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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 102:3 For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/102-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/19_Psa_102_003.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 102:3 - The Prayer of the Afflicted" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers." /><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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my bones burn like glowing embers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/102.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For my days disappear like smoke, and my bones burn like red-hot coals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/102.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/102.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/102.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/102.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned like a hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/102.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For my days have ended in smoke, And my bones have been scorched like a hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/102.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For my days have been consumed in smoke, And my bones have been scorched like a hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/102.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For my days have been consumed in smoke, And my bones have been scorched like a hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/102.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For my days have vanished in smoke, And my bones have been scorched like a hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/102.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For my days have vanished in smoke, And my bones have been scorched like a hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/102.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/102.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/102.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For my days consume away like smoke, And my bones are burned as a firebrand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/102.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />My days disappear like smoke, and my bones are burning as though in a furnace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/102.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For my days consume away like smoke, and my bones are burned as a firebrand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/102.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />My days disappear like smoke. My bones burn like hot coals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/102.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />My life is disappearing like smoke; my body is burning like fire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/102.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For my days are vanishing like smoke; my bones are charred as in a fireplace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/102.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/102.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For my days go up in smoke, and my bones are charred like a fireplace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/102.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For my days consume away like smoke. My bones are burned like a hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/102.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/102.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For my days consume away like smoke. My bones are burned as a torch. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/102.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For my days have been consumed in smoke, "" And my bones have burned as a firebrand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/102.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For consumed in smoke have been my days, And my bones as a fire-brand have burned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/102.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For my days were finished in smoke, and my bones burnt as fuel.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/102.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For my days are vanished like smoke: and my bones are grown dry like fuel for the fire. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/102.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 101:4>For my days have faded away like smoke, and my bones have dried out like firewood.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/102.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For my days vanish like smoke; my bones burn away as in a furnace. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/102.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For my days pass away like smoke, and my bones burn like a furnace.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/102.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are whitened as if they were burned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/102.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because my days are finished in smoke and my bones are white as if they were burnt!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/102.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For my days are consumed like smoke, And my bones are burned as a hearth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/102.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For my days have vanished like smoke, and my bones have been parched like a stick.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/102-3.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=12491" 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/102.htm">The Prayer of the Afflicted</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Do not hide Your face from me in my day of distress. Incline Your ear to me; answer me quickly when I call. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·māy (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">my days</a> <a href="/hebrew/3615.htm" title="3615: ḵā·lū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent. A primitive root; to end, whether intransitive or transitived.">vanish</a> <a href="/hebrew/6227.htm" title="6227: ḇə·‘ā·šān (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Smoke. From ashan; smoke, literally or figuratively.">like smoke,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6106.htm" title="6106: wə·‘aṣ·mō·w·ṯay (Conj-w:: N-fpc:: 1cs) -- Bone, substance, self. From atsam; a bone; by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e. Selfsame.">and my bones</a> <a href="/hebrew/2787.htm" title="2787: ni·ḥā·rū (V-Nifal-Perf-3cp) -- To be hot or scorched, to burn. A primitive root; to glow, i.e. Literally or figuratively">burn</a> <a href="/hebrew/3644.htm" title="3644: kə·mōw- (Prep) -- Like, as, when. Or kamow; a form of the prefix k-, but used separately; as, thus, so.">like glowing embers.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4168.htm" title="4168: qêḏ (Adv) -- A burning mass. From yaqad; a fire or fuel; abstractly, a conflagration."