Psalms 49:8
Psalms 49:8 in Multiple Translations
For the redemption of his soul is costly, and never can payment suffice,
(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
(For the redemption of their life is costly, And it faileth for ever),
(Because it takes a great price to keep his soul from death, and man is not able to give it.)
Redemption is beyond price; no one could ever pay enough
(So precious is the redemption of their soules, and the continuance for euer)
And precious [is] the redemption of their soul, And it hath ceased — to the age.
For the redemption of their life is costly, no payment is ever enough,
(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices: and thy burnt offerings are always in my sight.
because that cost is too great, and he will never be able to pay enough
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 49:8
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 49:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֗ח
לֹא
פָדֹ֣ה
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
אִ֑ישׁ
לֹא
יִתֵּ֖ן
לֵ/אלֹהִ֣ים
כָּפְרֽ/וֹ
אָ֗ח
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
פָדֹ֣ה
pâdâh
H6299
to ransom
V-Qal-Ptc
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
pâdâh
H6299
to ransom
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לֵ/אלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp
כָּפְרֽ/וֹ
kôpher
H3724
ransom
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 49:8
אָ֗ח
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
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.
פָדֹ֣ה
pâdâh
H6299
"to ransom"
V-Qal-Ptc
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.
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.
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.
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.
יִתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לֵ/אלֹהִ֣ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | 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.
כָּפְרֽ/וֹ
kôpher
H3724
"ransom"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means a cover or a village, and also refers to bitumen, henna, and a redemption price. It is translated as bribe, ransom, or satisfaction in the KJV Bible. The word has various meanings in different contexts.
Definition: price of a life, ransom, bribe
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: bribe, camphire, pitch, ransom, satisfaction, sum of money, village. See also: Genesis 6:14; Job 36:18; Psalms 49:8.
Study Notes — Psalms 49:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 49:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:8
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
- Sermons on Psalms 49:8
Context — The Evanescence of Wealth
6They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches.
7No man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God.
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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 16:26 | What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? |
| 2 | Job 36:18–19 | Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large bribe lead you astray. Can your wealth or all your mighty effort keep you from distress? |
Psalms 49:8 Summary
[Psalms 49:8 tells us that redeeming a soul is very costly, and no amount of money or earthly possessions can pay for it, as also seen in Matthew 16:26. This means that our souls are incredibly valuable to God, and He has a special way to redeem them, which is through faith in Jesus Christ, as explained in Ephesians 2:8-9. The high cost of redemption points to the preciousness of eternal life, which is a gift from God, not something we can buy or earn. This truth helps us understand that our worth and value come from God, not from what we own or achieve.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the redemption of the soul is costly?
This phrase, found in Psalms 49:8, means that the price of saving a person's soul from sin and its consequences is very high, as also emphasized in Matthew 16:26, where Jesus teaches that nothing can replace the value of a soul.
Can anyone pay the price for the redemption of their own soul?
According to Psalms 49:7, no man can possibly redeem his brother or pay his ransom to God, indicating that human efforts or wealth are insufficient for redemption, a concept also supported by Ephesians 2:8-9, which states that salvation is a gift from God.
Why is it that payment can never suffice for the redemption of the soul?
The reason payment can never suffice, as stated in Psalms 49:8, is because the value of a soul is beyond any earthly measurement or wealth, a truth underscored by Psalms 51:17, where David acknowledges that a broken spirit is what God desires, not material offerings.
How does this verse relate to the idea of eternal life?
Psalms 49:8-9 together suggest that the high cost of redeeming a soul is linked to the desire for eternal life, as stated in John 3:16, where believing in Jesus Christ offers eternal life, implying that true redemption leads to a life that does not see decay or end.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in your life that you consider most valuable, and how do they compare to the value of your soul?
- How does the understanding that the redemption of your soul is costly affect your perspective on life and your relationship with God?
- In what ways can you reflect on the sufficiency of Christ's payment for your redemption, as hinted at in this verse and fully expressed in other parts of Scripture like Romans 5:8?
