What does Psalm 88:5 mean?

Psalm 88:5 highlights themes such as death, remembrance, separation when read in context.

How should I apply Psalm 88:5 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.

3For my soul is full of troubles: and my life draweth nigh unto the grave.

4I am counted with them that go down into the pit: I am as a man that hath no strength:

5Free among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, whom thou rememberest no more: and they are cut off from thy hand.

6Thou hast laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps.

7Thy wrath lieth hard upon me, and thou hast afflicted me with all thy waves. Selah.

deathremembranceseparation

Ecclesiastes 9:5
Both verses discuss the state of the dead and the lack of remembrance by God.
Isaiah 38:18
Isaiah speaks of the living praising God, contrasting with the dead who cannot.
Luke 16:26
This verse illustrates the separation experienced after death, similar to the themes in Psalm 88.