Psalms 49:17
Psalms 49:17 in Multiple Translations
For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.
For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him.
For at his death, he will take nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.
For they won't take anything with them when they die; their wealth will not go down into the grave with them.
For he shall take nothing away when he dieth, neither shall his pompe descende after him.
For at his death he receiveth nothing, His honour goeth not down after him.
for when he dies he will carry nothing away. His glory won’t descend after him.
For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.
Seeing thou hast hated discipline: and hast cast my words behind thee.
because when he dies, he will take nothing with him; his wealth will not go with him.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 49:17
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 49:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
תִּ֭ירָא
כִּֽי
יַעֲשִׁ֣ר
אִ֑ישׁ
כִּֽי
יִ֝רְבֶּה
כְּב֣וֹד
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
תִּ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
to fear
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יַעֲשִׁ֣ר
ʻâshar
H6238
to enrich
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִ֝רְבֶּה
râbâh
H7235
to multiply
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כְּב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 49:17
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
תִּ֭ירָא
yârêʼ
H3372
"to fear"
V-Qal-Juss-2ms
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יַעֲשִׁ֣ר
ʻâshar
H6238
"to enrich"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to become or make rich, often describing financial prosperity or wealth, as seen in the story of Solomon's riches in 1 Kings 10. It is translated as 'to be rich' or 'enrich' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to be or become rich or wealthy, enrich, pretend to be rich 1a) (Qal) to be or become rich 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make rich 1b2) to gain riches 1c) (Hithpael) to enrich oneself, pretend to be rich
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: be(-come, en-, make, make self, wax) rich, make (1 Kings 22:48 marg). See H6240 (עָשָׂר). See also: Genesis 14:23; Proverbs 13:7; Psalms 49:17.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִ֝רְבֶּה
râbâh
H7235
"to multiply"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to increase or grow, like a plant shooting up. It is used in the Bible to describe something getting bigger or more abundant. The KJV translates it as abundance or bring up.
Definition: 1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things) 1a2) to be or grow great 1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make much, make many, have many 1c1a) to multiply, increase 1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly 1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly 1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: (bring in) abundance ([idiom] -antly), [phrase] archer (by mistake for H7232 (רָבַב)), be in authority, bring up, [idiom] continue, enlarge, excel, exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly, [idiom] -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have, make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more (in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much (greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), [idiom] process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 33:6; Psalms 16:4.
כְּב֣וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
בֵּיתֽ/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | 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.
Study Notes — Psalms 49:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 49:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:17
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:17
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:17
- Sermons on Psalms 49:17
Context — The Evanescence of Wealth
15But God will redeem my life from Sheol, for He will surely take me to Himself. Selah
16Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases.
17For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.
18Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul— and men praise you when you prosper— 19he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of day.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Timothy 6:7 | For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. |
| 2 | Job 27:19 | He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more; when he opens his eyes, all is gone. |
| 3 | Luke 16:24 | So he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. For I am in agony in this fire.’ |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 15:43 | It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. |
| 5 | Luke 12:20 | But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 6 | Job 1:21 | saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” |
| 7 | Isaiah 10:3 | What will you do on the day of reckoning when devastation comes from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth? |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 5:15 | As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands. |
| 9 | Isaiah 5:14 | Therefore Sheol enlarges its throat and opens wide its enormous jaws, and down go Zion’s nobles and masses, her revelers and carousers! |
| 10 | Psalms 17:14 | from such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children. |
Psalms 49:17 Summary
Psalms 49:17 reminds us that when we die, we won't be able to take any of our possessions or wealth with us. This verse encourages us to think about what truly matters in life and to focus on building a relationship with God, as mentioned in Matthew 6:20. By prioritizing our faith and using our resources to further God's kingdom, we can cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment that goes beyond material wealth. As stated in 1 Timothy 6:7, we came into the world with nothing, and we will leave with nothing, so let's focus on storing up treasures in heaven.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that a person will carry nothing away when they die?
