Psalms 49:12
Psalms 49:12 in Multiple Translations
But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish.
Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
But man being in honor abideth not: He is like the beasts that perish.
But man, like the animals, does not go on for ever; he comes to an end like the beasts.
But human beings, for all their fame, don't understand. They die, just like the animals.
But man shall not continue in honour: he is like the beastes that die.
And man in honour doth not remain, He hath been like the beasts, they have been cut off.
But man, despite his riches, doesn’t endure. He is like the animals that perish.
Nevertheless man being in honor abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
If I should be hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.
Even if people are great, that cannot prevent them from dying; all people die, the same as animals do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 49:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 49:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קִרְבָּ֤/ם
בָּתֵּ֨י/מוֹ
לְֽ/עוֹלָ֗ם
מִ֭שְׁכְּנֹתָ/ם
לְ/דֹ֣ר
וָ/דֹ֑ר
קָֽרְא֥וּ
בִ֝/שְׁמוֹתָ֗/ם
עֲלֵ֣י
אֲדָמֽוֹת
קִרְבָּ֤/ם
qereb
H7130
entrails
N-ms | Suff
בָּתֵּ֨י/מוֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-mp | Suff
לְֽ/עוֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
מִ֭שְׁכְּנֹתָ/ם
mishkân
H4908
tabernacle
N-mp | Suff
לְ/דֹ֣ר
dôwr
H1755
generation
Prep | N-ms
וָ/דֹ֑ר
dôwr
H1755
generation
Conj | N-ms
קָֽרְא֥וּ
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בִ֝/שְׁמוֹתָ֗/ם
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-mp | Suff
עֲלֵ֣י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אֲדָמֽוֹת
ʼădâmâh
H127
land
N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 49:12
קִרְבָּ֤/ם
qereb
H7130
"entrails"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means the inner part or midst of something, whether physical or emotional, and can refer to the entrails of an animal or the seat of thought and emotion. In 1 Kings 17:21, it describes Elijah's emotional plea to God.
Definition: : among/within 1) midst, among, inner part, middle 1a) inward part 1a1) physical sense 1a2) as seat of thought and emotion 1a3) as faculty of thought and emotion 1b) in the midst, among, from among (of a number of persons) 1c) entrails (of sacrificial animals) Also means: qe.rev (קֶ֫רֶב ": inner_parts" H7130H)
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] among, [idiom] before, bowels, [idiom] unto charge, [phrase] eat (up), [idiom] heart, [idiom] him, [idiom] in, inward ([idiom] -ly, part, -s, thought), midst, [phrase] out of, purtenance, [idiom] therein, [idiom] through, [idiom] within self. See also: Genesis 18:12; Joshua 7:12; Psalms 5:10.
בָּתֵּ֨י/מוֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
לְֽ/עוֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
מִ֭שְׁכְּנֹתָ/ם
mishkân
H4908
"tabernacle"
N-mp | Suff
The tabernacle was a special tent where God met with the Israelites, as described in Exodus and Leviticus. It was a portable place of worship, like a dwelling place for God. The Israelites carried it with them.
Definition: 1) dwelling place, tabernacle 1a) dwelling-place 1b) dwellings Aramaic equivalent: mish.kan (מִשְׁכַּן "habitation" H4907)
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. See also: Exodus 25:9; Numbers 3:23; Psalms 26:8.
לְ/דֹ֣ר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
וָ/דֹ֑ר
dôwr
H1755
"generation"
Conj | N-ms
This word refers to a period of time or a generation of people. It is used in the Bible to describe a group of people living at the same time. In the book of Psalms, it describes a generation of people who follow God.
Definition: 1) period, generation, habitation, dwelling 1a) period, age, generation (period of time) 1b) generation (those living during a period) 1c) generation (characterised by quality, condition, class of men) 1d) dwelling-place, habitation Aramaic equivalent: dar (דָּר "generation" H1859)
Usage: Occurs in 127 OT verses. KJV: age, [idiom] evermore, generation, (n-) ever, posterity. See also: Genesis 6:9; Esther 9:28; Psalms 10:6.
