Psalm 49:1-3

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 ^[a]Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world,

2 both low and high, rich and poor alike:

3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding.

Psalm 49:1-3 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. Isaiah 1:2
• 2. Psalms 78:1
• 3. S Psalms 33:8
• 4. Psalms 62:9
• 5. S Psalms 37:30
• 6. Psalms 119:130

Footnotes

• [a] In Hebrew texts 49:1-20 is numbered 49:2-21.