Psalms 49:2

KJV

Both low and high, rich and poor, together.

KJV (with Strong's)

Both low {H1121}{H120} and high {H1121}{H376}, rich {H6223} and poor {H34}, together {H3162}.

Complete Jewish Bible

regardless of whether low or high, regardless of whether rich or poor!

Berean Standard Bible

both low and high, rich and poor alike.

American Standard Version

Both low and high, Rich and poor together.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 49:2 serves as a foundational declaration within a wisdom psalm, establishing the universal scope of the profound truth the psalmist is about to unveil. This verse asserts that the message concerning the fleeting nature of worldly prosperity and the ultimate equality of all humanity in the face of death is not exclusive to any social or economic stratum but is intended for every person, from the most humble to the most exalted, from the impoverished to the affluent, without exception. It sets the stage for a deep exploration of true security and lasting hope, contrasting them sharply with the deceptive allure of earthly wealth and status.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 49 is a didactic wisdom psalm, explicitly designed to impart crucial theological truth. It commences with an urgent, universal call to attention in [Psalms 49:1](/psalms/49-1 "Psalm 49:1 - Call to All Peoples"), inviting "all you peoples" and "all inhabitants of the world" to lend an ear. Verse 2 immediately clarifies and amplifies this invitation, specifying the breadth of the audience: "Both low and high, rich and poor, together." This emphatic inclusion of every societal group underscores the psalm's central argument: the vanity of trusting in material wealth and the inescapable reality of death, which levels all human distinctions. The psalm's structure moves from this universal summons to a contemplation of the foolishness of those who trust in their riches, contrasting their ultimate fate with the enduring hope of the righteous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient Israelite society, like many in the ancient Near East, was stratified, with clear distinctions between social classes (e.g., nobility, commoners) and economic statuses (rich, poor). Wealth often correlated with power, influence, and perceived divine favor, while poverty could be seen as a sign of misfortune or even divine displeasure. This context made the prosperity of the wicked a particularly perplexing theological problem, as it challenged conventional understandings of divine justice. The psalm addresses this very real human struggle, common across cultures and eras, by asserting a truth that transcends these societal constructs. It speaks into a world where earthly status held immense sway, challenging its ultimate significance in light of eternity.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Universal Audience and Message:** The explicit mention of "low and high, rich and poor" powerfully establishes that the wisdom contained within Psalm 49 is not for an elite few but for all humanity. It underscores the shared human condition and the universal applicability of God's truth, echoing later biblical declarations that [all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - Universality of Sin"). The message of mortality and the fleeting nature of wealth is a truth that confronts every individual, regardless of their earthly standing.
* **Equality in Mortality:** Despite the stark societal and economic divisions implied by the verse, the psalm's overarching message is that these distinctions vanish in the face of death. All people, regardless of their earthly achievements, possessions, or status, share a common fate in mortality. This theme is profoundly developed later in the psalm, particularly in [Psalms 49:10](/psalms/49-10 "Psalm 49:10 - Wise and Foolish Die Alike"), which states that "the wise die, likewise the fool and the brutish perish, and leave their wealth to others."
* **Vanity of Earthly Wealth:** By immediately introducing "rich and poor," the verse primes the reader for the psalm's central theological argument: material wealth offers no ultimate security, salvation, or lasting significance. It cannot purchase life, rescue from the grave, or provide genuine escape from judgment. This theme is a cornerstone of wisdom literature, frequently explored in books like [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes 1 - The Vanity of Life"), which repeatedly laments the futility of earthly pursuits.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Low (Hebrew, _beney adam'_):** Literally "sons of Adam" or "sons of man," this phrase refers to common humanity, ordinary people, signifying those of humble or undistinguished origin. It emphasizes the universal, shared human condition, highlighting the fragility and mortality inherent in all human beings, regardless of social standing.
* **High (Hebrew, _beney ish'_):** Literally "sons of man" (though distinct from _beney adam_ in nuance), this term often denotes individuals of distinction, nobility, or power. It refers to those in positions of influence, wealth, or high social status. The pairing with _beney adam_ creates a comprehensive spectrum, encompassing all social strata from the lowest to the highest.
* **Together (Hebrew, _yahad'_):** This adverb emphasizes unity, simultaneity, and shared experience. In this context, it powerfully underscores that the message of the psalm is for everyone collectively, and more importantly, that all these diverse groups share a common destiny—mortality—and a common inability to escape it through earthly means. It highlights the leveling effect of death and the universal need for divine wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Both low and high":** This initial pairing establishes the social breadth of the psalmist's intended audience. "Low" (Hebrew: _beney adam_) refers to the common person, the ordinary individual, while "high" (Hebrew: _beney ish_) denotes those of noble birth, power, or distinction. Together, they represent the entire spectrum of human society, from the most humble peasant to the most powerful king, indicating that the psalm's message transcends social hierarchy.
* **"rich and poor":** This second pairing focuses on the economic dimension of humanity. "Rich" (Hebrew: _ashir_) denotes those possessing significant material wealth, while "poor" (Hebrew: _evyon_) refers to the needy, the destitute, or the economically disadvantaged. This clause further expands the universal address, ensuring that no one, regardless of their financial standing, is excluded from hearing and internalizing the psalm's vital truth.
* **"together":** This concluding word serves as a powerful unifying element. It emphasizes that despite the vast social and economic differences between "low and high, rich and poor," they are all united in their shared humanity, their common vulnerability to death, and their collective need for the wisdom that the psalmist is about to impart. It prefigures the psalm's ultimate conclusion that death is the great equalizer, rendering all earthly distinctions meaningless in its presence.

