Psalms 88:12 Meaning and Explanation
“Shall thy wonders be known in the dark? and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Can God's wonders and righteousness be known in darkness and the land of forgetfulness?
The Context of Psalms 88:12
Theological argument: God's wonders and righteousness are only declared in the land of the living.
What Does Psalms 88:12 Mean?
The 'dark' refers to Sheol, the grave, or the underworld—a place of no light and no knowledge. The 'land of forgetfulness' is the realm where the dead are forgotten and memory fades. The psalmist questions whether God's wonders (mighty deeds) can be 'known' or recognized in such a place.
Again, the implied answer reinforces the argument: God's acts cannot be recognized or praised in the place of forgetfulness and darkness. This extends the logic of verses 10-11: rescue is not only good for the psalmist but necessary for God's reputation and the proclamation of his character among the living.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 88:12
What does Psalms 88:12 mean?
Can God's wonders and righteousness be known in darkness and the land of forgetfulness?
What is the context of Psalms 88:12?
Theological argument: God's wonders and righteousness are only declared in the land of the living.