Psalms 49:6-9

6 Even those who 1trust in their wealth And boast in the abundance of their riches?
7 No man can by any means 2redeem his brother Or give to God a 3ransom for him-
8 For 4the redemption of his soul is costly, And he should cease trying forever -
9 That he should 5live on eternally, That he should not 6undergo decay.

Psalms 49:6-9 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 6

  • 1. Job 31:24; Psalms 52:7; Proverbs 11:28; Mark 10:24
  • 2. Matthew 25:8, 9
  • 3. Job 36:18, 19
  • 4. Matthew 16:26
  • 5. Psalms 22:29
  • 6. Psalms 16:10; Psalms 89:48

Footnotes 2

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