Psalms 49:14

KJV

Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.

KJV (with Strong's)

Like sheep {H6629} they are laid {H8371}{H8804)} in the grave {H7585}; death {H4194} shall feed {H7462}{H8799)} on them; and the upright {H3477} shall have dominion {H7287}{H8799)} over them in the morning {H1242}; and their beauty {H6697}{H8675)}{H6736} shall consume {H1086}{H8763)} in the grave {H7585} from their dwelling {H2073}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Like sheep, they are destined for Sh'ol; death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning; and their forms will waste away in Sh'ol, until they need no dwelling.

Berean Standard Bible

Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode.

American Standard Version

They are appointed as a flock for Sheol; Death shall be their shepherd: And the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; And their beauty shall be for Sheol to consume, That there be no habitation for it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalm 49:14 delivers a profound and somber reflection on the ultimate destiny of those who place their trust in fleeting earthly wealth and status, contrasting their inevitable decay and consumption by death with the future vindication and triumph of the righteous. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the inherent futility of material possessions in the face of mortality and underscores God's sovereign justice in reversing the fortunes of the proud while exalting the humble.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm, part of Book 2 of the Psalter, which frequently addresses themes of suffering, divine justice, and God's faithfulness amidst human transience. The psalm opens with a universal summons, inviting all humanity to attend to its deep wisdom concerning the ephemeral nature of life and riches ([Psalm 49:1-4](/psalms/49-1-4 "Psalm 49:1-4 - A Call to Hear Wisdom")). It then directly confronts those who boast in their abundant wealth and trust in their riches ([Psalm 49:6](/psalms/49-6 "Psalm 49:6 - Trusting in Riches")), asserting that no amount of material possessions can ransom a soul or purchase eternal life ([Psalm 49:7-9](/psalms/49-7-9 "Psalm 49:7-9 - The Inability to Redeem a Soul")). The preceding verses emphasize the universal dominion of death, demonstrating that both the wise and the foolish, the rich and the poor, inevitably succumb to it ([Psalm 49:10-12](/psalms/49-10-12 "Psalm 49:10-12 - Death Comes to All")). Verse 13 sets the stage for our focal verse by lamenting the profound folly of those who, despite witnessing this inescapable reality, persist in their self-deception. Thus, Psalm 49:14 provides a stark and grim depiction of the fate awaiting those who cling to earthly things, contrasting it sharply with the hope reserved for the upright.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, as in many cultures of the ancient Near East, material prosperity and wealth were often perceived as tangible indicators of divine blessing, while poverty could be associated with divine disfavor or a lack of God's favor. This psalm, along with other wisdom literature such as the books of Job and Ecclesiastes, actively challenges this simplistic correlation, advocating for a deeper theological truth about God's justice and the ultimate vanity of earthly pursuits. The imagery of sheep being led to slaughter would have been a deeply familiar and viscerally impactful metaphor in an agrarian society, making the comparison of helpless humanity before death particularly poignant. The "grave" (Hebrew: *Sheol*) in the Old Testament refers to the common destination for all the dead, a shadowy realm of silence and inactivity, distinct from later theological developments of heaven and hell as places of conscious reward or torment. The concept of "morning" (Hebrew: *boker*) can denote simply dawn, but in prophetic and eschatological contexts, it frequently symbolizes a new era, divine intervention, or a time of judgment and vindication, as seen in passages like [Isaiah 21:12](/isaiah/21-12 "Isaiah 21:12 - Morning Comes, and Night") or [Psalm 30:5](/psalms/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Endure for a Night, But Joy Comes in the Morning").

