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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 49:16 Do not be amazed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/49-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/19_Psa_049_016.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 49:16 - The Evanescence of Wealth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Do not be amazed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/49-15.htm" title="Psalm 49:15">◄</a> Psalm 49:16 <a href="/psalms/49-17.htm" title="Psalm 49:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/49.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/49.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So don’t be dismayed when the wicked grow rich and their homes become ever more splendid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/49.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/49.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/49.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when one becomes rich, When the glory of his house is increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/49.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a person becomes rich, When the splendor of his house is increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/49.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich, When the glory of his house is increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/49.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich, When the glory of his house is increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/49.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich, When the glory of his house increases;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/49.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Be not afraid when [an ungodly] man becomes rich, When the wealth <i>and</i> glory of his house are increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/49.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a person gets rich, when the wealth of his house increases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/49.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man gets rich, when the wealth of his house increases. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/49.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, When the glory of his house is increased:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/49.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Don't let it bother you when others get rich and live in luxury. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/49.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/49.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when someone becomes rich, when the greatness of his house increases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/49.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Don't be upset when someone becomes rich, when his wealth grows even greater; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/49.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Don't be afraid when someone gets rich, when the glory of his household increases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/49.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/49.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich and his wealth multiplies! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/49.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when a man is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/49.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/49.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Don’t be afraid when a man is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/49.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not fear when one makes wealth, "" When the glory of his house is abundant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/49.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Fear not, when one maketh wealth, When the honour of his house is abundant,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/49.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Thou shalt not fear when a man shall be enriched, and when the honor of his house shall be increased;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/49.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Be not thou afraid, when a man shall be made rich, and when the glory of his house shall be increased. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/49.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 48:17>Do not be afraid, when a man will have been made rich, and when the glory of his house will have been multiplied.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/49.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Do not fear when a man becomes rich, when the wealth of his house grows great. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/49.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Do not be afraid when some become rich, when the wealth of their houses increases.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/49.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Be not afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/49.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Do not fear when a man is made rich and the honor of his house increases.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/49.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Be not thou afraid when one waxeth rich, When the wealth of his house is increased;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/49.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Fear not when a man is enriched, and when the glory of his house is increased.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/49-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=5825" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">The Evanescence of Wealth</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>But God will redeem my life from Sheol, for He will surely take me to Himself. Selah <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: ’al- (Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: tî·rā (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">be amazed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">a man</a> <a href="/hebrew/6238.htm" title="6238: ya·‘ă·šir (V-Hifil-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become rich. A primitive root; properly, to accumulate; chiefly to grow rich.">grows rich,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: kə·ḇō·wḏ (N-msc) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">the splendor</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bê·ṯōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">of his house</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: yir·beh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">increases.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a></span><br />Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. / But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. / For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-17.htm">1 Timothy 6:17-19</a></span><br />Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy. / Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, and to be generous and ready to share, / treasuring up for themselves a firm foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-15.htm">Luke 12:15-21</a></span><br />And He said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourselves against every form of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” / Then He told them a parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced an abundance. / So he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, since I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-4.htm">Proverbs 11:4</a></span><br />Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:10-15</a></span><br />He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. / When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes? / The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-9.htm">James 1:9-11</a></span><br />The brother in humble circumstances should exult in his high position. / But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. / For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/10-23.htm">Mark 10:23-25</a></span><br />Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” / And the disciples were amazed at His words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! / It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-15.htm">1 John 2:15-17</a></span><br />Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. / For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. / The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a></span><br />Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to restrain yourself. / When you glance at wealth, it disappears, for it makes wings for itself and flies like an eagle to the sky.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-19.htm">Luke 16:19-31</a></span><br />Now there was a rich man dressed in purple and fine linen, who lived each day in joyous splendor. / And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/27-16.htm">Job 27:16-17</a></span><br />Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay, / what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Matthew 19:21-24</a></span><br />Jesus told him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.” / When the young man heard this, he went away in sorrow, because he had great wealth. / Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24-25</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, / but the word of the Lord stands forever.” And this is the word that was proclaimed to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18-21</a></span><br />I hated all for which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who comes after me. / And who knows whether that man will be wise or foolish? Yet he will take over all the labor at which I have worked skillfully under the sun. This too is futile. / So my heart began to despair over all the labor that I had done under the sun. