Definition: Behold, thou hast made my days [as] an handbreadth; and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity. Selah.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 39:5. It's a really beautiful and insightful observation about human nature. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: Overall Meaning: This verse is saying that we are incredibly fleeting and temporary . It suggests we all have our best moments – times when we feel most alive, joyful, or connected to something meaningful – but those moments are ultimately very brief. Let's unpack it word by word: “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth…” - This is a poetic way of saying “You have made my days…as a vast expanse.” Think of an "handbreadth" – it’s a really big amount. It emphasizes that our days are immense in comparison to anything else. “…and mine age [is] as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state [is] altogether vanity.” - This is the core of the verse. "Mine age" refers to a time of great happiness, fulfillment, and perhaps even a sense of purpose. “Altogether vanity” means that everyone – each person – has a tendency to be self-absorbed, concerned with their own image, desires, or worries. It’s saying that we all are prone to being full of ourselves and not truly seeing the bigger picture. “Selah” - This is a word from the Hebrew Bible that adds a pause and a feeling of contemplation. It's often translated as "let my years be spent in vain" or “let my time be wasted.” It’s a gentle, slightly sad acknowledgement that our lives are temporary and ultimately don’t last forever. In short, the verse is saying: We experience moments of great joy and feeling good, but those feelings are fleeting and ultimately, we all have a tendency to be self-absorbed and concerned with ourselves. It's a reminder to appreciate the present moment and not get too caught up in worrying about the future or dwelling on past mistakes. Why is this verse important? This verse can be comforting because it acknowledges our shared human condition – we’re all prone to self-absorption at some point. It also encourages us to live more fully in the present and to value connection with others. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?