Psalms 49:17

KJV

For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For when he dieth {H4194} he shall carry nothing away {H3947}{H8799)}: his glory {H3519} shall not descend {H3381}{H8799)} after {H310} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

For when he dies, he won't take it with him; his wealth will not go down after him.

Berean Standard Bible

For when he dies, he will carry nothing away; his abundance will not follow him down.

American Standard Version

For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 49:17 delivers a profound and sobering declaration on the ultimate futility of earthly wealth, status, and glory when confronted by the inevitability of death. This verse serves as a stark reminder that all material possessions, human achievements, and social standing are inherently temporal and cannot accompany an individual beyond the grave. It thus emphasizes mortality as the universal equalizer, challenging humanity's pervasive tendency to find ultimate security and identity in transient worldly things.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 49 stands as a didactic wisdom psalm, specifically designed to instruct and offer reassurance to the righteous who are often perplexed by the apparent prosperity of the wicked. The psalm's central argument meticulously contrasts the fleeting, insecure nature of worldly riches and human power with the enduring security found solely in God. Preceding this verse, Psalms 49:6-12 vividly describe the rich man's misplaced trust in his wealth, his utter inability to redeem himself or others from the clutches of death, and the ultimate oblivion that awaits his name and legacy. Psalms 49:17 functions as a climactic summary of this argument, unequivocally stating the inability of even the wealthiest to carry anything into the afterlife. This stark pronouncement then powerfully sets the stage for the psalm's concluding affirmation of God's redemptive power for the righteous, as beautifully articulated in [Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God Will Redeem My Soul").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, as in many historical cultures, significant wealth and elevated status were frequently perceived as tangible indicators of divine favor, personal success, or even inherent superiority. This psalm, however, radically subverts such common assumptions, presenting a counter-cultural perspective that directly challenges the prevailing worldview of its time. While some ancient cultures, most notably the Egyptians, practiced elaborate burial rituals involving vast quantities of grave goods intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, the Israelite understanding of Sheol (the realm of the dead) generally depicted it as a shadowy, undifferentiated place where earthly distinctions, possessions, and social hierarchies held no sway whatsoever. The psalm's message would have resonated with particular poignancy in a society where social stratification was pronounced and the relentless accumulation of material wealth was often a primary pursuit, offering a profound critique of such worldly ambitions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes both within Psalm 49 and the broader biblical narrative. It emphatically underscores the **futility of earthly riches**, asserting that wealth offers no advantage against the impartial power of death, a profound truth echoed in the cyclical wisdom of [Ecclesiastes 5:15](/ecclesiastes/5-15 "Ecclesiastes 5:15 - Naked We Came, Naked We Go"). Furthermore, it highlights the **transience of human glory and power**, emphasizing that reputation, influence, achievements, and even the memory of one's name are ultimately left behind at the grave. Most significantly, the verse reinforces the **inevitability and impartiality of death**, serving as the great equalizer that strips all individuals—regardless of their earthly advantages—of their temporal distinctions. This universal truth is vividly illustrated in Jesus' poignant parable of the [rich fool in Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16-21 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool"), where vast material wealth proves utterly useless in the face of sudden mortality.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **dieth (Hebrew, _mâveth'_):** From the root `mûth` (to die), this noun (H4194) refers to death itself, whether natural or violent, and can also concretely refer to the dead or their state/place (Sheol/Hades). Figuratively, it denotes pestilence or ruin. In Psalms 49:17, it establishes the inescapable reality of mortality, serving as the universal boundary beyond which earthly possessions and glory hold no sway. It underscores the finality and impartiality of the end of life.
* **carry away (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** This primitive root (H3947) means "to take" in its widest variety of applications, encompassing actions like accepting, bringing, buying, fetching, receiving, seizing, or winning. When used in the negative context of this verse ("shall carry nothing away"), it powerfully conveys the absolute inability of a person, regardless of their earthly power or possessions, to transport any material goods, or indeed anything from their earthly life, beyond the threshold of death. It emphasizes a complete and utter divestment at the moment of demise, highlighting the ultimate impermanence of all worldly acquisitions.
* **glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** Derived from `kâbad` (to be heavy, honored), this noun (H3519) properly signifies "weight," but is used figuratively in a good sense to mean "splendor," "copiousness," "honor," or "dignity." In this context, _kâbôwd_ refers not only to material riches and abundance but also, and perhaps more significantly, to the social standing, prestige, influence, reputation, and the accumulated accolades that a person might possess during their lifetime. It signifies the sum total of one's earthly significance and perceived importance, which the verse declares will not accompany them into the afterlife.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For when he dieth":** This opening clause establishes the foundational, undeniable, and universal truth of human mortality. It serves as a premise that applies to all individuals, irrespective of their social standing, wealth, or power. Death is presented as the ultimate, inescapable reality that levels all human distinctions, setting the stage for the subsequent declarations of futility.
* **"he shall carry nothing away":** This segment directly addresses the futility of material accumulation and attachment. It declares unequivocally that no amount of wealth, property, or possessions—no matter how vast or cherished—can be transported beyond the grave. The individual departs life as they entered it: empty-handed, rendering all earthly acquisitions ultimately meaningless for eternal purposes or for securing a lasting legacy beyond the temporal realm.
* **"his glory shall not descend after him":** This concluding phrase expands the scope beyond mere material possessions to encompass all forms of earthly "glory"—honor, reputation, prestige, influence, achievements, and the very memory of one's earthly significance. It asserts that these non-material aspects of a person's life also vanish at death, having no currency or relevance in Sheol, the realm of the dead. The individual's earthly "weight" or importance does not follow them, reinforcing the idea that all human-derived value is strictly temporal and fleeting.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 49:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound and sobering message. **Parallelism** is prominently featured in the two main clauses: "he shall carry nothing away" and "his glory shall not descend after him." This is a form of synonymous or complementary parallelism, where the second clause reinforces and expands upon the first, emphasizing both the material and immaterial aspects of what is left behind at death. The use of **mundane imagery** such as "carry" and "descend" makes the abstract concept of death's finality tangible and relatable, grounding the theological truth in everyday experience. The verse's concise and direct nature contributes to the overall **didactic tone** of Psalm 49, functioning as an unequivocal statement of truth intended to instruct and admonish the listener. Finally, there is a powerful implicit **contrast** drawn between the perceived value and security of earthly wealth and glory during life and their utter worthlessness and powerlessness in the face of eternity and the grave.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 49:17 serves as a powerful theological anchor, grounding human existence in the inescapable reality of mortality and the transient nature of all earthly endeavors. It fundamentally challenges the human tendency to find ultimate security, identity, or purpose in material possessions, social status, or personal achievements. The verse implicitly points to a greater, non-material reality, urging a radical reorientation of priorities towards that which transcends death. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death, reminding humanity that true value and lasting inheritance are not found in what can be accumulated or displayed in this world, but rather in a relationship with the divine and the eternal hope He offers. This truth is foundational to understanding biblical wisdom, which consistently contrasts worldly folly and its fleeting rewards with divine insight and its enduring blessings.

