Psalms 39 (NLT)

13 verses · New Living Translation · Dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought)

The NLT renders the original texts into clear, natural English, prioritizing meaning over word-for-word correspondence. It is excellent for devotional reading and for those new to the Bible, making ancient truths immediately understandable.

Psalms Chapter 39 contains 13 verses and is presented here in the New Living Translation (NLT), which uses a dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) approach. Read the full text below, compare with other translations, or navigate to any of the 150 chapters in Psalms.

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1I said to myself, “I will watch what I doand not sin in what I say.I will hold my tonguewhen the ungodly are around me.”

2But as I stood there in silence —not even speaking of good things —the turmoil within me grew worse.

3The more I thought about it,the hotter I got,igniting a fire of words:

4“LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be.Remind me that my days are numbered —how fleeting my life is.

5You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.My entire lifetime is just a moment to you;at best, each of us is but a breath.” Interlude

6We are merely moving shadows,and all our busy rushing ends in nothing.We heap up wealth,not knowing who will spend it.

7And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?My only hope is in you.

8Rescue me from my rebellion.Do not let fools mock me.

9I am silent before you; I won’t say a word,for my punishment is from you.

10But please stop striking me!I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.

11When you discipline us for our sins,you consume like a moth what is precious to us.Each of us is but a breath. Interlude

12Hear my prayer, O LORD!Listen to my cries for help!Don’t ignore my tears.For I am your guest —a traveler passing through,as my ancestors were before me.

13Leave me alone so I can smile againbefore I am gone and exist no more.

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About This Translation

What is Psalms 39 in the NLT?

Psalms 39 in the New Living Translation (NLT) contains 13 verses. The NLT uses a dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) approach, first published in 1996 (rev. 2015).

How does the NLT translate Psalms 39 differently?

The New Living Translation uses dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought), balancing accuracy with modern readability. Compare this with the NIV (dynamic equivalence) version of Psalms 39 for a different perspective.

How many verses are in Psalms 39 (NLT)?

Psalms Chapter 39 contains 13 verses in the New Living Translation. The book of Psalms has 150 chapters total.

Psalms (NLT) — All 150 Chapters

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