></a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread.…<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/7-6.htm">Job 7:6</a></span><br />My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-5.htm">Job 7:5</a></span><br />My flesh is clothed with worms and encrusted with dirt; my skin is cracked and festering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-30.htm">Job 30:30</a></span><br />My skin grows black and peels, and my bones burn with fever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-11.htm">Isaiah 50:11</a></span><br />Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who array yourselves with firebrands, walk in the light of your fire and of the firebrands you have lit! This is what you will receive from My hand: You will lie down in a place of torment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a></span><br />A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<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="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-11.htm">Psalm 39:11</a></span><br />You discipline and correct a man for his iniquity, consuming like a moth what he holds dear; surely each man is but a vapor. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-5.htm">Psalm 90:5-6</a></span><br />You sweep them away in their sleep; they are like the new grass of the morning— / in the morning it springs up new, but by evening it fades and withers.<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/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a></span><br />For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-1.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:1-2</a></span><br />Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of adversity come and the years approach of which you will say, “I find no pleasure in them,” / before the light of the sun, moon, and stars is darkened, and the clouds return after the rain,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-30.htm">Matthew 6:30</a></span><br />If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-28.htm">Luke 12:28</a></span><br />If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith!</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth.</p><p class="hdg">my days</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-20.htm">Psalm 37:20</a></b></br> But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD <i>shall be</i> as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/119-83.htm">Psalm 119:83</a></b></br> For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; <i>yet</i> do I not forget thy statutes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></b></br> Whereas ye know not what <i>shall be</i> on the morrow. For what <i>is</i> your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.</p><p class="hdg">like smoke.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/22-14.htm">Psalm 22:14,15</a></b></br> I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/31-10.htm">Psalm 31:10</a></b></br> For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/38-3.htm">Psalm 38:3</a></b></br> <i>There is</i> no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither <i>is there any</i> rest in my bones because of my sin.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/53-5.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/psalms/89-46.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/psalms/90-7.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/psalms/78-33.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/psalms/90-9.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Embers</a> <a href="/psalms/97-3.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Firebrand</a> <a href="/judges/15-4.htm">Fire-Brand</a> <a href="/psalms/21-9.htm">Furnace</a> <a href="/psalms/18-8.htm">Glowing</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-9.htm">Hearth</a> <a href="/job/28-7.htm">Scorched</a> <a href="/psalms/80-4.htm">Smoke</a> <a href="/psalms/78-33.htm">Vanish</a> <a href="/psalms/88-9.htm">Wasted</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/102-5.htm">Bones</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-31.htm">Burn</a> <a href="/psalms/106-18.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/proverbs/30-14.htm">Consume</a> <a href="/psalms/104-35.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Embers</a> <a href="/psalms/104-4.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/amos/4-11.htm">Firebrand</a> <a href="/amos/4-11.htm">Fire-Brand</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-3.htm">Furnace</a> <a href="/psalms/120-4.htm">Glowing</a> <a href="/isaiah/29-2.htm">Hearth</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-28.htm">Scorched</a> <a href="/psalms/104-32.htm">Smoke</a> <a href="/psalms/104-29.htm">Vanish</a> <a href="/psalms/102-5.htm">Wasted</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 102</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/102-1.htm">The prophet in his prayer makes a grievous complaint.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/102-12.htm">He takes comfort in the eternity, and mercy of God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/102-18.htm">The mercies of God are to be recorded</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/102-23.htm">He sustains his weakness by the unchangeableness of God.</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/102.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/102.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For my days vanish like smoke</b><br>This phrase captures the fleeting nature of human life, a theme prevalent throughout Scripture. The imagery of smoke suggests transience and insubstantiality, echoing <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which describes life as a mist that appears briefly and then vanishes. The psalmist's lament reflects the brevity and fragility of existence, a common motif in wisdom literature such as Ecclesiastes. The metaphor of smoke also implies a sense of futility and elusiveness, as smoke cannot be grasped or held. This aligns with the biblical understanding of life as temporary and underscores the need for reliance on God, who is eternal and unchanging.<p><b>and my bones burn like glowing embers</b><br>This vivid imagery conveys intense physical and emotional suffering. The burning of bones suggests a deep, internal pain, possibly indicating illness or distress. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bones were often seen as the seat of strength and vitality, so their burning implies a profound weakening or wasting away. This phrase can be connected to <a href="/job/30-30.htm">Job 30:30</a>, where Job describes his own suffering in similar terms. The burning embers may also symbolize the consuming nature of grief or divine judgment, as fire is frequently associated with purification and testing in Scripture. This imagery foreshadows the suffering of Christ, who bore the weight of human sin and experienced profound anguish, fulfilling the role of the suffering servant prophesied in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>.<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/102.htm">Psalm 102</a>, traditionally believed to be David or another figure experiencing deep distress, is expressing a personal lament and seeking God's intervention.