* [Ecclesiastes 5:15](/ecclesiastes/5-15 "Ecclesiastes 5:15 - Naked We Came, Naked We Go")
* [Luke 12:20](/luke/12-20 "Luke 12:20 - The Rich Fool's Reckoning")
* [1 Timothy 6:7](/1_timothy/6-7 "1 Timothy 6:7 - For We Brought Nothing Into This World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 49:17 offers timeless wisdom that profoundly impacts how we might live today. This stark declaration on the futility of earthly possessions and glory in the face of death compels us to critically re-evaluate our priorities and where we place our ultimate hope and security. If wealth, status, and achievements do not accompany us beyond the grave, then our focus should decisively shift from accumulation to eternal investment. It encourages a mindset of stewardship rather than ownership, recognizing that all we possess—our time, talents, and resources—are a temporary loan from God, to be managed responsibly for His purposes and for the advancement of His kingdom. Embracing this truth fosters genuine humility, countering the pride and self-sufficiency that often accompany earthly success, and reminds us of our ultimate dependence on God for everything, including our very breath and future. Ultimately, this verse calls believers to live with an eternal perspective, investing in spiritual riches—such as a vibrant relationship with God, acts of sacrificial love and justice, and the diligent pursuit of righteousness—which alone transcend the boundary of death and yield enduring dividends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What earthly "glory" or possessions do I tend to place my ultimate trust in, and how does this verse challenge that trust?**
* **How does the inevitability of death, as highlighted in this verse, reframe my daily priorities and long-term goals?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a mindset of stewardship rather than ownership regarding my time, talents, and resources, aligning them with eternal values?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse suggest that all earthly achievements are meaningless?**

