17 It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence;

Other Translations of Psalm 115:17

King James Version

17 The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.

English Standard Version

17 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence.

The Message

17 Dead people can't praise God - not a word to be heard from those buried in the ground.

New King James Version

17 The dead do not praise the Lord, Nor any who go down into silence.

New Living Translation

17 The dead cannot sing praises to the Lord, for they have gone into the silence of the grave.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Psalm 115:17

Commentary on Psalm 115:9-18

(Read Psalm 115:9-18)

It is folly to trust in dead images, but it is wisdom to trust in the living God, for he is a help and a shield to those that trust in him. Wherever there is right fear of God, there may be cheerful faith in him; those who reverence his word, may rely upon it. He is ever found faithful. The greatest need his blessing, and it shall not be denied to the meanest that fear him. God's blessing gives an increase, especially in spiritual blessings. And the Lord is to be praised: his goodness is large, for he has given the earth to the children of men for their use. The souls of the faithful, after they are delivered from the burdens of the flesh, are still praising him; but the dead body cannot praise God: death puts an end to our glorifying him in this world of trial and conflict. Others are dead, and an end is thereby put to their service, therefore we will seek to do the more for God. We will not only do it ourselves, but will engage others to do it; to praise him when we are gone. Lord, thou art the only object for faith and love. Help us to praise thee while living and when dying, that thy name may be the first and last upon our lips: and let the sweet savour of thy name refresh our souls for ever.