die, they return to the dust; on that day all their plans come to an end. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/146.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When they stop breathing, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans evaporate!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/146.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/146.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Their life's breath departs, they return to the ground; on that day their plans die. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/146.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/146.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/146.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />His spirit departs, and he returns to the earth. In that very day, his thoughts perish. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/146.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />His spirit goes forth, he returns to his earth, "" In that day his thoughts have perished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/146.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> His spirit goeth forth, he returneth to his earth, In that day have his thoughts perished.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/146.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />His spirit shall go forth, he shall turn back to his earth; in that day his thoughts perished.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/146.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />His spirit shall go forth, and he shall return into his earth: in that day all their thoughts shall perish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/146.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 145:4>His spirit will depart, and he will return to his earth. In that day, all their thoughts will perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/146.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Who breathing his last, returns to the earth; that day all his planning comes to nothing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/146.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When their breath departs, they return to the earth; on that very day their plans perish.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/146.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />His breath goes forth, he returns to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/146.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />For his spirit goes out and he returns to his earth and in that day all his thoughts are destroyed.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/146.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his dust; In that very day his thoughts perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/146.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />His breath shall go forth, and he shall return to his earth; in that day all his thoughts shall perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/146-4.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=18050" 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/146.htm">Praise the LORD, O My Soul</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Put not your trust in princes, in mortal man, who cannot save. <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: rū·ḥōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath.">When his spirit</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: tê·ṣê (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">departs,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: yā·šuḇ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">he returns</a> <a href="/hebrew/127.htm" title="127: lə·’aḏ·mā·ṯōw (Prep-l:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Ground, land. From 'adam; soil.">to the ground;</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">on that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: bay·yō·wm (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">very day</a> <a href="/hebrew/6250.htm" title="6250: ‘eš·tō·nō·ṯāw (N-fpc:: 3ms) -- Thought. From ashath; thinking.">his plans</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: ’ā·ḇə·ḏū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">perish.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God,…<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="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7</a></span><br />before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-10.htm">Job 14:10-12</a></span><br />But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he? / As water disappears from the sea and a river becomes parched and dry, / so a man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens are no more, he will not be awakened or roused from sleep.<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="/psalms/104-29.htm">Psalm 104:29</a></span><br />When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a></span><br />By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground—because out of it were you taken. For dust you are, and to dust you shall return.”<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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Luke 12:20</a></span><br />But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’<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/7-9.htm">Job 7:9-10</a></span><br />As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come back up. / He never returns to his house; his place remembers him no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-42.htm">1 Corinthians 15:42-44</a></span><br />So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. / It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. / It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/104-30.htm">Psalm 104:30</a></span><br />When You send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">2 Corinthians 5:1</a></span><br />For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-14.htm">Job 34:14-15</a></span><br />If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, / all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-27.htm">Hebrews 9:27</a></span><br />Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-3.htm">Psalm 90:3-6</a></span><br />You return man to dust, saying, “Return, O sons of mortals.” / For in Your sight a thousand years are but a day that passes, or a watch of the night. / You sweep them away in their sleep; they are like the new grass of the morning— ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">His breath goes forth, he returns to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.</p><p class="hdg">his breath</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/104-29.htm">Psalm 104:29</a></b></br> Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a></b></br> And the LORD God formed man <i>of</i> the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/6-17.htm">Genesis 6:17</a></b></br> And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein <i>is</i> the breath of life, from under heaven; <i>and</i> every thing that <i>is</i> in the earth shall die.</p><p class="hdg">he returneth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/90-3.htm">Psalm 90:3</a></b></br> Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a></b></br> In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou <i>art</i>, and unto dust shalt thou return.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7</a></b></br> Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.</p><p class="hdg">his thoughts</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/14-21.htm">Job 14:21</a></b></br> His sons come to honour, and he knoweth <i>it</i> not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth <i>it</i> not of them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/17-11.htm">Job 17:11</a></b></br> My days are past, my purposes are broken off, <i>even</i> the thoughts of my heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/2-22.htm">Isaiah 2:22</a></b></br> Cease ye from man, whose breath <i>is</i> in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/146-2.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/job/27-21.htm">Departs</a> <a href="/psalms/119-25.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/psalms/143-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/143-12.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/145-7.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/141-1.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/143-10.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/psalms/112-10.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/psalms/142-4.htm">Perished</a> <a href="/psalms/140-8.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/psalms/106-43.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/psalms/78-39.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/psalms/7-16.htm">Returns</a> <a href="/psalms/143-10.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/psalms/145-5.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/psalms/143-6.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/150-6.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Departs</a> <a href="/psalms/147-16.