Psalms 49:1-7

1 {To the chief Musician. Of the sons of Korah. A Psalm.} Hear this, all ye peoples; give ear, all inhabitants of the world:

2 Both men of low and men of high degree, rich and poor alike.

3 My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding:

4 I will incline mine ear to a parable, I will open my riddle upon the harp.

5 Wherefore should I fear in the days of adversity, [when] the iniquity of my supplanters encompasseth me? --

6 They depend upon their wealth, and boast themselves in the abundance of their riches. ...

7 None can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him,

Psalms 49:1-7 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Ammim: Ps. 7.8.
• [b]. Or 'age:' see Ps. 17.14.
• [c]. Lit. 'Both sons of Adam and sons of Ish.'
• [d]. Lit. 'wisdoms.'
• [e]. Or 'of them who would trip me up.'