Psalms 49:1

KJV

¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah. Hear this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world:

KJV (with Strong's)

To the chief Musician {H5329}{H8764)}, A Psalm {H4210} for the sons {H1121} of Korah {H7141}. Hear {H8085}{H8798)} this, all ye people {H5971}; give ear {H238}{H8685)}, all ye inhabitants {H3427}{H8802)} of the world {H2465}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For the leader. A psalm of the descendants of Korach: Hear this, all you peoples! Listen, everyone living on earth,

Berean Standard Bible

Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world,

American Standard Version

Hear this, all ye peoples; Give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 49:1 functions as a solemn and universal summons, calling all humanity to give earnest attention to a profound message that transcends time, culture, and social standing. This opening verse sets the stage for a wisdom teaching that will confront the transient nature of earthly wealth and the inevitability of mortality, urging listeners to consider where true security and lasting value are found. It is an urgent invitation to ponder eternal realities over fleeting worldly concerns.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 49 opens with a superscription, "To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah," indicating its liturgical purpose and authorship. This Psalm is categorized as a wisdom Psalm, a genre that often explores life's perplexing questions, contrasting the fate of the righteous and the wicked, the rich and the poor. Following this universal summons in verse 1, the Psalm immediately delves into the core issue of the futility of trusting in riches and the shared destiny of all humanity in death, regardless of their earthly status (e.g., [Psalms 49:6-10](/psalms/49-6 "Psalms 49:6-10 - The Folly of Trusting in Wealth")). The broad address prepares the audience for a message that is not exclusive to Israel but speaks to the universal human condition and the search for enduring truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "Chief Musician" refers to the director of music or choirmaster in the ancient Israelite Temple worship, signifying the Psalm's role in communal liturgy. The "sons of Korah" were a prominent Levitical family, renowned for their musical and gatekeeping roles in the Temple. Their compositions, such as [Psalm 42](/psalms/42 "Psalm 42 - As a Deer Pants for Water") and [Psalm 84](/psalms/84 "Psalm 84 - How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place"), often convey deep spiritual longing and theological insight. The Psalm's address to "all ye people" and "all ye inhabitants of the world" expands its scope beyond the typical Israelite audience, reflecting a wisdom tradition that sought universal applicability, much like the teachings found in the book of [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs 1 - The Purpose of Proverbs").
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme introduced in Psalm 49:1 is the **Universal Summons to Wisdom**. The double imperative, "Hear this" and "give ear," underscores the **Urgency and Importance** of the message that follows, signaling that what is about to be revealed is a vital truth demanding careful consideration. This universal call highlights the **Divine Wisdom for All**, asserting that the profound truths concerning wealth, mortality, and eternal security are not exclusive but are intended for every individual who seeks understanding. It sets the stage for the Psalm's central contrast between the fleeting nature of worldly security and the enduring reality of divine truth, a theme echoed throughout wisdom literature, such as in [Ecclesiastes 1:2-3](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2-3 - Vanity of Vanities").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shim'u'_):** This imperative verb (`שִׁמְעוּ`) is a direct command to listen, to pay attention. It is a common call to attention in prophetic and wisdom literature, indicating that what follows is important and requires mental engagement. It demands an initial, general reception of the message.
* **Give ear (Hebrew, _ha'azinu'_):** This second imperative (`הַאֲזִינוּ`) intensifies the command to listen. While `shim'u` is a general "hear," `ha'azinu` implies a deeper, more attentive, and discerning form of listening, suggesting careful consideration, pondering, and understanding. It calls for not just hearing, but internalizing the message.
* **Inhabitants of the world (Hebrew, _yoshvei chaled'_):** The phrase `יוֹשְׁבֵי חָלֶד` refers to those who dwell on the earth. The word `חָלֶד` (chaled) can mean "world," "age," or "life," but often carries a connotation of transience or the fleeting nature of earthly existence. This subtle nuance in the opening verse foreshadows the Psalm's central theme concerning the temporary nature of human life and the futility of trusting in temporary wealth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.":** This superscription serves as an authoritative heading, providing essential information about the Psalm's intended use in Temple worship and its authorship by the Levitical guild of the sons of Korah. It signals that the following content is a sacred, divinely inspired composition, intended for musical performance and spiritual instruction.
* **"Hear this, all [ye] people;":** This is the initial, broad command to listen, directed to "all people" (`כָּל־הָעַמִּים`). It signifies that the message is not restricted to a particular nation or group but is universally applicable. The use of "people" (עַמִּים) here often refers to the nations or gentiles, emphasizing the global scope of the summons.
* **"give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world:":** This second, intensified imperative reinforces the call to attention, broadening the audience further to "all inhabitants of the world" (`כָּל־יוֹשְׁבֵי חָלֶד`). The repetition and expansion underscore the critical importance and universal relevance of the wisdom about to be imparted, setting the stage for a teaching that confronts fundamental human dilemmas concerning life, death, and material possessions.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 49:1 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to establish its tone and universal scope. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous or intensifying parallelism, seen in the pairing of "Hear this, all ye people" with "give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world." This repetition with slight variation not only reinforces the command but also expands its reach, emphasizing the global nature of the message. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Hear," "give ear") conveys a sense of urgency and authority, demanding immediate and focused attention from the audience. Furthermore, the broad address to "all ye people" and "all ye inhabitants of the world" functions as **Hyperbole** or **Universalism**, highlighting that the profound truths contained within the Psalm are not culturally or nationally bound but speak to the shared human experience across all generations and geographies. The **Superscription** itself acts as a literary device, providing crucial contextual information regarding authorship and liturgical function, framing the Psalm as a divinely ordained piece of wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 49:1's universal summons underscores a profound theological truth: God's wisdom and His ultimate message are not exclusive to one nation or people group but are intended for all humanity. This opening declares that the truths concerning life, death, wealth, and eternal security are universally relevant and accessible to anyone willing to listen. It reflects God's sovereign concern for all His creation and His desire for all to understand the path to true blessedness, which transcends the fleeting allure of worldly possessions. This call to "hear" and "give ear" is an invitation to engage with divine revelation, recognizing that ultimate wisdom comes from above and speaks to the deepest human questions.