- Considering that payment can never suffice for the redemption of the soul, what does this say about the nature of salvation and how it is received?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 49:8
For the redemption of their soul [is] precious,.... Or "heavy" (s); it is, as Jarchi observes, "heavier than their substance": it is too weighty a matter for the richest man in the world to engage
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 49:8
None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: -The godly has no cause for overwhelming fear because of the power of the ungodly; nor has the ungodly reason to
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
Of their soul, i.e. of their life, as soul is commonly used. Is precious, i.e. rare, as the word is used, , hard to be obtained. But he doth not call it simply impossible, because Christ hath purchased this privilege for his true disciples, that in some sense they shall not see death, . It ceaseth for ever, i.e. it is never to be accomplished, to wit, by any mere man, for himself or for his brother.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
Psalms 49:8 (For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)Ver. 8. For the redemption of their soul is precious] i.e. The price of life is greater than that any man, how wealthy soever, can compass it. Money is the monarch of this world, but not of the next. And it ceaseth for ever] i.e. The purchase of a longer life ceaseth, there is no such thing, believe it, Job 36:18-19 Deuteronomy 23:22 Zechariah 11:12. To blame, then, were the Agrigentines, who did eat, build, plant, &c., as though they should live for ever.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
(8) For.—This verse is rightly placed in a parenthesis. “Soul” is the animal life, as generally, and here necessarily from the context. There is no anticipation of the Christian scheme of redemption from sin. A ransom which could buy a man from death, as one redeems a debtor or prisoner, would be beyond the means of the wealthiest, even if nature allowed such a bargain. It ceaseth for ever.—This is obscure. It may mean, either the ransom utterly fails, or the life utterly perishes, and so cannot be ransomed. Or, as in the Prayer Book version, the verb may be taken transitively, “he lets that alone for ever.” The first of these is the simplest, and most agreeable to the context.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
Verse 8. For the redemption of their soul is precious] It is of too high a price to be redeemed with corruptible things, such as silver or gold, and has required the sacrificial death of Christ. And it ceaseth for ever] This is very obscure, and may apply to the ransom which riches could produce. That ransom must be for ever unavailable, because of the value of the soul. Or this clause should be added to the following verse, and read thus: "And though he cease to be, (וחדל vechadal,) during the hidden time, (לעולם leolam;) yet he shall live on through eternity, (ויחי עוד לנצח vichi od lanetsach,) and not see corruption." This is probably the dark saying which it was the design of the author to utter in a parable, and leave it to the ingenuity of posterity to find it out. The verb חדל chadal signifies a cessation of being or action, and עולם olam often signifies hidden time, that which is not defined, and the end of which is not ascertained, though it is frequently used to express endless duration. This translation requires no alteration of the original text, and conveys a precise and consistent meaning.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 49:8
8. Render: For too costly is the redemption of their life, And he must let it alone for ever. The sum to be paid by the man whose life was forfeit was to be assessed, probably in proportion to his culpability and his means: but there is no ransom which can be paid to God; it is hopeless to think of attempting it. Cp. Matthew 5:26. Their refers to brother, regarded generically; or, if the reading But is adopted, to the rich men.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 49:8
For the redemption of their soul is precious - The word “soul” here means “life,” and not the immortal part.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 49:8
6-9. His first argument is grounded on the insufficiency of wealth and worldly power to save life, or to bring back from the grave.
Sermons on Psalms 49:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Christ the Ransom Found. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the theme of Christ as the ransom found, emphasizing the grace of God in providing a means of redemption through Jesus Christ. He reflects on the significance |
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Where Is the Fire? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man who came to his office. The young man had been in Nicaragua and witnessed the power of God there. He tells the speaker |
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"Dow Jones and Revival" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of Christians prioritizing the kingdom of God over worldly concerns, drawing a parallel between the focus on financial markets like the Dow Jo |
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Finished With the World by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker expresses frustration and disappointment with the length and content of previous speakers at a gathering. He questions the prioritization of entertainme |
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Strengthen Me Just Once - Alternate 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a genuine experience with God that requires sacrifice and dedication. He compares the pursuit of spiritual anointin |
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What Does It Mean to Accept Christ - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a lawyer who was led to Jesus Christ. The lawyer credits his salvation not to the preacher's sermon, but to a conversation he had |
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The End Times (Luke 17-26) - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the spiritual state of America and England. He references Matthew 11:20-21, where Jesus rebukes the cities of Khorazin an |