Psalms 49:1

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

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}:

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

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

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

Psalm 49:1 serves as a powerful introduction to a profound message, issued as a universal summons to all humanity. It sets the stage for a critical discussion about the true value of life, wealth, and eternity.

Context

The opening verse of Psalm 49 includes a superscription: "To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah." The 'Chief Musician' likely refers to the director of music or choirmaster in the ancient Israelite Temple worship. The 'sons of Korah' were a prominent Levitical family, known for their role as temple musicians and gatekeepers. Their compositions, found throughout the Psalms, often convey deep spiritual longing, theological insight, and a focus on God's sovereignty and presence (e.g., Psalm 42:1). This particular Psalm is unique in its direct address to a global audience, preparing them for a wisdom teaching that transcends cultural and national boundaries, dealing with the universal human struggle concerning wealth and mortality.

Key Themes

  • Universal Summons: The most striking aspect of this verse is its broad address: "all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world." This indicates that the subsequent message is not just for Israel, but for every person, regardless of their background or status. It highlights the universal relevance of the truths about to be revealed.
  • Urgency and Importance: The double imperative, "Hear this" and "give ear," emphasizes the critical nature of the message. It's a forceful call to attention, signaling that what follows is a vital truth that demands careful consideration and understanding. This urgency prepares the listener for a challenging but liberating perspective on life's deepest questions.
  • Divine Wisdom for All: By calling everyone to listen, the Psalm asserts that the wisdom it offers is not exclusive but is intended for all who seek spiritual understanding. It prepares the reader for a contrast between fleeting worldly security and enduring divine truth.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Hear this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world" uses two distinct Hebrew verbs for listening, reinforcing the call to attention.

  • The first, `שִׁמְעוּ` (shim'u), means "hear" or "listen." It's a common imperative used to command attention.
  • The second, `הַאֲזִינוּ` (ha'azinu), means "give ear" or "listen intently." This verb suggests a deeper, more attentive form of listening, implying careful consideration and understanding.
  • The phrase "inhabitants of the world" is translated from `יוֹשְׁבֵי חָלֶד` (yoshvei chaled). The word `חָלֶד` (chaled) can refer to the world or an age, often carrying a nuance of transience or the fleeting nature of earthly existence. This subtly hints at the Psalm's later theme concerning the temporary nature of human life and wealth.

Practical Application

Psalm 49:1 serves as a timeless reminder that certain truths are universally applicable and profoundly important. Just as in ancient times, the call to "hear" and "give ear" applies to us today. In a world filled with distractions and competing voices, this verse encourages us to pause and truly listen to divine wisdom, especially concerning matters of wealth, mortality, and eternal hope. It prompts us to consider what truly holds lasting value in our lives and to seek understanding that transcends temporal concerns. This universal summons to pay close attention prepares us to grasp the spiritual lessons that follow, guiding us toward an eternal perspective.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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