Psalms 49:18
Psalms 49:18 in Multiple Translations
Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul— and men praise you when you prosper—
Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
Though while he lived he blessed his soul (And men praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself),
Though he might have pride in his soul in his life-time, and men will give you praise if you do well for yourself,
They congratulate themselves for all they possess—people always praise you when you do well—
For while he liued, he reioyced himselfe: and men will prayse thee, when thou makest much of thy selfe.
For his soul in his life he blesseth, (And they praise thee when thou dost well for thyself.)
Though while he lived he blessed his soul— and men praise you when you do well for yourself—
Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
If thou didst see a thief thou didst run with him: and with adulterers thou hast been a partaker.
While a rich person is alive, he congratulates himself, and people praise him for being successful,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 49:18
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 49:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
לֹ֣א
בְ֭/מוֹת/וֹ
יִקַּ֣ח
הַ/כֹּ֑ל
לֹא
יֵרֵ֖ד
אַחֲרָ֣י/ו
כְּבוֹדֽ/וֹ
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בְ֭/מוֹת/וֹ
mâveth
H4194
death
Prep | N-ms | Suff
יִקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַ/כֹּ֑ל
kôl
H3605
all
Art | N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵרֵ֖ד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אַחֲרָ֣י/ו
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
כְּבוֹדֽ/וֹ
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 49:18
כִּ֤י
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.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
בְ֭/מוֹת/וֹ
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
יִקַּ֣ח
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.
Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)
Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.
הַ/כֹּ֑ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵרֵ֖ד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
אַחֲרָ֣י/ו
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
כְּבוֹדֽ/וֹ
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Psalms 49:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 49:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:18
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
- Sermons on Psalms 49:18
Context — The Evanescence of Wealth
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. 20A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 12:19 | Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 29:19 | because when such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself, saying, ‘I will have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my own heart.’ This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. |
| 3 | Psalms 10:3 | For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. |
| 4 | Hosea 12:8 | And Ephraim boasts: “How rich I have become! I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors, they can find in me no iniquity that is sinful.” |
| 5 | Acts 12:20–22 | Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food. On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” |
| 6 | Esther 3:2 | All the royal servants at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded that this be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 25:6 | and say to him, ‘Long life to you, and peace to you and your house and to all that belongs to you. |
| 8 | Revelation 13:3–4 | One of the heads of the beast appeared to be mortally wounded. But the mortal wound was healed, and the whole world marveled and followed the beast. They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?” |
Psalms 49:18 Summary
[Psalms 49:18 tells us that even if someone is very rich and successful, they might still be unhappy or unfulfilled deep down, because true happiness and fulfillment come from God, as seen in Psalms 16:11. When we focus on earthly things, we can become self-satisfied and forget about what's truly important. As the Bible says in 1 Timothy 6:17, we should not put our hope in wealth, but in the living God. By keeping our eyes on God and storing up treasures in heaven, as taught in Matthew 6:19-21, we can find true joy and contentment.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'bless his soul' in Psalms 49:18?
In this context, 'blessing his soul' refers to the rich man's self-satisfaction and confidence in his wealth, as seen in Psalms 49:18, but true blessing comes from God, as stated in Psalms 1:1-3.
Why do people praise God when someone prospers?
People often praise God when someone prospers because they recognize God's blessing and provision, as seen in Psalms 49:18, but this can also be a superficial response, as true praise comes from a heart that recognizes God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 11:36.
Is it wrong to be prosperous and have wealth?
No, it's not wrong to be prosperous and have wealth, as seen in the examples of Abraham and Job in the Bible, but it's essential to recognize that true wealth and blessing come from God, as stated in Matthew 6:19-21, and to use our resources wisely, as taught in 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
How can I avoid being like the rich man in Psalms 49:18 who is self-satisfied?
To avoid being like the rich man, focus on storing up treasures in heaven, as taught in Matthew 6:19-21, and cultivate a heart of humility and dependence on God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:7 and Proverbs 28:26.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I seek to 'bless my soul' with earthly things, and how can I shift my focus to eternal treasures?
