Psalms 49:19
Psalms 49:19 in Multiple Translations
he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of day.
He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They shall never see the light.
He will go to the generation of his fathers; he will not see the light again.
but their destiny is the same as their forefathers: they will never again see the light of day.
He shall enter into the generation of his fathers, and they shall not liue for euer.
It cometh to the generation of his fathers, For ever they see not the light.
he shall go to the generation of his fathers. They shall never see the light.
He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
Thy mouth hath abounded with evil, and thy tongue framed deceits.
but he will die, joining his ancestors, who will never see daylight again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 49:19
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 49:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
נַ֭פְשׁ/וֹ
בְּ/חַיָּ֣י/ו
יְבָרֵ֑ךְ
וְ֝/יוֹדֻ֗/ךָ
כִּי
תֵיטִ֥יב
לָֽ/ךְ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
נַ֭פְשׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
בְּ/חַיָּ֣י/ו
chay
H2416
alive
Prep | N-mp | Suff
יְבָרֵ֑ךְ
bârak
H1288
to bless
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
וְ֝/יוֹדֻ֗/ךָ
yâdâh
H3034
to give thanks
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תֵיטִ֥יב
yâṭab
H3190
be good
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
לָֽ/ךְ
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 49:19
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.
נַ֭פְשׁ/וֹ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
N-cs | Suff
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
בְּ/חַיָּ֣י/ו
chay
H2416
"alive"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
יְבָרֵ֑ךְ
bârak
H1288
"to bless"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To bless means to praise or honor God, often by kneeling in worship. In the Bible, people bless God and God blesses people, showing favor and care for them, as seen in the story of Abraham and his descendants.
Definition: 1) to bless, kneel 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kneel 1a2) to bless 1b) (Niphal) to be blessed, bless oneself 1c) (Piel) to bless 1d) (Pual) to be blessed, be adored 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to kneel 1f) (Hithpael) to bless oneself 2) (TWOT) to praise, salute, curse Aramaic equivalent: be.rakh (בְּרַךְ "to bless" H1289)
Usage: Occurs in 289 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, [idiom] altogether, [idiom] at all, blaspheme, bless, congratulate, curse, [idiom] greatly, [idiom] indeed, kneel (down), praise, salute, [idiom] still, thank. See also: Genesis 1:22; Deuteronomy 24:19; Job 2:9.
וְ֝/יוֹדֻ֗/ךָ
yâdâh
H3034
"to give thanks"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.
Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)
Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.
כִּי
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.
תֵיטִ֥יב
yâṭab
H3190
"be good"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-2ms
To be good means to be pleasing or joyful, making something or someone sound, beautiful, or happy. It is used in various forms, including being glad, doing well, or being content. It appears in many books, including Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to be good, be pleasing, be well, be glad 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be glad, be joyful 1a2) to be well placed 1a3) to be well for, be well with, go well with 1a4) to be pleasing, be pleasing to 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to make glad, rejoice 1b2) to do good to, deal well with 1b3) to do well, do thoroughly 1b4) to make a thing good or right or beautiful 1b5) to do well, do right
Usage: Occurs in 105 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, amend, use aright, benefit, be (make) better, seem best, make cheerful, be comely, [phrase] be content, diligent(-ly), dress, earnestly, find favour, give, be glad, do (be, make) good(-ness), be (make) merry, please ([phrase] well), shew more (kindness), skilfully, [idiom] very small, surely, make sweet, thoroughly, tire, trim, very, be (can, deal, entreat, go, have) well (said, seen). See also: Genesis 4:7; 2 Samuel 3:36; Psalms 33:3.
לָֽ/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Psalms 49:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 49:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:19
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
- Sermons on Psalms 49:19
Context — The Evanescence of Wealth
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 | Job 33:30 | to bring back his soul from the Pit, that he may be enlightened with the light of life. |
| 2 | Genesis 15:15 | You, however, will go to your fathers in peace and be buried at a ripe old age. |
| 3 | Psalms 56:13 | For You have delivered my soul from death, and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. |
| 4 | Matthew 22:13 | Then the king told the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot, and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ |
| 5 | Luke 16:22–23 | One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side. |
| 6 | Matthew 8:12 | But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” |
| 7 | 1 Kings 16:6 | And Baasha rested with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah, and his son Elah reigned in his place. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 12:7 | before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it. |
| 9 | Jude 1:13 | They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. |
| 10 | 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?’ |
Psalms 49:19 Summary
This verse is saying that people who focus on getting rich and powerful will eventually die and be forgotten, just like their ancestors before them. They will not experience the true light and life that comes from knowing God, as seen in John 1:4, where Jesus is described as the light of life. Instead, they will be stuck in spiritual darkness, separated from God. We can learn from this by prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking after His blessing, rather than just chasing after worldly wealth and status, as encouraged in Matthew 6:33, where we are told to seek first God's kingdom and righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'join the generation of his fathers' in Psalms 49:19?
This phrase suggests that the person being described will eventually die and be reunited with their ancestors, just like everyone else, as seen in Psalms 89:48, which reminds us that we all must face death.
