Psalms 49:17

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Psalms 49:17 from the King James Version offers a profound reflection on the fleeting nature of worldly wealth and glory in the face of death. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that earthly possessions and status hold no value beyond the grave.

Context of Psalms 49

Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm, often categorized as a didactic psalm, intended to teach. It addresses the universal human dilemma of suffering and prosperity, specifically the puzzling success of the wicked rich compared to the struggles of the righteous poor. The psalm aims to reassure the righteous by highlighting the ultimate vanity and insecurity of wealth and human power. It contrasts the temporary triumph of the proud and wealthy with their inevitable demise, asserting that true security lies not in riches but in God. Verse 17 is a pivotal statement within this argument, concluding the thought on the rich man's inability to take his wealth with him.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Futility of Earthly Riches: The verse directly challenges the human tendency to find security and identity in material wealth. It declares unequivocally that wealth cannot accompany a person beyond death, rendering it ultimately useless for eternal purposes. This theme is powerfully echoed in Ecclesiastes 5:15, which states, "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."
  • The Transience of Earthly Glory: "His glory shall not descend after him" emphasizes that earthly honor, prestige, achievements, and social standing are also left behind at death. Whatever a person's reputation or influence in life, it does not follow them into the afterlife.
  • The Inevitability of Death: The verse operates on the foundational truth that death is the great equalizer. Regardless of wealth or status, all individuals face the same ultimate end, stripped of all earthly advantages. This concept is a stark reminder, similar to the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21, whose vast possessions were meaningless when his soul was required of him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "carry away" (ืœึธืงึทื— - laqach) means to take, grasp, or receive. The phrase "shall carry nothing away" powerfully conveys the idea of being unable to take anything with oneself upon departure. The word for "glory" (ื›ึธึผื‘ื•ึนื“ - kavod) in this context refers to weight, honor, dignity, or wealth. The phrase "shall not descend after him" implies that this earthly weight or prestige has no power or presence in the realm beyond life, emphasizing its complete and utter cessation at death.

Practical Application

Psalms 49:17 offers timeless wisdom for how we live today:

  • Re-evaluate Priorities: This verse urges us to consider what truly holds lasting value. If earthly possessions and status are temporary, our focus should shift towards what is eternal. This aligns with Jesus' teaching to lay up treasures in heaven, where they are secure from decay and theft.
  • Embrace Humility: Earthly achievements and wealth can foster pride, but the reality of death reminds us of our ultimate limitations and dependence on God.
  • Stewardship, Not Ownership: Understanding that we can "carry nothing away" encourages a mindset of stewardship rather than absolute ownership. All that we possess is a temporary loan, to be managed responsibly for God's purposes.
  • Focus on Spiritual Wealth: The contrast implied is that while earthly wealth perishes, spiritual richesโ€”such as a relationship with God, good works, and eternal lifeโ€”are the only things that transcend death. This encourages Christians to set their affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Ultimately, Psalms 49:17 serves as a powerful memento mori, a reminder of death, prompting believers to live with an eternal perspective and to place their trust and hope in God, not in the fleeting allure of the world.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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