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Be not you afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;</p><p class="hdg">Be not</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/49-5.htm">Psalm 49:5</a></b></br> Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, <i>when</i> the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1,7</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Esther 3:1-6</a></b></br> After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that <i>were</i> with him… </p><p class="hdg">glory</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-1.htm">Genesis 31:1</a></b></br> And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that <i>was</i> our father's; and of <i>that</i> which <i>was</i> our father's hath he gotten all this glory.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/5-11.htm">Esther 5:11</a></b></br> And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all <i>the things</i> wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/revelation/21-24.htm">Revelation 21:24,26</a></b></br> And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/37-11.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/psalms/46-2.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/psalms/49-5.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/47-4.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/psalms/6-7.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/psalms/49-12.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/psalms/49-11.htm">House</a> <a href="/psalms/44-12.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/job/12-23.htm">Increases</a> <a href="/psalms/46-9.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/psalms/49-2.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/psalms/45-3.htm">Splendor</a> <a href="/psalms/6-7.htm">Waxeth</a> <a href="/psalms/49-10.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/psalms/56-3.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/psalms/49-17.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/psalms/61-2.htm">Grows</a> <a href="/psalms/49-17.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/psalms/50-9.htm">House</a> <a href="/psalms/69-27.htm">Increased</a> <a href="/psalms/107-41.htm">Increases</a> <a href="/psalms/50-23.htm">Maketh</a> <a href="/psalms/65-9.htm">Rich</a> <a href="/psalms/49-17.htm">Splendor</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-13.htm">Waxeth</a> <a href="/psalms/49-17.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 49</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/49-1.htm">An earnest persuasion to build the faith of resurrection</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Worldly prosperity is not to be admired</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/49.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/49.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Do not be afraid when a man grows rich</b><br>This phrase addresses the common human tendency to envy or fear those who accumulate wealth. In biblical context, wealth is often seen as a temporary and potentially deceptive measure of success (<a href="/proverbs/23-4.htm">Proverbs 23:4-5</a>). The psalmist encourages trust in God rather than in material wealth, echoing Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a> about storing treasures in heaven. Historically, wealth in ancient Israel was often associated with God's blessing, yet the wisdom literature, including Psalms and Proverbs, frequently warns against placing trust in riches (<a href="/proverbs/11-28.htm">Proverbs 11:28</a>). This phrase reassures believers that God's justice and provision are not dependent on earthly wealth.<p><b>when the splendor of his house increases</b><br>The "splendor of his house" refers to the visible signs of prosperity, such as luxurious homes and possessions. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a grand house was a status symbol, reflecting one's social and economic standing. The psalmist reminds the audience that such splendor is fleeting and not a true measure of one's worth or security. This is consistent with the teachings found in Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher notes the vanity of earthly achievements (<a href="/ecclesiastes/2-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:4-11</a>). The phrase also subtly points to the transient nature of life and material possessions, as seen in the parable of the rich fool in <a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a>, where Jesus warns against the folly of hoarding wealth without being "rich toward God."<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_psalmist.htm">The Psalmist</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">Psalm 49</a>, traditionally attributed to the sons of Korah, who were Levites and temple musicians. They provide wisdom literature that addresses the folly of trusting in wealth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rich_man.htm">The Rich Man</a></b><br>Represents individuals who accumulate wealth and earthly splendor, often leading others to envy or fear due to their apparent success.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_audience.htm">The Audience</a></b><br>The psalm is directed towards the faithful, encouraging them not to be swayed by the prosperity of the wicked or the wealthy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god,_not_wealth.htm">Trust in God, Not Wealth</a></b><br>Wealth is temporary and can lead to a false sense of security. Our trust should be in God, who provides eternal security.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Focus on what is eternal rather than temporal. Earthly riches can distract us from our heavenly calling and purpose.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_and_peace.htm">Contentment and Peace</a></b><br>Find contentment in God's provision, knowing that He meets our needs according to His riches in glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoid_envy_and_fear.htm">Avoid Envy and Fear</a></b><br>Do not envy the prosperity of others or fear their influence. God is the ultimate judge and provider.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_and_stewardship.htm">Generosity and Stewardship</a></b><br>Use whatever resources God has given you to bless others and further His kingdom, reflecting His generosity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_49.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 49</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/gain_world,_lose_soul__worth_it.htm">What does it profit to gain the world but lose your soul?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_luke_16_19-31_and_john_5_28-29_align.htm">How does Luke 16:19-31's portrayal of immediate judgment align with passages like John 5:28-29 that suggest a future resurrection?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_god's_will_for_me.htm">What is the meaning of Psalm 49:7?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_you_rise_and_carry_your_bed.htm">What is the meaning of 'Word of God: Hidden in My Heart'?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/49.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16, 17) After expressing his own hopes of escaping from death, or being rescued from corruption, the psalmist recurs to the question of <a href="/psalms/49-5.htm" title="Why should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?">Psalm 49:5</a>, 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.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/49.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 16-20.</span> - The conclusion "repeats and confirms the general lessons of the psalm." Ver. 16 is a categorical answer to the doubt propounded in ver. 5. Vers. 17-19 are an echo of ver. 14, and at the same time a counterpoise to the views put forth in vers. 6, 11. Ver. 20 is a repetition, but with an important modification, of ver. 12. <span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Be not thou afraid when one is made rich</span> (see vers. 5, 6). There is no ground for fear, nor even for perplexity, when the wicked grow rich and prosper. Their wealth will not ransom their souls (vers. 7-9). They cannot take it with them to another world (ver. 17). They will have no advantage from it there. On the contrary, their misery in another world will be such as to far outweigh any enjoyment which they may have had on earth (vers. 14, 19). <span class="cmt_word">When the glory of his house is increased</span> (see ver. 11). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/49-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Do not</span><br /><span class="heb">אַל־</span> <span class="translit">(’al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be amazed</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּ֭ירָא</span> <span class="translit">(tî·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֑ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">grows rich,</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲשִׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·šir)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6238.htm">Strong's 6238: </a> </span><span class="str2">To accumulate, chiefly, to grow, rich</span><br /><br /><span class="word">when</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the splendor</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּב֣וֹד</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḇō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3519.htm">Strong's 3519: </a> </span><span class="str2">Weight, splendor, copiousness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his house</span><br /><span class="heb">בֵּיתֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(bê·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> </span><span class="str2">A house</span><br /><br /><span class="word">increases.</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֝רְבֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(yir·beh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/49-16.htm">Psalm 49:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 49:16 Don't be afraid when a man (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/49-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 49:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 49:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/49-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 49:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 49:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>