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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 88:10 Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/88-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/19_Psa_088_010.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 88:10 - Day and Night I Cry Out Before You" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? 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Do their spirits rise up and praise you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/88.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Are your wonderful deeds of any use to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/88.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the departed rise up to praise you? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/88.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/88.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise <i>and</i> praise thee? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/88.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise <i>and</i> praise You? Selah</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/88.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Will You perform wonders for the dead? Or will the departed spirits rise <i>and</i> praise You? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/88.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Will You perform wonders for the dead? Will the departed spirits rise and praise You? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/88.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Wilt Thou perform wonders for the dead? Will the departed spirits rise <i>and</i> praise Thee? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/88.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Will You do wonders for the dead? Will the departed spirits rise <i>and</i> praise You? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/88.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Will You perform wonders for the dead? Shall the departed spirits arise and praise You? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/88.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do you work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise you? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/88.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/88.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? Shall they that are decreased arise and praise thee? [Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/88.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Do you work miracles for the dead? Do they stand up and praise you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/88.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? shall they that are deceased arise and praise thee? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/88.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Will you perform miracles for those who are dead? Will the spirits of the dead rise and give thanks to you? [Selah]<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/88.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do you perform miracles for the dead? Do they rise up and praise you? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/88.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Can you perform wonders for the dead? Can departed spirits stand up to praise you? Interlude<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/88.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do You work wonders for the dead? Do departed spirits rise up to praise You? Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/88.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do you accomplish amazing things for the dead? Do the departed spirits rise up and give you thanks? (Selah) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/88.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/88.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wilt thou show wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise thee? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/88.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the departed spirits rise up and praise you? Selah. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/88.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do You do wonders to the dead? Does Rephaim rise? Do they thank You? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/88.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> To the dead dost Thou do wonders? Do Rephaim rise? do they thank Thee? Selah.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/88.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Wilt thou do wonder to the dead? if the shades shall arise, shall they praise thee? Silence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/88.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead? or shall physicians raise to life, and give praise to thee? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/88.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 87:11>Will you perform wonders for the dead? Or will physicians raise to life, and so confess to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/88.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the shades arise and praise you? <i>Selah</i> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/88.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do you work wonders for the dead? Do the shades rise up to praise you? Selah<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/88.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Behold thou wilt show wonders to the dead; the mighty ones shall rise and praise thee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/88.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Behold, you work wonders to the dead and mighty ones will stand and confess you!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/88.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wilt Thou work wonders for the dead? Or shall the shades arise and give Thee thanks? Selah <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/88.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Wilt thou work wonders for the dead? or shall physicians raise <i>them</i> up, that they shall praise thee?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/88-10.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=10972" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/88.htm">Day and Night I Cry Out Before You</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">9</span>My eyes grow dim with grief. I call to You daily, O LORD; I spread out my hands to You. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ta·‘ă·śeh- (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">Do You work</a> <a href="/hebrew/6382.htm" title="6382: pe·le (N-ms) -- A wonder. From pala'; a miracle.">wonders</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/4191.htm" title="4191: hă·lam·mê·ṯîm (Prep-l, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To die. A primitive root: to die; causatively, to kill.">for the dead?</a> <a href="/hebrew/7496.htm" title="7496: rə·p̄ā·’îm (N-mp) -- Shades, ghosts. From rapha' in the sense of raphah; properly, lax, i.e. a ghost.">Do departed spirits</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: yā·qū·mū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">rise up</a> <a href="/hebrew/3034.htm" title="3034: yō·w·ḏū·ḵā (V-Hifil-Imperf-3mp:: 2ms) -- To throw, cast. ">to praise You?</a> <a href="/hebrew/5542.htm" title="5542: se·lāh (Interjection) -- To lift up, exalt. From calah; suspension, i.e. Pause.">Selah</a> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>Can Your loving devotion be proclaimed in the grave, Your faithfulness in Abaddon?