Psalms 49:15-20

15 But God will 1redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, For 2He will receive me. Selah.
16 Do not be afraid 3when a man becomes rich, When the glory of his house is increased;
17 For when he dies he will 4carry nothing * away; His glory will not descend after him.
18 Though while he lives he 5congratulates himself - And though men praise you when you do well for yourself-
19 He shall 6go to the generation of his fathers; They will never * * see 7the light.
20 8Man in his pomp, yet without understanding, Is 9like the beasts that perish.

Psalms 49:15-20 Meaning and Commentary

To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Aben Ezra says this psalm is a very excellent one, since in it is explained the Light of the world to come, and of the rational and immortal soul; and Kimchi is of opinion that it respects both this world and that which is to come: and indeed it treats of the vanity of trusting in riches: of the insufficiency of them for the redemption of the soul; of the short continuance of worldly honour and substance; of the certainty of death, and of the resurrection of the dead. And the design of it is to expose the folly of trusting in uncertain riches, and to comfort the people of God under the want of them.

Cross References 9

  • 1. Psalms 16:10; Psalms 56:13; Hosea 13:14
  • 2. Genesis 5:24; Psalms 16:11; Psalms 73:24
  • 3. Psalms 37:7
  • 4. Psalms 17:14; 1 Timothy 6:7
  • 5. Deuteronomy 29:19; Psalms 10:3, 6; Luke 12:19
  • 6. Genesis 15:15
  • 7. Job 33:30; Psalms 56:13
  • 8. Psalms 49:12
  • 9. Ecclesiastes 3:19

Footnotes 9

New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, California.  All rights reserved.