Psalms 49:11-13

11 Their tombs will remain their houses^[a] forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had^[b] named lands after themselves.

12 People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish.

13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.^[c]

Psalms 49:11-13 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

• 1. Mark 5:3; Luke 8:27
• 2. Psalms 106:31
• 3. Genesis 4:17; S Deuteronomy 3:14
• 4. S Job 14:2
• 5. ver 20; 2 Peter 2:12
• 6. Luke 12:20

Footnotes

• [a]. Septuagint and Syriac; Hebrew "In their thoughts their houses will remain"
• [b]. Or "generations," / "for they have"
• [c]. The Hebrew has "Selah" (a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 15.