Psalms 49:16
Psalms 49:16 in Multiple Translations
Do not be amazed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases.
Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, When the glory of his house is increased:
Have no fear when wealth comes to a man, and the glory of his house is increased;
Don't be disturbed when people become rich, filling their houses with possessions.
Be not thou afrayd when one is made rich, and when the glory of his house is increased.
Fear not, when one maketh wealth, When the honour of his house is abundant,
Don’t be afraid when a man is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;
But to the sinner God hath said: Why dost thou declare my justices, and take my covenant in thy mouth?
So, do not be dismayed when someone becomes rich and the houses where they live become more and more luxurious,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 49:16
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 49:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַךְ
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
נַ֭פְשִׁ/י
מִֽ/יַּד
שְׁא֑וֹל
כִּ֖י
יִקָּחֵ֣/נִי
סֶֽלָה
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
pâdâh
H6299
to ransom
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
נַ֭פְשִׁ/י
nephesh
H5315
soul
N-cs | Suff
מִֽ/יַּד
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs
שְׁא֑וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
hell
N-proper
כִּ֖י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִקָּחֵ֣/נִי
lâqach
H3947
to take
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
Selah
Part
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 49:16
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
pâdâh
H6299
"to ransom"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To pay a price to set someone free, like a ransom to rescue a person. It's used in the Bible to describe God redeeming his people.
Definition: 1) to ransom, redeem, rescue, deliver 1a) (Qal) to ransom 1b) (Niphal) to be ransomed 1c) (Hiphil) to allow one to be ransomed 1d) (Hophal) redeemed
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, deliver, [idiom] by any means, ransom, (that are to be, let be) redeem(-ed), rescue, [idiom] surely. See also: Exodus 13:13; Job 33:28; Psalms 25:22.
נַ֭פְשִׁ/י
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.
מִֽ/יַּד
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
שְׁא֑וֹל
shᵉʼôwl
H7585
"hell"
N-proper
Sheol refers to the underworld or grave, a place of no return where the dead reside, as seen in the Old Testament. It is often translated as hell or pit in the KJV. This concept is mentioned in various books, including Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: Sheol, underworld, grave, hell, pit 1a) the underworld 1b) Sheol-the OT designation for the abode of the dead 1b1) place of no return 1b2) without praise of God 1b3) wicked sent there for punishment 1b4) righteous not abandoned to it 1b5) of the place of exile (fig) 1b6) of extreme degradation in sin
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: grave, hell, pit. See also: Genesis 37:35; Psalms 139:8; Psalms 6:6.
כִּ֖י
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.
יִקָּחֵ֣/נִי
lâqach
H3947
"to take"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
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.
סֶֽלָה
çelâh
H5542
"Selah"
Part
Selah is a musical term in the Bible that signals a pause or interruption in the music, like a rest in a song, often used in Psalms. It is a technical term that sets a moment for reflection and contemplation, as seen in Psalm 3:2.
Definition: § 1) to lift up, exalt 1a) Selah 1a1) a technical musical term probably showing accentuation, pause, interruption
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: Selah. See also: Psalms 3:3; Psalms 62:5; Psalms 3:5.
Study Notes — Psalms 49:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 49:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
- Sermons on Psalms 49:16
Context — The Evanescence of Wealth
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.
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—Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:7 | Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. |
| 2 | Psalms 37:1 | Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. |
| 3 | Revelation 21:26 | And into the city will be brought the glory and honor of the nations. |
| 4 | Revelation 21:24 | By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. |
| 5 | Esther 3:1–6 | After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him. 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. Then the royal servants at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the command of the king?” Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage. And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes. |
| 6 | Genesis 31:1 | Now Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken away all that belonged to our father and built all this wealth at our father’s expense.” |
| 7 | Psalms 49:5 | Why should I fear in times of trouble, when wicked usurpers surround me? |
| 8 | Esther 5:11 | Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants. |
| 9 | Proverbs 28:12 | When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves. |
Psalms 49:16 Summary
[Psalms 49:16 is telling us not to be impressed by people who have a lot of money and nice things, because that's not what's truly important in life. As it says in Matthew 6:19-20, we should focus on storing up treasures in heaven, not on earth. This verse is reminding us to keep things in perspective and not get caught up in worldly values, but instead to focus on what truly brings fulfillment and joy, like our relationship with God and serving others.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should we not be amazed when someone becomes rich?
