Overview
The handbreadth (Hebrew: tefach) was an ancient unit of measurement approximately 3-4 inches, based on the width of a man's hand. In Scripture, it frequently symbolizes human frailty and the shortness of life. The psalmist uses this measurement to remind us of our smallness before God's infinity.
Key Scriptures
"Behold, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my lifetime as nothing before You; Surely every man at his best is a mere breath" (Psalm 39:5, NASB).
"Now the cherubim stood on the south side of the house when the man went in, and the cloud filled the inner court. Then the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub to the threshold of the temple, and the temple was filled with the cloud and the court was filled with the brightness of the Lord's glory" (Ezekiel 10:3-4, ESV).
Application
Reflect on your brief earthly life and redirect your focus toward eternal pursuits and service to God rather than temporal concerns.