קָֽרְא֥וּ
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
בִ֝/שְׁמוֹתָ֗/ם
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
עֲלֵ֣י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אֲדָמֽוֹת
ʼădâmâh
H127
"land"
N-fp
This Hebrew word refers to the earth or soil, often describing the ground as a source of sustenance. It is used to describe the physical earth, a plot of land, or even a whole country. The KJV translates it as 'country', 'earth', or 'land'.
Definition: : soil 1) ground, land 1a) ground (as general, tilled, yielding sustenance) 1b) piece of ground, a specific plot of land 1c) earth substance (for building or constructing) 1d) ground as earth's visible surface 1e) land, territory, country 1f) whole inhabited earth 1g) city in Naphtali
Usage: Occurs in 211 OT verses. KJV: country, earth, ground, husband(-man) (-ry), land. See also: Genesis 1:25; 1 Kings 8:40; Psalms 49:12.
Study Notes — Psalms 49:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 49:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
- Sermons on Psalms 49:12
Context — The Evanescence of Wealth
10For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others.
11Their graves are their eternal homes— their dwellings for endless generations— even though their lands were their namesakes.
12But a man, despite his wealth, cannot endure; he is like the beasts that perish.
13This is the fate of the foolish and their followers who endorse their sayings. Selah 14Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 3:18–21 | I said to myself, “As for the sons of men, God tests them so that they may see for themselves that they are but beasts.” For the fates of both men and beasts are the same: As one dies, so dies the other—they all have the same breath. Man has no advantage over the animals, since everything is futile. All go to one place; all come from dust, and all return to dust. Who knows if the spirit of man rises upward and the spirit of the animal descends into the earth? |
| 2 | Psalms 49:20 | A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish. |
| 3 | Psalms 82:7 | But like mortals you will die, and like rulers you will fall.” |
| 4 | Psalms 39:5 | You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 9:12 | For surely no man knows his time: Like fish caught in a cruel net or birds trapped in a snare, so men are ensnared in an evil time that suddenly falls upon them. |
| 6 | James 1:10–11 | But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. |
| 7 | 1 Peter 1:24 | For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, |
Psalms 49:12 Summary
[Psalms 49:12 reminds us that no matter how rich or successful we are, we will all die one day, just like the animals. This is a sobering reality that should help us keep things in perspective and prioritize what truly matters. As it says in 1 Timothy 6:7, we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out. Our focus should be on storing up treasures in heaven, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-20.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'endure' in the context of Psalms 49:12?
To endure means to last or continue forever, which is not possible for humans despite their wealth, as seen in Psalms 49:12, and is a theme also discussed in Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 and 1 Timothy 6:7.
How does this verse compare humans to beasts?
This verse compares humans to beasts in that both perish, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human life, much like the beasts that have no eternal hope, as mentioned in Psalms 49:12 and Ecclesiastes 3:19-20.
What is the significance of wealth in this verse?
The significance of wealth in Psalms 49:12 is that it cannot prevent death or ensure eternal life, a concept also explored in Matthew 19:21-26 and 1 Timothy 6:10.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Psalms 49?
Psalms 49:12 relates to the overall theme of the chapter, which warns against trusting in wealth and instead encourages trust in God, as seen in Psalms 49:6-9 and Proverbs 11:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I prioritize wealth or material possessions over my relationship with God, and how can I adjust my priorities?
- How does the reality of my own mortality, as mentioned in Psalms 49:12, impact my daily decisions and actions?
- In what ways can I use my wealth and resources to further God's kingdom, rather than relying on them for security?