…<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="/isaiah/38-18.htm">Isaiah 38:18</a></span><br />For Sheol cannot thank You; Death cannot praise You. Those who descend to the Pit cannot hope for Your faithfulness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/14-14.htm">Job 14:14</a></span><br />When a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, until my renewal comes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/10-21.htm">Job 10:21-22</a></span><br />before I go—never to return—to a land of darkness and gloom, / to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/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="/isaiah/26-14.htm">Isaiah 26:14</a></span><br />The dead will not live; the departed spirits will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them; You have wiped out all memory of them.<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="/psalms/6-5.htm">Psalm 6:5</a></span><br />For there is no mention of You in death; who can praise You from Sheol?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/30-9.htm">Psalm 30:9</a></span><br />“What gain is there in my bloodshed, in my descent to the Pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/115-17.htm">Psalm 115:17</a></span><br />It is not the dead who praise the LORD, nor any who descend into silence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/37-12.htm">Ezekiel 37:12-14</a></span><br />Therefore prophesy and tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘O My people, I will open your graves and bring you up from them, and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. / Then you, My people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. / I will put My Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I, the LORD, have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-25.htm">John 11:25-26</a></span><br />Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. / And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/20-37.htm">Luke 20:37-38</a></span><br />Even Moses demonstrates that the dead are raised, in the passage about the burning bush. For he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ / He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-52.htm">1 Corinthians 15:52-54</a></span><br />in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. / For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. / When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-11.htm">Romans 8:11</a></span><br />And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/4-16.htm">1 Thessalonians 4:16-17</a></span><br />For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. / After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Will you show wonders to the dead? shall the dead arise and praise you? Selah.</p><p class="hdg">wilt thou.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/6-5.htm">Psalm 6:5</a></b></br> For in death <i>there is</i> no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/30-9.htm">Psalm 30:9</a></b></br> What profit <i>is there</i> in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/115-17.htm">Psalm 115:17</a></b></br> The dead praise not the LORD, neither any that go down into silence.</p><p class="hdg">shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/14-7.htm">Job 14:7-12</a></b></br> For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm">Isaiah 26:19</a></b></br> Thy dead <i>men</i> shall live, <i>together with</i> my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew <i>is as</i> the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/37-1.htm">Ezekiel 37:1-14</a></b></br> The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which <i>was</i> full of bones, … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/psalms/88-5.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/genesis/8-5.htm">Decreased</a> <a href="/psalms/44-18.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/psalms/76-11.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/psalms/86-12.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/82-8.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/psalms/88-7.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/44-19.htm">Shades</a> <a href="/psalms/86-17.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/psalms/86-17.htm">Show</a> <a href="/psalms/34-18.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/psalms/86-12.htm">Thank</a> <a href="/psalms/86-12.htm">Thanks</a> <a href="/psalms/86-7.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/psalms/86-10.htm">Wonder</a> <a href="/psalms/86-10.htm">Wonders</a> <a href="/psalms/86-17.htm">Work</a> <a href="/psalms/86-10.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/89-9.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/psalms/88-11.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/psalms/107-39.htm">Decreased</a> <a href="/psalms/105-38.htm">Departed</a> <a href="/psalms/103-20.htm">Perform</a> <a href="/psalms/89-5.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/psalms/89-9.htm">Rise</a> <a href="/psalms/89-4.htm">Selah</a> <a href="/psalms/107-10.htm">Shades</a> <a href="/psalms/91-16.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/psalms/91-16.htm">Show</a> <a href="/psalms/104-4.htm">Spirits</a> <a href="/psalms/100-1.htm">Thank</a> <a href="/psalms/92-1.htm">Thanks</a> <a href="/psalms/89-2.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/psalms/98-1.htm">Wonder</a> <a href="/psalms/88-12.htm">Wonders</a> <a href="/psalms/90-16.htm">Work</a> <a href="/psalms/92-4.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 88</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/88-1.htm">A prayer containing a grievous complaint.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/88.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/88.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do You work wonders for the dead?</b><br>This phrase questions the possibility of God performing miracles for those who have died. In the context of ancient Israel, the dead were often seen as beyond the reach of earthly intervention. The psalmist's question reflects a deep despair, as he feels as though he is among the dead. Biblically, the concept of resurrection was not fully developed in the Old Testament, though there are hints of it in passages like <a href="/daniel/12-2.htm">Daniel 12:2</a>. The question also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Jesus Christ's resurrection, which is the ultimate wonder performed for the dead, offering eternal life to believers.<p><b>Do departed spirits rise up to praise You?</b><br>This phrase addresses the belief in Sheol, the abode of the dead, where it was thought that spirits existed in a shadowy state, unable to participate in the worship of God. The psalmist's lament highlights the perceived finality of death and the separation from God's presence. In the New Testament, this is contrasted with the hope of resurrection and eternal life, where believers are promised a future where they will eternally praise God (<a href="/revelation/7-9.htm">Revelation 7:9-10</a>). The question underscores the psalmist's yearning for deliverance and the hope that death is not the end.<p><b>Selah</b><br>The term "Selah" is often interpreted as a pause for reflection or a musical interlude. It invites the reader or listener to contemplate the gravity of the questions posed. In the context of <a href="/psalms/88.htm">Psalm 88</a>, it emphasizes the depth of the psalmist's despair and the seriousness of the existential questions about life, death, and the afterlife. This pause allows for meditation on the nature of God's power over life and death, encouraging believers to trust in God's ultimate plan and sovereignty, even when faced with the mystery of death.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/sons_of_korah.htm">Sons of Korah</a></b><br>The authors of <a href="/bsb/psalms/88.htm">Psalm 88</a>, a group of Levitical singers and musicians in the temple.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/heman_the_ezrahite.htm">Heman the Ezrahite</a></b><br>Traditionally attributed as the author of this psalm, known for his wisdom and musical contributions.