* **Key Themes:**
* **The Futility of Earthly Wealth and Mortality:** A central and powerfully articulated message of Psalm 49, especially in this verse, is the utter inability of riches to secure life, prevent death, or provide lasting significance. Wealth, power, and physical beauty are depicted as temporary and ultimately consumed by the grave, offering no true security or enduring legacy. This theme resonates deeply with the warnings found in [Ecclesiastes 2:18-19](/ecclesiastes/2-18-19 "Ecclesiastes 2:18-19 - Toil for Nothing") and [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Do Not Profit in the Day of Wrath"), which speak to the vanity of human toil and the transience of material gain.
* **Divine Justice and Vindication of the Righteous:** In stark contrast to the grim fate of the wicked, the psalm asserts that the upright will ultimately be vindicated. The "dominion" of the upright "in the morning" suggests a future reversal of fortunes, where God's justice will prevail, and the humble righteous will be exalted over those who once oppressed them. This theme aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant faithfulness and ultimate judgment, as seen in [Daniel 12:2-3](/daniel/12-2-3 "Daniel 12:2-3 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life and Contempt") and [Psalm 37:34](/psalms/37-34 "Psalm 37:34 - Wait on the Lord"), which promise ultimate exaltation for the righteous.
* **The Universality of Death:** The psalm emphasizes that death is the great equalizer, claiming both the wise and the foolish, the rich and the poor alike ([Psalm 49:10](/psalms/49-10 "Psalm 49:10 - Death Comes to All")). This serves as a stark reminder of human frailty and dependence on God rather than on self-made security or earthly achievements.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grave (Hebrew, _shᵉʼôwl'_):** From H7585, *Sheol* refers to Hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates. In this context, *Sheol* emphasizes the finality and universality of death, consuming all earthly distinctions and rendering all human efforts to escape it futile. It is the common destination for all, regardless of wealth or status.
* **Dominion (Hebrew, _râdâh'_):** From H7287, this primitive root means to tread down, subjugate, or rule. It signifies having authority, prevailing against, or reigning. In Psalm 49:14, it implies a dramatic reversal of power, where the formerly oppressed righteous will exercise authority or triumph over those who once seemed powerful and secure in their wealth, pointing to a future vindication or judgment by God.
* **Consume (Hebrew, _bâlâh'_):** From H1086, a primitive root meaning to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend). This word vividly describes the process of physical decay and the utter destruction of earthly glory. It underscores that the "beauty" and vitality of the unrighteous will not merely fade but will be actively worn out and wasted in the grave, leaving no lasting trace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Like sheep they are laid in the grave":** This poignant simile likens the unrighteous, who live without regard for God and trust in their wealth, to sheep being led to slaughter. Just as sheep are helpless before their predetermined fate, so too are these individuals powerless before the inevitability of death. They are "laid" or appointed to the grave (*Sheol*), emphasizing their inescapable end, regardless of their earthly status or attempts to secure their lives with riches.
* **"death shall feed on them":** This powerful personification portrays death not as a passive state but as an active, ravenous shepherd or predator that devours and completely consumes the unrighteous. It highlights the grim reality that their earthly possessions and self-reliance offer no protection from this ultimate devourer, rendering them utterly helpless and consumed.
* **"and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning":** This clause introduces a profound contrast and a pivotal turning point. "The upright" (Hebrew: *yesharim*) refers to those who live righteously before God, placing their trust in Him rather than in wealth. Their "dominion" over the unrighteous signifies a future reversal of fortunes, a divine vindication. "In the morning" (Hebrew: *boker*) symbolizes a new day, a time of clarity, judgment, and ultimately, the triumph of God's justice, perhaps pointing to a resurrection or an eschatological day of reckoning where the righteous are exalted.
* **"and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling":** This final clause reinforces the theme of decay and the futility of earthly glory. "Their beauty" (Hebrew: *tsiyr*, their form/strength, from H6736) refers to their physical vitality, outward splendor, and perhaps even the magnificent homes and possessions they boasted in. The verse declares that this physical form, along with all earthly glory and possessions, will utterly decay and be consumed in the grave, leaving no lasting trace of their earthly "dwelling" or magnificent status.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 49:14 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message with striking imagery and profound impact. The most prominent is **Simile**, comparing the unrighteous to "sheep" being led to the grave, which powerfully evokes their helplessness and the inevitability of their fate before death. This is immediately followed by **Personification**, where "death" is depicted as an active, predatory entity that "shall feed on them," transforming death from an abstract concept into a grotesque, consuming force. This imagery intensifies the sense of dread and finality for those who trust in themselves. The psalm also uses **Contrast** as a core structural element, starkly juxtaposing the grim destiny of the unrighteous ("like sheep... death shall feed on them") with the future vindication and "dominion" of the upright. This contrast is further emphasized by the symbolic use of "morning," representing light and a new era of divine justice, against the darkness and decay of the grave. Finally, **Metonymy** is present in "their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling," where "beauty" stands for their physical form, outward splendor, and all the temporary glories of their earthly existence, which are ultimately lost to the grave.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalm 49:14 is a profound theological statement on eschatological justice and the nature of true security. It challenges the common ancient Near Eastern (and often modern) assumption that material prosperity equates to divine favor or guarantees a blessed future. Instead, it asserts that death is the great equalizer, rendering all earthly distinctions meaningless for those who place their trust in them. The psalm's declaration that "the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning" introduces a crucial element of divine vindication and future hope. This is not merely a social reversal but points to God's ultimate sovereignty over life and death, where the humble and righteous will be exalted, and the proud and self-reliant will face judgment. It underscores the biblical truth that true life and lasting inheritance are found not in temporal possessions but in a right relationship with God, who alone can redeem from the power of the grave.