- What does it mean for me to 'endure' as a follower of Christ, and how can I cultivate eternal perspective in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:12
Nevertheless man [being] in honour abideth not,.... Or Adam: and some understand this of the first man Adam, who was created and crowned with glory and honour; but it did not abide with him, nor he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:12
For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. -The universality of death might show the ungodly rich man that God may call him away at any moment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
Notwithstanding all these fine fancies and devices man being in honour, living in all the splendour and glory above mentioned, abideth not. The Hebrew word properly signifies to lodge for a night, as ; and thence to abide for a long or considerable time, as 55:7 . All his dreams of perpetuating his name and estate shall vanish and be confuted by experience. That perish, i.e. that are utterly lost and extinct. So he is in reference to all his wealth and honour, of which he here speaks.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
Psalms 49:12 Nevertheless man [being] in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts [that] perish.Ver. 12. Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not] Howsoever he think to eternalize himself, and be grown never so great, die he must, whether lord or lowly; and die like a beast, a carrion beast (unless he be the better man), but only for this pillow and bolster. At one end of the library at Dublin was a globe, at the other a skeleton; to show, that though a man was lord of all the world, yet he must die, his honour must be laid in the dust. The mortal scythe (saith one) is master of the royal sceptre, and it moweth down the lilies of the crown as well as the grass of the field. Perperam accommodatur hic versiculus, saith another; this verse is not well interpreted of the first man, Adam, to prove that he sinned the same day wherein he was created, and lodged not one night in paradise. He is like the beasts that perish] Pecoribus, morticinis, saith Junius, the beasts that die of the murrain, and so become carrion, and are good for nothing.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
(12) Abideth not.—This verse gives the kernel and the thought of, as it also serves as a refrain to, the poem, thus vindicating the claim of a lyric tone for this didactic psalm. The reading of the LXX. and Vulg. (“without understanding” instead of “abideth not”), which brings Psalms 49:12 into exact correspondence with Psalms 49:20, is unquestionably to be adopted. The present text could not really express permanence, the Hebrew verb meaning to lodge temporarily.The next verse, too, is hardly intelligible, unless we read here— “Man, though in honour, without understanding, Is like the beasts; they perish.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
Verse 12. Man being in honour abideth not] However rich, wise, or honourable, they must die; and if they die not with a sure hope of eternal life, they die like beasts. See on Psalms 49:20.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:12
12. If we retain the reading of the Massoretic Text in Psalms 49:11, we may render with R.V., But man abideth not in honour. If the reading graves is adopted, Psalms 49:12 sums up the picture: So man in splendour hath no continuance. However imposing may be man’s magnificence, it must come to an end. The LXX and Syr. read here, as in Psalms 49:20, Man being in honour understandeth not. But refrains are not always identical in form, and the difference in the Heb. text is significant. that perish] Or, are cut off, a different word from that in Psalms 49:10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:12
Nevertheless, man being in honor abideth not - No matter to what rank he may rise, no matter how much wealth he may accumulate, no matter how fixed and secure he may seem to make his possessions, he
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:12
12. Notwithstanding their impotence to avert, and the futility of their schemes to disguise, the utter desolations of death, they are not won to wisdom.
Sermons on Psalms 49:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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An Overview of Ecclesiastes by William MacDonald | William MacDonald explores the Book of Ecclesiastes, detailing Solomon's quest for life's meaning through human wisdom, ultimately concluding that life is vanity and futile without |
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1 Corinthians 3:12-15 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the eternal consequences of our actions, emphasizing the importance of building our lives on the foundation of Christ with valuable materials like go |
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No Room for Vanity and Pride by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the fleeting nature of human achievements and the vanity of worldly success, drawing from Psalms 39 and the story of King Nebuchadnezzar. It highlights the i |
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1 Thessalonians 4:13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Resurrection to banish grief and sorrow, emphasizing that even those who have fallen asleep in Je |
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Vanities Social and Political. 4:1-16 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the preacher reflects on the endless cycle of vanity and hopelessness that plagues humanity. He observes the oppression and suffering in the world, l |
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Remember—you Are but Mortal! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life, urging listeners to reflect on the brevity of their existence as highlighted in Psalm 39:5. He challenges the audience t |
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All Shadow and Vanity by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound emptiness of worldly pursuits, echoing Solomon's declaration that all is vanity. He illustrates that the pleasures and achievements of this li |