Psalms 102:11 Meaning and Explanation
“My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Life is slipping away with the declining day; the psalmist is fading like vegetation.
The Context of Psalms 102:11
Using temporal and botanical metaphors for the approach of life's end.
What Does Psalms 102:11 Mean?
The shadow that declines is a clock marking the passage of time toward darkness. As shadows lengthen with the setting sun, the psalmist's days lengthen toward their end. This suggests not just present suffering but the approach of death itself.
The return to the grass metaphor (from verse 4) creates a refrain of withering. This repetition emphasizes the relentless nature of decline. The psalmist is not static in his suffering—he is moving progressively toward an end.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 102:11
What does Psalms 102:11 mean?
Life is slipping away with the declining day; the psalmist is fading like vegetation.
What is the context of Psalms 102:11?
Using temporal and botanical metaphors for the approach of life's end.