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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 49:17 For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/49-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/16/19_Psa_049_017.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 49:17 - The Evanescence of Wealth" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/49-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/49-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/49.htm">Chapter 49</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.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/49-16.htm" title="Psalm 49:16">◄</a> Psalm 49:17 <a href="/psalms/49-18.htm" title="Psalm 49:18">►</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 />for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/49.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For when they die, they take nothing with them. Their wealth will not follow them into the grave.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/49.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/49.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/49.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/49.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/49.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For when he dies, he will take nothing <i>with him;</i> His wealth will not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/49.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For when he dies he will carry nothing away; His glory will not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/49.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For when he dies he will carry nothing away; His glory will not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/49.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For when he dies he will not take any of it; His glory will not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/49.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For when he dies he will carry nothing away; His glory will not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/49.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For when he dies, he will take nothing at all; his wealth will not follow him down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/49.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />For when he dies, he will take nothing at all; his wealth will not follow him down. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/49.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/49.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Soon they will die and all their wealth will be left behind. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/49.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; his glory shall not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/49.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He will not take anything with him when he dies. His greatness cannot follow him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/49.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />he cannot take it with him when he dies; his wealth will not go with him to the grave. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/49.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When he dies, he will not be able to take it all with him — his possessions will not follow him to the grave, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/49.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/49.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For he will take nothing with him when he dies; his wealth will not follow him down into the grave. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/49.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For when he dies he shall carry nothing away. His glory shall not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/49.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/49.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />for when he dies he will carry nothing away. His glory won’t descend after him. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/49.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For at his death he receives nothing, "" His glory does not go down after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/49.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For at his death he receiveth nothing, His honour goeth not down after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/49.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For not in his dying shall he take anything: his honor shall not go down after him.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/49.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For when he shall die he shall take nothing away; nor shall his glory descend with him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/49.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 48:18>For when he dies, he will take nothing away, and his glory will not descend with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/49.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />At his death he will not take along anything, his glory will not go down after him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/49.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down after them.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/49.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For when he dies he shall carry nothing away; neither shall his glory descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/49.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because he will not take anything in his death, neither does his glory descend after him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/49.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; His wealth shall not descend after him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/49.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For he shall take nothing when he dies; neither shall his glory descend with him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/49-17.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=5831" 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">16</span>Do not be amazed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/4194.htm" title="4194: ḇə·mō·w·ṯōw (Prep-b:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- Death. From muwth; death; concretely, the dead, their place or state; figuratively, pestilence, ruin.">when he dies,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3947.htm" title="3947: yiq·qaḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To take. A primitive root; to take.">he will carry</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">nothing away;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: hak·kōl (Art:: N-ms) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3519.htm" title="3519: kə·ḇō·w·ḏōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Rarely kabod; from kabad; properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness.">his abundance</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">follow him</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: yê·rêḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To come or go down, descend. ">down.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Though in his lifetime he blesses his soul—and men praise you when you prosper—…<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="/1_timothy/6-7.htm">1 Timothy 6:7</a></span><br />For we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot carry anything out of it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/1-21.htm">Job 1:21</a></span><br />saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-20.htm">Luke 12:20-21</a></span><br />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?’ / This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/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/2-18.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:18-19</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-10.htm">James 1:10-11</a></span><br />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="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/16-22.htm">Luke 16:22-23</a></span><br />One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. / In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus by his side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-24.htm">Proverbs 27:24</a></span><br />for riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to every generation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:2</a></span><br />God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31</a></span><br />and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/16-26.htm">Matthew 16:26</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/27-16.htm">Job 27:16-19</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. / The house he built is like a moth’s cocoon, like a hut set up by a watchman. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For when he dies he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.