This verse, Psalms 49:17, emphasizes that material wealth and possessions will not accompany a person into the afterlife, as stated in Ecclesiastes 5:15, which says, 'As he came from his mother's womb, so he will go again, naked as he came; he will take nothing for his toil that he can carry in his hand.'
Is it wrong to have wealth and riches?
Having wealth is not inherently wrong, as seen in the example of Job, who was a wealthy man blessed by God, but the focus should be on using wealth to honor God, as taught in Matthew 6:24, which warns against serving two masters, including wealth.
What happens to a person's wealth after they pass away?
According to Psalms 49:17, a person's abundance will not follow them into the afterlife, but as stated in Psalms 37:18, the righteous will inherit the land, suggesting that their legacy and impact can continue through their faith and good deeds.
How can I prioritize what truly matters in life?
By focusing on one's relationship with God and using their resources to further His kingdom, as encouraged in Matthew 6:20, which advises storing up treasures in heaven, a person can cultivate a sense of eternal perspective and prioritize what truly matters in life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I am holding onto too tightly, and how can I learn to let go of them?
- In what ways can I use my resources and wealth to honor God and bless others?
- How can I cultivate a sense of detachment from material possessions and focus on what truly brings fulfillment and joy?
- What legacy do I want to leave behind, and how can I start making intentional decisions to achieve that goal?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:17
For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away,.... Such men, with all their riches and honour, must die; therefore why should men be afraid of them? or wherein are they to be accounted of, whose breath is in their nostrils?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:17
For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away. Speedily coming, death shall put an end to all his present power of persecuting the godly.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:17
For as he will shortly die, so all his wealth, and power, and glory will die with him, and thou wilt have no cause either to envy or fear him.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:17
Psalms 49:17 For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.Ver. 17. For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away] Nothing but a shroud, as that great emperor caused to be proclaimed at his funeral. He was a fool that on his death bed clapped a piece of gold into his mouth, and said, Some wiser than some; I will take this with me. See Job 1:21 1 Timothy 6:7. His glory shall not descend after him] No, nor be able to breathe one cold blast upon him, when he is burning in hell. Oh that wicked rich men would think of this, before the cold grave hold their bodies, and hot hell hold their souls.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:17
(16, 17) After expressing his own hopes of escaping from death, or being rescued from corruption, the psalmist recurs to the question of Psa 49:5, and completes the answer to it. He need not fear, however prosperous and wealthy his adversaries become, for they will die, and, dying, can take none of their possessions with them.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:17
17. Cp. Job 1:21; Ecclesiastes 5:15; 1 Timothy 6:7; and parallels from classical authors: e.g. Propertius IV. 5. 13: Haud ullas portabis opes Acherontis ad undas: Nudus at inferna, stulte, vehere, rate.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:17
For when he dieth - He must die. His wealth cannot save him from the grave. It is always to be “assumed” of rich people, as of all other men, that they “will” have to die.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:17
16-20. The remainder of the psalm is a hortatory application, with a partial rehearsal of what has been already said.
Sermons on Psalms 49:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Can We Take Into Eternity? by Peter Masters | This sermon emphasizes the reality that we enter and leave this world with nothing material, highlighting the importance of spiritual preparation for eternity. It contrasts the fat |
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Only One Life Will Soon Be Past by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that pleases God. He highlights the concept of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ, where believers |
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(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It |
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What Jesus Taught About Money by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being good stewards of the gifts that God has given us, such as money, time, and relationships. He highlights the need to |
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To Live Is Christ by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not seeking approval from others but instead seeking the honor and approval of Jesus. He shares a personal story of his 84- |
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A Catechism on Christian Attire by Mike Avery | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of adhering to biblical principles when it comes to dressing. He mentions that while preaching on standards is necessary, tea |
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The Greatness of God by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the concept of being "less than nothing" in the eyes of God. He emphasizes that humans are temporary beings who cannot take anything with t |