Psa 144:3 | NET2full | STEP | O Lord , of what importance is the human race that you should notice them? Of what importance is mankind that you should be concerned about them?

‏ Psalms 144:3

3 O Lord, of what importance is the human race ^{▼▼tn Heb “What is mankind?” The singular noun אֱנוֹשׁ (ʾenosh) is used here in a collective sense and refers to the human race. See Ps 8:5.} that you should notice them?
Of what importance is mankind ^{▼▼tn Heb “and the son of man.” The phrase “son of man” is used here in a collective sense and refers to human beings. For other uses of the phrase in a collective or representative manner, see Num 23:19; Ps 146:3; Isa 51:12.} that you should be concerned about them? ^{▼▼tn Heb “take account of him.” The two imperfect verbal forms in v. 4 describe God’s characteristic activity.}