</p><p class="hdg">he shall</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/1-21.htm">Job 1:21</a></b></br> And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/27-19.htm">Job 27:19</a></b></br> The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he <i>is</i> not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-15.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:15</a></b></br> As he came forth of his mother's womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.</p><p class="hdg">his</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/5-14.htm">Isaiah 5:14</a></b></br> Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/10-3.htm">Isaiah 10:3</a></b></br> And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation <i>which</i> shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/15-43.htm">1 Corinthians 15:43</a></b></br> It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/28-9.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/psalms/49-15.htm">Death</a> <a href="/psalms/49-14.htm">Descend</a> <a href="/job/21-25.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/psalms/41-5.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/psalms/6-9.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Splendor</a> <a href="/psalms/49-16.htm">Wealth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/149-9.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/psalms/51-14.htm">Death</a> <a href="/songs/4-1.htm">Descend</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-23.htm">Dies</a> <a href="/proverbs/5-23.htm">Dieth</a> <a href="/psalms/50-15.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/psalms/49-20.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/proverbs/10-8.htm">Receiveth</a> <a href="/psalms/71-8.htm">Splendor</a> <a href="/psalms/50-12.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>For when he dies</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the inevitability of death, a universal truth acknowledged throughout Scripture. In <a href="/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:2</a>, it is stated that there is "a time to be born and a time to die," highlighting the natural cycle of life. The Bible often reminds believers of the brevity of life, as seen in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which compares life to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This serves as a call to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual rather than material wealth.<p><b>he will carry nothing away</b><br>This part of the verse underscores the futility of earthly possessions in the face of death. <a href="/job/1-21.htm">Job 1:21</a> reflects a similar sentiment: "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart." The cultural context of the ancient Near East, where wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor, contrasts with this biblical teaching that material wealth holds no value in the afterlife. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Matthew 6:19-21</a>, where He advises storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.<p><b>his abundance will not follow him down</b><br>The term "abundance" refers to material wealth and possessions. The phrase "will not follow him down" suggests the descent into Sheol, the Hebrew concept of the grave or the abode of the dead. This reflects the biblical theme that earthly riches cannot secure one's eternal destiny. In <a href="/luke/12-16.htm">Luke 12:16-21</a>, Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool, who stored up earthly wealth but was not "rich toward God." This serves as a warning against placing trust in material wealth rather than in God. The verse calls believers to consider the eternal implications of their lives and to prioritize spiritual riches that endure beyond death.<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 reflects on the futility of trusting in wealth.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wealthy_man.htm">The Wealthy Man</a></b><br>Represents individuals who place their trust and identity in material wealth and possessions, believing these will provide security and status.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/death.htm">Death</a></b><br>The inevitable event that equalizes all people, regardless of their wealth or status, emphasizing the transient nature of earthly possessions.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_transience_of_wealth.htm">The Transience of Wealth</a></b><br>Earthly wealth is temporary and cannot be taken beyond the grave. Believers should focus on eternal values rather than accumulating material possessions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/true_security_in_god.htm">True Security in God</a></b><br>Security should be found in a relationship with God, not in material abundance. Trusting in wealth can lead to a false sense of security.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Christians are encouraged to live with an eternal perspective, investing in spiritual riches that have lasting value beyond this life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/contentment_and_stewardship.htm">Contentment and Stewardship</a></b><br>Believers are called to be content with what they have and to use their resources wisely for God's kingdom, recognizing that they are stewards, not owners.<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/what's_life's_purpose_in_the_bible.htm">What is the purpose of life according to the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_'i_shall_not_die'_deny_mortality.htm">(Psalm 118:17) Does the assertion 'I shall not die, but live' contradict mortality or promise an unrealistic divine protection?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_acts_26_22-23_conflict_with_jewish_views.htm">Why does Paul's teaching in Acts 26:22-23 seem to conflict with traditional Jewish Messianic expectations?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_49_align_with_deut._28.htm">How does Psalm 49's warning against trusting in wealth reconcile with passages like Deuteronomy 28 that equate prosperity with divine blessing?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/49.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away</span>. Nothing in the way of earthly possessions - nothing but the qualities which he has imprinted on his soul, and made part and parcel of himself. The heathen nations, foolishly, were accustomed to bury clothes, and arms, and vessels, and stores of gold with the departed, as though they could take these with them into the other world (see the author's 'Herodotus,' vol. 3. pp. 59-62, end notes 9, 1, 2). The writer of the psalm, and those whom he addressed, were equally aware of the foolishness of such customs. <span class="cmt_word">His glory shall not descend after him.</span> Whatever "glory" his wealth has secured to him in this life shall be left behind. He shall be imprisoned in Sheol, with death to shepherd him (ver. 14), and with no hope of returning to the "light" (ver. 19). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/49-17.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">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֤י</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">when he dies,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְ֭מוֹתוֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·mō·w·ṯōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4194.htm">Strong's 4194: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death, the dead, their place, state, pestilence, ruin</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he will carry</span><br /><span class="heb">יִקַּ֣ח</span> <span class="translit">(yiq·qaḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3947.htm">Strong's 3947: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nothing away;</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his abundance</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּבוֹדֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ḇō·w·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<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">will not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">follow</span><br /><span class="heb">אַחֲרָ֣יו</span> <span class="translit">(’a·ḥă·rāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him down.</span><br /><span class="heb">יֵרֵ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(yê·rêḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/49-17.htm">Psalm 49:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/49-17.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 49:17 For when he dies he shall carry (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/49-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 49:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 49:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/49-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 49:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 49:18" /></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>