Answer: Not necessarily that they are inherently meaningless, but rather that their meaning and value are strictly temporal and cannot provide eternal security or accompany one beyond death. The verse emphasizes the *transience* of earthly things and their inability to offer ultimate salvation or lasting significance in the face of eternity. It does not negate the value of good works, responsible living, or positive contributions to society during one's lifetime, but rather reorients our ultimate hope and trust away from these things and towards God. The point is to discern where our *ultimate* security, identity, and lasting legacy truly lie, which this verse asserts is not in the material or temporal.

**How does this psalm reconcile the prosperity of the wicked with divine justice?**

Answer: Psalm 49, including verse 17, addresses the perplexing issue of the wicked's apparent prosperity by highlighting their ultimate and inevitable end. While they may flourish temporarily and accumulate great wealth and glory, the psalm asserts that their prosperity is fleeting and offers no protection against death. Their wealth cannot save them or extend their lives, and their "glory" does not follow them into the grave, rendering their temporal advantages ultimately hollow. In stark contrast, the psalm subtly but powerfully hints at the enduring hope for the righteous, as seen in [Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God Will Redeem My Soul"), suggesting that God will redeem the righteous from the power of Sheol, implying a different, eternal destiny that transcends earthly limitations and offers true, lasting security and honor in God's presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 49:17, with its stark declaration of the futility of earthly wealth and glory in the face of death, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound resolution in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This verse powerfully underscores humanity's inherent inability to secure eternal life or lasting significance through material means or personal achievement, thus pointing to the desperate need for a divine solution. Jesus himself, though "being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but [made Himself of no reputation](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself"), taking the form of a bondservant," demonstrating a radical and divine detachment from earthly glory and worldly ambition. He consistently taught His disciples to "lay up for yourselves [treasures in heaven](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Treasures in Heaven"), where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal," directly contrasting the perishable nature of earthly wealth with the enduring value of spiritual investment in God's kingdom. Through His sacrificial death on the cross and His glorious resurrection, Christ decisively conquered the very power of death that renders all earthly possessions useless, offering the free gift of eternal life that no amount of human "glory" or riches could ever purchase ([Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Gift of God is Eternal Life")). For the believer, true "glory" is no longer found in fleeting human accolades or material accumulation but in being "hidden with Christ in God," with the triumphant promise that "when Christ who is our life appears, then [you also will appear with Him in glory](/colossians/3-4 "Colossians 3:4 - Christ Our Life, Our Glory")"—a glory that truly descends *with* us, not after us, into eternity.

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

1 Timothy 6:7

For we brought nothing into [this] world, [and it is] certain we can carry nothing out.

Job 27:19

The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered: he openeth his eyes, and he [is] not.

Luke 16:24

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

1 Corinthians 15:43

It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:

Ecclesiastes 5:15

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.

Psalms 17:14

From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.

Isaiah 5:14

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.