Psalms 49:10
Psalms 49:10 in Multiple Translations
For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others.
For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
For he shall see it. Wise men die; The fool and the brutish alike perish, And leave their wealth to others.
For he sees that wise men come to their end, and foolish persons of low behaviour come to destruction together, letting their wealth go to others.
Everyone knows that the wise die, those who are foolish and stupid too, leaving what they have to the next generation.
For he seeth that wise men die, and also that the ignorant and foolish perish, and leaue their riches for others.
For he seeth wise men die, Together the foolish and brutish perish, And have left to others their wealth.
For he sees that wise men die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others.
For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
For all the beasts of the woods are mine: the cattle on the hills, and the oxen.
We see that foolish and stupid people die, but we see that wise people also die; they all leave their wealth, and others inherit it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 49:10
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 49:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וִֽ/יחִי
ע֥וֹד
לָ/נֶ֑צַח
לֹ֖א
יִרְאֶ֣ה
הַ/שָּֽׁחַת
וִֽ/יחִי
châyâh
H2421
to live
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
ע֥וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
לָ/נֶ֑צַח
netsach
H5331
perpetuity
Prep | N-ms
לֹ֖א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִרְאֶ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
הַ/שָּֽׁחַת
shachath
H7845
pit
Art | N-fs
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 49:10
וִֽ/יחִי
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
ע֥וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
לָ/נֶ֑צַח
netsach
H5331
"perpetuity"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for perpetuity or everlastingness, often used to describe God's nature. It appears in Psalm 9:7, where the psalmist praises God's enduring presence. This word conveys the idea of something lasting forever.
Definition: 1) eminence, perpetuity, strength, victory, enduring, everlastingness 1a) eminence 1b) enduring of life 1c) endurance in time, perpetual, continual, unto the end 1d) everlastingness, ever
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), constantly, end, ([phrase] n-) ever(more), perpetual, strength, victory. See also: 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalms 74:10; Psalms 9:7.
לֹ֖א
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.
יִרְאֶ֣ה
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הַ/שָּֽׁחַת
shachath
H7845
"pit"
Art | N-fs
This noun refers to a pit or grave, and it is often used figuratively to describe destruction or corruption, as seen in Proverbs and other books.
Definition: 1) pit, destruction, grave 1a) pit (for catching lions)
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: corruption, destruction, ditch, grave, pit. See also: Job 9:31; Psalms 35:7; Psalms 7:16.
Study Notes — Psalms 49:10
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 49:10 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:10
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:10
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:10
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:10
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:10
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:10
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:10
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:10
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:10
- Sermons on Psalms 49:10
Context — The Evanescence of Wealth
8For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice,
9that he should live on forever and not see decay.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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?’ |
| 2 | Psalms 39:6 | Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. |
| 3 | Hebrews 9:27 | Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, |
| 4 | Psalms 94:8 | Take notice, O senseless among the people! O fools, when will you be wise? |
| 5 | Psalms 73:22 | I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 10:8 | But they are altogether senseless and foolish, instructed by worthless idols made of wood! |
| 7 | 1 Timothy 6:6–10 | Of course, godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. Those who want to be rich, however, fall into temptation and become ensnared by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. |
| 8 | Proverbs 30:2 | Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. |
| 9 | Psalms 49:17 | For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down. |
| 10 | Ecclesiastes 5:13–16 | There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on. 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. This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? |
Psalms 49:10 Summary
Psalms 49:10 tells us that everyone, whether wise or foolish, will die and leave behind their wealth. This means that no matter how smart or rich we are, we can't escape death (as seen in Ecclesiastes 2:16). It's a reminder to focus on what truly lasts, like our relationship with God and the things we do for Him (like in Matthew 6:20, where we're encouraged to store up treasures in heaven). By remembering that our time on earth is limited, we can live each day with purpose and invest in things that will last forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that 'wise men die' in Psalms 49:10?
This verse highlights that even the wisest and most intelligent among us will eventually face death, just like anyone else, as stated in Ecclesiastes 2:16, where it says that the wise and the fool alike will not be remembered.
Is it saying that wealth has no value in the face of death?
Yes, Psalms 49:10 implies that wealth is of no lasting value when it comes to escaping death, a theme also seen in Psalms 39:6, where it talks about the futility of accumulating riches that will be left behind.
What happens to the wealth of the wise and foolish when they die?
According to Psalms 49:10, both the wise and the foolish leave their wealth to others, indicating that it does not follow them into the afterlife, a concept supported by Psalms 17:14, which describes the earthly-minded as those who are satisfied with the things of this life.
How does this verse relate to the concept of eternal life?
This verse, in the context of Psalms 49, points to the transient nature of human life and wealth, contrasting with the eternal life promised by God, as seen in John 3:16, where believing in Jesus Christ is the path to eternal life.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I prioritize wealth or material possessions over eternal values, and how can I realign my priorities according to God's Word?
- How does the reality of death affect my daily choices and motivations, and am I living in light of eternity as encouraged in Colossians 3:2?