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/z/zion.htm">Zion</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in this verse, the broader context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/102.htm">Psalm 102</a> includes a focus on Zion, representing God's chosen place and people, which is significant in the psalmist's plea for restoration.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate recipient of the psalmist's lament, God is portrayed as the eternal and compassionate one who hears the cries of His people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_brevity_of_life.htm">The Brevity of Life</a></b><br>Recognize the transient nature of our earthly existence, as our days are like smoke, fleeting and insubstantial.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_suffering.htm">The Reality of Suffering</a></b><br>Acknowledge that suffering is a part of the human experience, as depicted by the burning bones, and it can drive us to seek God more earnestly.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_eternal_nature.htm">God's Eternal Nature</a></b><br>In contrast to our fleeting days, God remains eternal and unchanging, offering hope and stability amidst our trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_lament.htm">The Importance of Lament</a></b><br>Embrace the practice of lament as a biblical way to express our deepest pains and struggles to God, trusting in His compassion and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_restoration.htm">Hope in Restoration</a></b><br>Even in the midst of suffering, hold onto the hope of God's restoration and renewal, as He is faithful to His promises.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_102.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 102</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_psalm_102_differ_from_nt_views.htm">If Psalm 102 is truly messianic, why are there apparent inconsistencies with New Testament interpretations of the Messiah's mission?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_38_3_link_illness_to_anger.htm">How can Psalm 38:3 link physical sickness directly to divine anger without any natural or scientific explanation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_isaiah_51_6_align_with_science.htm">In Isaiah 51:6, the text claims the earth and heavens will vanish like smoke or a garment; how does this align with our current scientific understanding of cosmic processes?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_psalm_32_3-4's_suffering_be_tested.htm">How can the physical suffering described in Psalm 32:3-4 be scientifically tested or verified in a modern context?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/102.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">Like smoke.</span>--Or, <span class= "ital">in smoke. </span>(See margin. Comp. <a href="/psalms/37-20.htm" title="But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the LORD shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away.">Psalm 37:20</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">Hearth.</span>--Better, a <span class= "ital">brand </span>or <span class= "ital">fuel; </span>so LXX. and Vulgate, Aquila, and this meaning suits <a href="/isaiah/33-14.htm" title="The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness has surprised the hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?">Isaiah 33:14</a>. (For the image see <a href="/psalms/22-15.htm" title="My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue sticks to my jaws; and you have brought me into the dust of death.">Psalm 22:15</a>; <a href="/psalms/31-10.htm" title="For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones are consumed.">Psalm 31:10</a>; <a href="/psalms/32-3.htm" title="When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long.">Psalm 32:3</a>.) . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/102.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For my days are consumed like smoke;</span> or, according to another reading (<span class="hebrew">בעשׁר</span>, instead of <span class="hebrew">כעשׁר</span>), "are consumed <span class="accented">into</span> smoke," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "disappear, pass away into nothingness." <span class="cmt_word">And my bones are burned as an hearth.</span> Dr. Kay translates, "My bones <span class="accented">smoulder</span> like a <span class="accented">firebrand</span>," which is better (compare the Prayer book Version, and see <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Leviticus 6:2</a> and <a href="/isaiah/33-14.htm">Isaiah 33:14</a>). (For the sentiment, see <a href="/psalms/31-10.htm">Psalm 31:10</a>; <a href="/psalms/32-3.htm">Psalm 32:3</a>; <a href="/psalms/42-10.htm">Psalm 42:10</a>.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/102-3.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">For</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">my days</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(yā·māy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common 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">vanish</span><br /><span class="heb">כָל֣וּ</span> <span class="translit">(ḵā·lū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3615.htm">Strong's 3615: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be complete, at an end, finished, accomplished, or spent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like smoke,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְעָשָׁ֣ן</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·‘ā·šān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6227.htm">Strong's 6227: </a> </span><span class="str2">Smoke</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and my bones</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝עַצְמוֹתַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·‘aṣ·mō·w·ṯay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6106.htm">Strong's 6106: </a> </span><span class="str2">A bone, the body, the substance, selfsame</span><br /><br /><span class="word">burn</span><br /><span class="heb">נִחָֽרוּ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ni·ḥā·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2787.htm">Strong's 2787: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be hot or scorched, to burn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">like glowing embers.</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּמוֹ־</span> <span class="translit">(kə·mōw-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4168.htm">Strong's 4168: </a> </span><span class="str2">A fire, fuel, a conflagration</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/102-3.htm">Psalm 102:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/102-3.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 102:3 For my days consume away like smoke (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/102-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 102:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 102:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/102-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 102:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 102:4" /></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>