* [Luke 12:20-21](/luke/12-20-21 "Luke 12:20-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - Resurrection to Everlasting Life")
* [Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Inherit the Earth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalm 49:14 serves as a sobering mirror, inviting us to critically examine the foundations of our security and hope. In a world that often measures success by wealth, status, and outward appearance, this verse forcefully reminds us that all these are fleeting and ultimately consumed by the grave. It challenges us to ask: Where is our ultimate trust placed? Are we building barns for earthly treasures that will perish, or are we investing in eternal realities? The stark contrast between the grim fate of the unrighteous and the vindication of the upright calls us to reorient our priorities. It encourages perseverance in faith, even when the wicked seem to prosper, assuring us that God's justice will prevail and that true glory belongs to those who walk in integrity before Him. This psalm is a call to humility, a warning against the idolatry of wealth, and a powerful affirmation of the enduring hope found in God alone, who promises ultimate triumph to His faithful and redeems them from the power of *Sheol*.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "beauty" or earthly "dwelling" do I tend to trust in or derive my security from, and how does this verse challenge that trust?**
* **How does the "dominion" of the upright "in the morning" encourage me when I see injustice or the prosperity of the wicked in the present?**
* **In what practical ways can I shift my focus from accumulating temporal wealth to investing in eternal values and a deeper relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Does "dominion" imply the righteous will literally rule over the wicked after death?**

Answer: The "dominion" of the upright "in the morning" in [Psalms 49:14](/psalms/49-14 "Psalms 49:14 - The Fate of the Rich and the Upright") is best understood not as a literal, physical rule of the righteous over the wicked in the grave, but as a symbolic expression of ultimate vindication and triumph. "Morning" often symbolizes a new era, divine judgment, or resurrection. It suggests a reversal of fortunes where the righteous, who may have been oppressed or overlooked in this life, will be exalted by God, while those who trusted in their wealth and power will face ultimate decay and insignificance. This concept aligns with New Testament teachings about the meek inheriting the earth ([Matthew 5:5](/matthew/5-5 "Matthew 5:5 - The Meek Inherit the Earth")) and the righteous shining like the sun in the kingdom of their Father ([Matthew 13:43](/matthew/13-43 "Matthew 13:43 - The Righteous Will Shine")).

**What is the significance of "death shall feed on them"?**

Answer: The phrase "death shall feed on them" is a powerful personification that vividly portrays the absolute power and consuming nature of death over those who trust in earthly things. It suggests that death is not merely an end but an active, predatory force that devours and utterly annihilates the earthly existence and glory of the unrighteous. This imagery underscores the futility of their wealth, as it cannot protect them from this ultimate devourer. It stands in stark contrast to the hope offered to the righteous, who are not consumed by death but are ultimately delivered by God, as implied in [Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God Will Redeem My Soul"), which speaks of God redeeming the psalmist's soul from the power of *Sheol*.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalm 49:14, with its stark contrast between the perishing rich and the vindicated upright, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "dominion" of the upright "in the morning" foreshadows Christ's resurrection, which is the "morning" of eternal life and the dawn of a new creation. Jesus, though "rich, yet for your sakes he became poor" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Sake")), perfectly embodied the "upright" who trusted not in earthly riches but in God. His death and resurrection demonstrate God's ultimate power over death, swallowing it up in victory and proclaiming, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory")). Through Christ, believers are given true dominion, not over the dead in the grave, but over sin and death itself ([Romans 6:9-11](/romans/6-9-11 "Romans 6:9-11 - Death Has No Dominion Over Him")). The "beauty" or physical form that consumes in the grave is transformed for those in Christ, who await a glorious resurrection body when He "will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body" ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Thus, the hope of the upright is secured not by their own righteousness, but by the righteousness of Christ imputed to them, granting them an inheritance that is "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven" ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")). In Him, the fleeting nature of earthly life is overcome by the promise of eternal life, and the fear of death is conquered by the resurrection power of 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")).

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

Malachi 4:3

And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do [this], saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Corinthians 6:2

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

Job 30:23

For I know [that] thou wilt bring me [to] death, and [to] the house appointed for all living.

Daniel 7:22

Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Romans 8:36

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

Luke 22:30

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Daniel 7:18

But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.