We should not be amazed when someone becomes rich because wealth is not a measure of a person's spiritual standing or their relationship with God, as seen in Psalms 49:16, and is also warned against in 1 Timothy 6:10 where it says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
What is the significance of a person's house increasing in splendor?
The increase in splendor of a person's house may be a symbol of their wealth and status, but as Psalms 49:16 suggests, it is not something to be amazed by, and as stated in Matthew 6:19-20, we should not store up treasures on earth where they can be destroyed, but instead store up treasures in heaven.
How does this verse relate to the concept of humility?
This verse relates to humility by warning us against being overly impressed by wealth and material possessions, and instead, as Philippians 2:3-4 teaches, we should humble ourselves and consider others better than ourselves, focusing on what truly matters in God's eyes.
What is the main message of Psalms 49:16?
The main message of Psalms 49:16 is to not be envious or amazed by the wealth and material success of others, but instead to focus on what truly brings fulfillment and joy, as stated in Psalms 37:4, delighting ourselves in the Lord and committing our way to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a humble heart and not be swayed by the wealth and success of those around me?
- How can I use my own resources and possessions to glorify God and serve others, rather than just accumulating wealth for my own sake?
- In what ways can I prioritize spiritual riches over material wealth, and what are some practical steps I can take to make this a reality in my life?
- What are some potential dangers of being overly impressed by wealth and material possessions, and how can I guard myself against these dangers?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:16
Be not thou afraid when one is made rich,.... Who before was poor, or not so rich; but now become so, either by inheritance, or by his own diligence and industry, through the permission of Providence.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:16
Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; The conclusion (Psalms 49:16-20). Be not thou afraid when one is made rich - resuming Psalms 49:5, "Wherefore should I fear," etc.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
Afraid, i.e. discouraged or dejected. The prosperity of the sinners is oft matter of fear and dread to good men; partly because it enables them to do more mischief; and partly because it shakes their faith in God’ s providence and promises, and is apt to engender suspicions in men’ s minds, as if God did not regard the actions and affairs of men, and made no difference between the good and the bad, and consequently all religion were vain and unprofitable. See ,13.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
Psalms 49:16 Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;Ver. 16. Be not thou afraid] David was comforted, and so he would have others to be; for as it was said of a certain bishop of Lincoln, that he held nothing his own but what he had bestowed upon others, Hoc habeo quodcunque dedi; so the saints think their comforts nothing so comfortable unless others may share in them, and fare the better by them. When the glory of his house is increased] viz. By a numerous offspring, stately building, gay furniture, great rents and revenues; for as they say of the metal they make glass of, it is nearest melting when it shineth brightest; so are the wicked nearest destruction when at greatest lustre.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
(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.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
Verse 16. Be not thou afraid when one is made rich] Do not be envious; do not grieve: it will do you no harm; it will do him no good. All he gets will be left behind; he can carry nothing with him. Even his glory must stay behind; he shall mingle with the common earth.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:16
16–20. The rich man cannot carry his wealth with him when he dies. The thought already expressed in Psalms 49:10 is resumed and further developed.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:16
Be not thou afraid when one is made rich - Do not dread the power derived from wealth; do not fear anything which a man can do merely because he is rich.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:16
16-20. The remainder of the psalm is a hortatory application, with a partial rehearsal of what has been already said.
Sermons on Psalms 49:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
All Worldly Grandeur by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes that worldly riches, honors, and titles are temporary and will not accompany us after death. He illustrates death as a porter who strips individuals of the |
|
1 Corinthians 12:1-2 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding spiritual gifts and the manifestation of the Spirit, emphasizing the diversity of gifts given by the same Spirit for |
|
An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr |
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Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength |
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Home Before Dark by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal testimony about the importance of giving testimonies and sharing one's individual experiences. He references Psalm 66:16-20 |
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Life of David by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the story of Peter in the 12th chapter of Acts, where he was imprisoned and about to be beheaded. The preacher then transitions t |
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Feeding Christ (Time for Renewal Conference) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke 17:7-10, where Jesus tells a parable about a servant and his master. The preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God |