- How do I respond when I see others prospering, and what can I learn from their experiences?
- In what ways can I use my resources to bless others and bring glory to God, as seen in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8?
- What are some potential dangers of seeking praise and admiration from others, and how can I cultivate a desire for God's approval instead, as stated in Galatians 1:10?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:18
Though while he lived he blessed his soul,.... Praised and extolled himself on account of his acquisitions and merit; or proclaimed himself a happy man, because of his wealth and riches; or foolishly
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:18
Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
He blessed his soul, i.e. he applauded himself as a wise and happy man: compare . Men will praise thee: and as he pleaseth and flattereth himself, so he meets with parasites that applaud and flatter him for their own advantage. For he still speaks of the same man, as is manifest from the foregoing and following words, though there be a sudden change of the third into the second person; which is most frequent in these books. When thou doest well to thyself; when thou dost indulge and please thyself, and advance thy own worldly interest. For the name of good in Scripture is oft ascribed unto the pleasures and profits of this life, as 4:8 11:9.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
Psalms 49:18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and [men] will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.Ver. 18. Though whilst he lived he blessed his soul] As that rich fool did, Luke 12:16-21, and that king of France, who, puffed up with the marriage of his sister to the king of Spain, called him by a new title, Tres-heureuse Roi, the thrice happy king; but was soon after accidentally slain by the captain of his guard running at tilt with him, at the solemnizing of that same marriage, in the very beginning of his supposed happiness. And men will praise thee when thou doest well to thyself] Feathering thine own nest and pampering thine own carcase; thou shalt be sure of parasites and trencher flies, who will highly commend thee, though against their own consciences, Romans 1:32. The world generally admireth the happiness of such as live at full, and ask what should such a one ail? The Irish ask what they meant to die?
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
(18) Though, while he lived. . . .—This is abundantly illustrated by our Lord’s parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:19; comp. Deuteronomy 29:19). And men will.—Rather, and though men praise thee, &c. “Although prosperity produces self-gratulation, and procures the homage of the world as well, yet,” &c
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
Verse 18. He blessed his soul] He did all he could to procure himself animal gratifications, and he was applauded for it; for it is the custom of the world to praise them who pay most attention to their secular interest; and he who attends most to the concerns of his soul is deemed weak and foolish, and is often persecuted by an ungodly world.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:18
18. blessed his soul] Congratulated himself on his good fortune, flattering himself that he was beyond the reach of misfortune. Cp. Deuteronomy 29:19; Luke 12:19. men will praise thee] Men praise thee (R.V.). The words are a parenthesis, addressed to the rich man. The unthinking multitude (cp. Psalms 49:13 b) worship success and wealth. They see nothing wrong in the selfish misuse of riches.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:18
Though while he lived - Margin, as in Hebrew, “in his life.” More literally, “in his lives.” The idea is, as long as he lived.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:18
16-20. The remainder of the psalm is a hortatory application, with a partial rehearsal of what has been already said.
Sermons on Psalms 49:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Unselfishness by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby emphasizes the profound unselfishness of Christ, noting that every action of Jesus was directed towards serving others rather than Himself. He contrasts this with |
|
Five Solemn Facts by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes five solemn facts about salvation. Firstly, not everyone will be saved, and the listeners are urged to reflect on their own standing. Secondl |
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The Soul of a Man by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. He warns that those who do not believe in Jesus will face judgment at the great |
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Atlantic Lyman conf.1972-02 Studies in Daniel 04 by Joseph Balsan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that he couldn't interpret, so he called upon Daniel |
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The Duty of Self-Denial by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the duty of self-denial, emphasizing the need for Christians to deny their own righteousness and trust only in Christ's righteousness for salvation. He wa |
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The Possession of the Saints' Rest Is Not on Earth by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter preaches about the folly of seeking rest in earthly enjoyments rather than in God, highlighting the tendency to prioritize material blessings over spiritual growth. |
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Money: Servant or Master? by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman preaches about the dangers of placing our treasure in material wealth rather than in God, emphasizing that poverty does not equate to spirituality and the 'prosperity |