* [Proverbs 1:5](/proverbs/1-5 "Proverbs 1:5 - Let the Wise Hear and Increase Learning")
* [Isaiah 45:22](/isaiah/45-22 "Isaiah 45:22 - Look to Me and Be Saved, All You Ends of the Earth!")
* [Romans 10:18](/romans/10-18 "Romans 10:18 - Their Voice Has Gone Out to All the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world saturated with competing voices, distractions, and the relentless pursuit of material gain, Psalm 49:1 stands as a timeless and urgent call to attention. The command to "hear this" and "give ear" challenges us to pause and intentionally listen to divine wisdom, especially concerning matters of true value, mortality, and eternal hope. We are constantly bombarded with messages that promise security and fulfillment through wealth, status, or fleeting pleasures. This verse prompts us to discern which voices truly offer lasting truth and to cultivate a posture of deep, reflective listening to God's Word. It encourages us to shift our focus from the temporary to the eternal, recognizing that the wisdom offered here provides a liberating perspective on life's deepest questions, guiding us toward an eternal perspective that redefines success and security.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What voices or pursuits in my life are currently competing for my deepest attention, and how do they align or conflict with divine wisdom?**
* **How can I cultivate a more intentional posture of "giving ear" to God's Word in my daily life, moving beyond mere hearing to true understanding and application?**
* **In what ways might my pursuit of worldly security or possessions be hindering my ability to grasp eternal truths, as highlighted in this Psalm?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Psalm begin with such a universal address?**

Answer: The Psalm begins with a universal address ("all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world") to emphasize that the profound wisdom it contains is not limited to the people of Israel but is relevant to all humanity. The message that follows—concerning the futility of trusting in earthly wealth and the shared reality of mortality—deals with fundamental human concerns that transcend cultural, national, or socioeconomic boundaries. It positions the Psalm as a universal wisdom teaching, inviting everyone to consider where true security and lasting value are found, a theme echoed in other wisdom literature like [Proverbs 8:1-4](/proverbs/8-1 "Proverbs 8:1-4 - Wisdom Calls Aloud").

**What is the significance of the "sons of Korah" in the superscription?**

Answer: The "sons of Korah" were a prominent Levitical family, known for their roles as temple musicians, singers, and gatekeepers in ancient Israel. Their inclusion in the superscription indicates that this Psalm originated from a guild of professional worship leaders and composers, lending it authority and spiritual depth. Their Psalms, such as [Psalm 84](/psalms/84 "Psalm 84 - How Lovely Is Your Dwelling Place") or [Psalm 87](/psalms/87 "Psalm 87 - The Lord Loves the Gates of Zion"), often express deep theological insights, spiritual longing, and a focus on God's presence and sovereignty. Their authorship suggests that Psalm 49 is not merely human philosophy but a divinely inspired wisdom teaching intended for communal worship and instruction.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 49:1's universal summons to "hear this" and "give ear" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of divine wisdom. The Old Testament call for all people to listen to God's truth culminates in the New Testament's proclamation of the Gospel to "every creature" and "all nations." Jesus, as the incarnate Word, is the one to whom all are called to listen, for in Him are "hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Whom Are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom")). His life, death, and resurrection provide the definitive answer to the very questions of mortality and true wealth that Psalm 49 addresses. The universal call to attention in this Psalm foreshadows the Great Commission, where Christ commands His disciples to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations" ([Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission")), extending the invitation to hear and believe to the ends of the earth. The "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")) is the ultimate object of this universal summons, offering eternal life and true riches that far surpass any fleeting earthly possessions.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 78:1

¶ Maschil of Asaph. Give ear, O my people, [to] my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.

Romans 3:29

[Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Romans 10:18

But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

Matthew 11:15

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Revelation 2:17

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth [it].

Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Psalms 33:8

Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.