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/sheol.htm">Sheol</a></b><br>The Hebrew term for the realm of the dead, often depicted as a place of darkness and silence.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/selah.htm">Selah</a></b><br>A term used in the Psalms, possibly indicating a pause for reflection or musical interlude.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_dead/departed_spirits.htm">The Dead/Departed Spirits</a></b><br>Refers to those who have passed away, raising questions about their ability to experience God's wonders.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_despair.htm">The Reality of Despair</a></b><br>Psalm 88 is a raw expression of human despair, reminding us that it's okay to bring our deepest sorrows to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/q/questioning_in_faith.htm">Questioning in Faith</a></b><br>The psalmist's questions reflect a struggle with understanding God's ways, encouraging believers to seek God even in doubt.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_beyond_the_grave.htm">Hope Beyond the Grave</a></b><br>While the psalmist questions the possibility of wonders for the dead, the broader biblical account assures us of resurrection and eternal life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_reflection.htm">The Importance of Reflection</a></b><br>The use of "Selah" invites us to pause and reflect on the weight of our questions and the depth of God's mysteries.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_support.htm">Community Support</a></b><br>The communal nature of the Sons of Korah highlights the importance of seeking support and encouragement from fellow believers during times of distress.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_88.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 88</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_you_be_holy_like_i_am.htm">What are the Christian catacombs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_abaddon_apollyon.htm">Who is Abaddon or Apollyon in religious texts?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_6_5_align_with_afterlife.htm">Psalm 6:5 – How does the statement “in death there is no remembrance of you” align with later teachings on the afterlife or resurrection? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_main_theme_of_the_book.htm">Why are you far from me?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/88.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(10-12) These verses probably contain the prayer tittered with the "stretched-out hands."<p>(10) <span class= "bld">Shall the dead arise?</span> <span class= "bld">. . .</span>--These words are not to be taken in the sense of a final resurrection as we understand it. The hope of this had hardly yet dawned on Israel. The underworld is imagined as a vast sepulchre in which the dead lie, each in his place, silent and motionless, and the poet asks how they can rise there to utter the praise of God who has forgotten them (<a href="/psalms/88-5.htm" title="Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom you remember no more: and they are cut off from your hand.">Psalm 88:5</a>). That this is meant, and not a coming forth again into a land of living interests, is shown in the next two verses. (See Notes.)<p><span class= "bld">Dead.</span>--Heb., <span class= "ital">rephaim, </span>a word applied also to the gigantic races of Palestine (<a href="/deuteronomy/2-11.htm" title="Which also were accounted giants, as the Anakims; but the Moabites called them Emims.">Deuteronomy 2:11</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/2-20.htm" title="(That also was accounted a land of giants: giants dwelled therein in old time; and the Ammonites call them Zamzummims;">Deuteronomy 2:20</a>, &c.), but here evidently (as also in <a href="/proverbs/2-18.htm" title="For her house inclines to death, and her paths to the dead.">Proverbs 2:18</a>; <a href="/proverbs/9-18.htm" title="But he knows not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.">Proverbs 9:18</a>; <a href="/proverbs/21-16.htm" title="The man that wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead.">Proverbs 21:16</a>; <a href="/isaiah/14-9.htm" title="Hell from beneath is moved for you to meet you at your coming: it stirs up the dead for you, even all the chief ones of the earth; it has raised up from their thrones all the kings of the nations.">Isaiah 14:9</a>; <a href="/isaiah/26-19.htm" title="Your dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, you that dwell in dust: for your dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.">Isaiah 26:19</a>) meaning the <span class= "ital">dead.</span> . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/88.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wilt thou show wonders to the dead?</span> Am I to receive no mercy till I am dead? and then wilt thou work a miracle for my restoration and deliverance? <span class="cmt_word">Shall the dead arise and praise thee?</span> rather, <span class="accented">the shades</span> (<span class="accented">rephaim</span>); comp. <a href="/job/26-5.htm">Job 26:5</a>. The word <span class="accented">rephaim</span> designates the wan, shadowy ghosts that have gone down to Hades (Sheol), and are resting there. Shall these suddenly rise up and engage in the worship and praise of God? The psalmist does not, any more than Job (Job 14:14), expect such a resurrection. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/88-10.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">Do You work</span><br /><span class="heb">תַּעֲשֶׂה־</span> <span class="translit">(ta·‘ă·śeh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">wonders</span><br /><span class="heb">פֶּ֑לֶא</span> <span class="translit">(pe·le)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6382.htm">Strong's 6382: </a> </span><span class="str2">A miracle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for the dead?</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲלַמֵּתִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(hă·lam·mê·ṯîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4191.htm">Strong's 4191: </a> </span><span class="str2">To die, to kill</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Do departed spirits</span><br /><span class="heb">רְ֝פָאִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(rə·p̄ā·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7496.htm">Strong's 7496: </a> </span><span class="str2">Shades, ghosts</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rise up</span><br /><span class="heb">יָק֤וּמוּ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(yā·qū·mū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to praise You?</span><br /><span class="heb">יוֹד֬וּךָ</span> <span class="translit">(yō·w·ḏū·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3034.htm">Strong's 3034: </a> </span><span class="str2">To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Selah</span><br /><span class="heb">סֶּֽלָה׃</span> <span class="translit">(se·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interjection<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5542.htm">Strong's 5542: </a> </span><span class="str2">Suspension, pause</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/88-10.htm">Psalm 88:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/88-10.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 88:10 Do you show wonders to the dead? (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/88-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 88:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 88:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/88-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 88:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 88:11" /></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>