- What does it mean for me to 'leave my wealth to others' when I die, and how can I use my resources now to invest in eternal things?
- In what sense am I like the 'beasts that perish' mentioned in Psalms 49:12, and how can I live a life that reflects my identity as a child of God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:10
For he seeth [that] wise men die,.... This is a reason convincing the rich man, that with all his riches he cannot redeem his brother from death; since he must see, by daily and constant experience,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:10
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 49:10
He seeth; an impersonal expression. Every man sees and knows it; it is visible and evident, both from reason and from universal experience, that all men die, without any difference between wise and fools, good and bad. To others; he saith not, to sons or kindred; but indefinitely, to others because he is wholly uncertain to whom he shall leave him, to friends, or strangers, or enemies; which he mentions as a great vanity in riches. They neither can save him from death, nor will accompany him in and after death, and after his death will be disposed he knows not how nor to whom.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:10
Psalms 49:10 For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.Ver. 10. For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool] This to be a truth, etiam muta clamant cadavera, the dead corpses of both do preach and proclaim, by a dumb kind of eloquence. Death maketh no difference; Pallida mors aequo, &c. It is appointed for all men once to die. It lieth as a man’ s lot, as the word αποκειται signifieth, Hebrews 9:27, and all men can say, We are all mortal; but, alas, we say it for most part, magis usu quam sensu, more of custom than feeling; for we live as if our lives were riveted upon eternity, and we should never come to a reckoning. Heu vivunt heroines tanquam mors nulla sequatur, Aut velut infernus fabula vana foret. And the brutish person perish] His life and his hopes ending together. But it would be considered, that wise men die as well as fools, good men die as well as bad, yea, good men oft before the bad, Isaiah 57:1. Jeroboam’ s best son died before the rest, because there was some good found in him (ωκυμοροιοιθεοριλεις). And leave their wealth to others] Nec aliis solum, sed et alienis, to mere strangers; this Solomon sets forth as a great vanity.
It was therefore a good speech of a holy man once to a great lord, who had showed him his stately house and pleasant gardens: You had need make sure of heaven, or else when you die you will be a very great loser.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:10
(10) For he seeth.—The clauses are wrongly divided in the Authorised Version. Translate— “On the contrary he must see it (the grave), Wise men must die . . . Likewise the fool and the stupid must perish.” The wealth of the prudent will not avail any more for indefinite prolongation of life, than that of fools.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:10
Verse 10. For he seeth that wise men die] Though they may be rich, and their wisdom teach them the best method of managing their riches so as to derive all the good from them they can possibly produce, yet they die as well as the fool and the poor ignorant man; and their wealth is left to others who will be equally disappointed in their expectation from it.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:10
10. For he seeth that wise men die] Experience shews the rich man that all alike come to the grave. Even wisdom cannot deliver its possessor. This rendering is on the whole preferable to that of R.V. marg., Yea, he (the brother or the rich man) shall see it (the pit): wise men die &c. ‘Wise’ and ‘fool’ are words characteristic of the Wisdom literature. The former occurs but once again in the Psalter, and 46 times in Proverbs: the latter but twice in the Psalter, and 49 times in Proverbs. likewise &c.] Fool and brutish perish together. Perhaps the use of different verbs is intended to distinguish between the end of the wise man and the end of the fool and the brutish, the self-confident braggart and the mere stupid animal. and leave &c.] Or, abandon. The point of course is not that they can pass on their property to their heirs, but that they must themselves surrender it. Wealth can neither prolong life, nor be retained by its owner at death. Cp. Luke 12:10.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:10
For he seeth that wise men die - He must see this; he does see it. He perceives that no one can be saved from death. It comes on all alike - the wise and the unwise. Nothing saves from it.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:10
10. Wise men—A designation not only of men of learning and mental endowments, but of prudence, virtue, and piety.
Sermons on Psalms 49:10
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Hell by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher describes the death of a soul who did not heed the warning of the trumpet. The sermon references the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically chapter 8 verse |
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The Love of the World and the Love of God by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the dangers of loving the world and its temporary pleasures, emphasizing that those who love the world do not have the love of the Father in them. He co |
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Boast Not Thyself by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not procrastinating when it comes to accepting the gospel and becoming a Christian. He warns that many people in a land wh |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 28:16 - Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the dream of Nebuchadnezzar as recorded in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream about a great image with different materials |
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'Son, Remember' Preached in 1879 Reading of d.l. Moody by Robert Wurtz by Robert Wurtz II | This sermon recounts a powerful story from Dwight L. Moody about a man who struggled with moral courage to publicly confess Christ, leading to tragic consequences due to procrastin |
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The Philosophy of a Fool by Dennis Jenkins | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the rich farmer as told by Jesus. The parable highlights the foolishness of placing all emphasis on material possessions and n |
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Eternal House of Wisdom by Steve Gallagher | This sermon emphasizes the importance of building an eternal house of wisdom by submitting to God's authority, word, dealings in life, and living out wisdom. It contrasts the rewar |