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/psalms/146-6.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-19.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/147-15.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/psalms/147-15.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/psalms/147-6.htm">Ground</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-32.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-6.htm">Perished</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-18.htm">Plans</a> <a href="/proverbs/2-11.htm">Purposes</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-14.htm">Returneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/3-14.htm">Returns</a> <a href="/psalms/147-6.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-23.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/psalms/147-18.htm">Turned</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 146</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/146-1.htm">The Psalmist vows perpetual praises to God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/146-3.htm">He exhorts not to trust in man</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/146-5.htm">God, for his power, justice, mercy, and kingdom, is only worthy to be trusted</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'; 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In biblical terms, the "spirit" is often synonymous with the breath of life given by God (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>). The departure of the spirit signifies the end of earthly life, emphasizing human mortality and the transient nature of human existence. This concept is echoed in <a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7</a>, where the spirit returns to God who gave it.<p><b>he returns to the ground</b><br>This phrase highlights the physical aspect of death, where the body returns to the earth from which it was formed. It reflects the creation account in <a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a>, where God tells Adam, "For dust you are, and to dust you shall return." This underscores the biblical view of human beings as created from the earth, emphasizing humility and the temporary nature of life. It also serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin, which brought death into the world (<a href="/romans/5-12.htm">Romans 5:12</a>).<p><b>on that very day his plans perish</b><br>This phrase indicates the immediate cessation of a person's earthly ambitions and intentions upon death. It underscores the futility of placing ultimate trust in human endeavors and the limitations of human power. This is a common theme in wisdom literature, such as in <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a>, which advises doing what one can while alive, as there is no work or planning in the grave. It also serves as a contrast to the eternal nature of God's plans, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/19-21.htm">Proverbs 19:21</a>, which states that the Lord's purpose prevails. This highlights the importance of aligning one's life with God's will, which endures beyond death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/146.htm">Psalm 146</a>, traditionally attributed to David, who is expressing trust in God over human leaders.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/man.htm">Man</a></b><br>Represents humanity in general, emphasizing the frailty and temporary nature of human life.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ground.htm">The Ground</a></b><br>Symbolizes the earth to which humans return upon death, highlighting the transient nature of life.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/spirit.htm">Spirit</a></b><br>Refers to the breath or life force that departs at death, derived from the Hebrew word "ruach."<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/plans.htm">Plans</a></b><br>Human intentions and purposes, which are rendered void upon death.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_frailty_of_human_life.htm">The Frailty of Human Life</a></b><br>Human life is temporary and fragile. We must recognize our limitations and the inevitability of death.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_futility_of_human_plans.htm">The Futility of Human Plans</a></b><br>Our plans are temporary and can perish with us. We should align our plans with God's eternal purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god_over_man.htm">Trust in God Over Man</a></b><br>Unlike human leaders whose plans perish, God is eternal and unchanging. Our trust should be in Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Focus on what is eternal rather than temporary. Invest in spiritual growth and God's kingdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_eternity.htm">Preparation for Eternity</a></b><br>Live with the awareness of life's brevity, preparing for eternity by cultivating a relationship with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_146.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 146</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_the_future.htm">What defines having a calm spirit?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_find_joy_in_tough_times.htm">How can one find joy during difficult times?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_good_friday_important.htm">What is the significance of Good Friday?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_reject_leaders_in_psalm_146_3.htm">In Psalm 146:3, why reject human leaders entirely when other passages command respect for authorities? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/146.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">In that very day </span>. . .--Comp. Antony's words:<p>"But yesterday the word of Caesar might<p>Have stood against the world; now lies he there,<p>And none so poor to do him reverence."<p>SHAKSPEARE, <span class= "ital">Julius Caesar.</span><p><span class= "bld">Thoughts.--</span>The Hebrew word is peculiar to this passage. "Fabrications" would reproduce its etymological meaning.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/146.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth</span>; or, "when his breath goes forth" - <span class="accented">i.e.</span>, when he breathes his last - "he returns to his earth," <span class="accented">i</span>.<span class="accented">e</span>. to the earth of which he was made (<a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7, 19</a>). <span class="cmt_word">In that very day his thoughts perish.</span> All his schemes and projects ('<span class="accented">eshtonoth</span>, a word not occurring elsewhere) come to an end - are nipped in the bud - perish. So weak is he, and not to be depended on. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/146-4.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">When his spirit</span><br /><span class="heb">ר֭וּחוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(rū·ḥōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7307.htm">Strong's 7307: </a> </span><span class="str2">Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spirit</span><br /><br /><span class="word">departs,</span><br /><span class="heb">תֵּצֵ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(tê·ṣê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he returns</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשֻׁ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šuḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to the ground;</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאַדְמָת֑וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’aḏ·mā·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_127.htm">Strong's 127: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ground, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on that</span><br /><span class="heb">הַ֝ה֗וּא</span> <span class="translit">(ha·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">very day</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּיּ֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(bay·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his plans</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶשְׁתֹּנֹתָֽיו׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘eš·tō·nō·ṯāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6250.htm">Strong's 6250: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thinking</span><br /><br /><span class="word">perish.</span><br /><span class="heb">אָבְד֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·ḇə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wander away, lose oneself, to perish</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/146-4.htm">Psalm 146:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/146-4.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 146:4 His spirit departs and he returns (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/146-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 146:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 146:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/146-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 146:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 146:5" /></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>