Why will they 'never see the light of day'?
This phrase is likely referring to the fact that the person will not experience eternal life or spiritual enlightenment, but rather will be stuck in spiritual darkness, as described in John 3:19-20, where those who reject God's love prefer darkness over the light.
Is this verse saying that everyone who dies will not see the light of day?
No, this verse is specifically talking about those who have lived a life of worldly wealth and pride, but have not sought after God, as seen in Psalms 49:18, where it says they bless their own soul, but do not seek God's blessing.
How does this relate to the rest of the chapter?
This verse is part of a larger theme in Psalms 49, which warns against trusting in wealth and material possessions, and instead encourages us to trust in God, as seen in Psalms 49:6-7, where it says that no one can redeem the life of another or pay God a ransom for their life.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I prioritize worldly wealth and status over my relationship with God?
- How can I make sure that I am not living a life of spiritual darkness, but rather seeking after God's light?
- What does it mean for me to 'join the generation of my fathers', and how can I make sure that I am leaving a legacy of faith for my own family?
- In what ways can I trust in God's provision and blessing, rather than my own wealth and resources?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:19
He shall go to the generation of his fathers,.... Be gathered to them at death; or "to the dwelling place of his fathers" (m); either the grave, or hell, or both; the habitation of his wicked
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:19
He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. He - or, 'it (the soul) shall go,' for the Hebrew verb is feminine.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
Now he returns again to the third person. Such sudden and repeated changes are frequent in this book. To the generation of his fathers, i.e. to the grave and hell, where he shall meet with his wicked parents, who by their counsel and example led him into his evil courses; as the godly also are said to be gathered to their fathers, . Never see, i.e. never enjoy, as seeing is oft taken. Light; neither the light of the living, as it is called, ; or of this life, to which they shall never return; nor of the next life to which they shall never be admitted, but they shall be cast into utter darkness, .
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
Psalms 49:19 He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.Ver. 19. He shall go to the generation of his fathers] i.e. To the grave, or albeit he come to the age of his fathers, that is, live here very long. They shall never see light] Either have any sound comfort at death or any part in God’ s kingdom.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
(19) They shall never.—Better, who will never again look on the light, i.e., “never live again,” implying, in contrast, a hope of a resurrection for the upright. (See Note Psalms 49:14.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
Verse 19. They shall never see light.] Rise again they shall; but they shall never see the light of glory, for there is prepared for them the blackness of darkness for ever.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:19
19. He shall go] There should be a comma at the end of Psa 49:18, as in R.V., for Psalms 49:19 forms the apodosis to it. The Heb. verb may be either the 3rd person fem., the subject being the soul, or the 2nd person masc.; so either, ‘Though he blessed his soul … it shall go’ &c.: or, ‘Though men praise thee … thou shalt go.’ The first alternative is preferable. The second involves an intolerably harsh change of person (‘Thou shalt go … his fathers’). For the phrase cp. Genesis 15:15, “Thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace.” The more usual expression for dying is, “he was gathered to his people,” or, “his fathers.” Families are contemplated as reunited in Sheol, where existence is a shadowy reflection of life on earth. they shall never see light] ‘They’ refers to the rich men. The Heb. mind passes from the class to the individual and from the individual to the class with a facility to which we are not accustomed. But it is perhaps better to take the phrase as a relative clause referring to ‘his fathers’; Who shall never more see the light. He goes to join the ranks of those whose lot is fixed irrevocably, who will never return to life. For the phrase cp.
Psalms 58:8; Job 3:16; Ecclesiastes 6:5.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:19
He shall go to the generation of his fathers - To be gathered to one’s own people, or to his fathers, is a common expression in the Old Testament in speaking of death.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:19
16-20. The remainder of the psalm is a hortatory application, with a partial rehearsal of what has been already said.
Sermons on Psalms 49:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Work, Rest, and Recompense. by Horatius Bonar | Horatius Bonar emphasizes the importance of perseverance in our daily work as Christians, drawing from Daniel 12:13, which encourages believers to continue their journey until the |
|
Stop Running From Your Fears by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own struggles with fully committing to God's calling. He recalls a moment when he was preaching about giving one's all for God's glory, |
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The Unspoken Cries of a Broken Heart by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson delivers a powerful message on the comfort found in Psalms 56 for those who are wounded by life's trials, whether from family, friends, or the ungodly. He emphasize |
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The Evidences of Entire Sanctification-How to Retain It by Dougan Clark | Dougan Clark preaches about the importance of being assured of the work of grace in one's soul, whether seeking Christ for pardon of sin or a clean heart for sanctification. He emp |
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The Horizon of Christ - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the greatness of Jesus Christ and the purpose of God's plan for humanity. The goal is for believers to have a fresh understanding of Christ's |
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A Farewell Sermon by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards delivers a farewell sermon at the First Church in Northampton, MA, emphasizing the accountability of ministers and their congregations before Christ's tribunal on |
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On the Priesthood - Part 7 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom delivers a sermon emphasizing the weight of responsibility and accountability that comes with being entrusted with the care of souls. He warns about the severe pena |