#### Literary Devices
The verse "Both low and high, rich and poor, together" masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its universal scope. **Merism** is prominently featured, where two contrasting parts ("low and high," "rich and poor") are used to represent the whole. This technique effectively encompasses every individual within the human experience, from one extreme to the other, leaving no one outside the addressed audience. Furthermore, **Antithesis** is evident in the pairing of "low" with "high" and "rich" with "poor," creating a stark contrast that highlights the diversity of humanity while simultaneously setting the stage for the psalm's central argument about the ultimate equality that transcends these earthly distinctions. The repetition of these contrasting pairs also lends a sense of **Parallelism**, reinforcing the comprehensive nature of the psalmist's call and the universal applicability of the wisdom to follow.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 49:2 lays the groundwork for a profound theological truth: all humanity stands on equal footing before God, particularly in the face of mortality. This verse dismantles any illusion that earthly status or wealth can provide an escape from the ultimate realities of life and death. It underscores the biblical principle that God's truth and judgment are universal, applicable to every soul regardless of their societal standing or material possessions. The psalm's message challenges human pride and self-reliance, redirecting focus from fleeting earthly achievements to eternal realities. It reminds us that true security and lasting hope are found not in what we accumulate but in our relationship with the divine, a message that resonates throughout Scripture.

* [Ecclesiastes 3:19-20](/ecclesiastes/3-19-20 "Ecclesiastes 3:19-20 - All Go to One Place"): "For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return."
* [Proverbs 22:2](/proverbs/22-2 "Proverbs 22:2 - Rich and Poor Meet Together"): "The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all."
* [James 2:1-7](/james/2-1-7 "James 2:1-7 - Warning Against Favoritism"): "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 49:2 serves as a powerful and humbling reminder that the profound truths of God's Word are not exclusive to any particular demographic but are universally applicable and urgently necessary for every human being. In a world often obsessed with distinctions of wealth, status, and social influence, this verse calls us to dismantle the artificial barriers we erect between people and to recognize the shared humanity and common destiny that binds us all. It challenges us to examine our own values: do we prioritize fleeting earthly achievements and possessions, or are we earnestly seeking the eternal wisdom and security that transcend the grave? For the believer, it fosters a deep sense of humility, reminding us that our standing before God is not based on our earthly accomplishments but on His grace. It also compels us to share the liberating truths of the gospel with everyone, recognizing that the message of salvation is equally vital for the CEO and the homeless, for the celebrity and the marginalized.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal scope of this verse challenge my own biases or assumptions about who needs to hear God's truth?**
* **In what ways do I, consciously or unconsciously, allow earthly distinctions (wealth, status, education, background) to influence my view of others or myself?**
* **What practical steps can I take to live more in light of the ultimate equality and mortality of all humanity, as highlighted in this verse, both in my personal interactions and in my witness for Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why does the psalmist emphasize such a broad audience ("low and high, rich and poor")?**

Answer: The psalmist emphasizes such a broad audience to underscore the universal relevance and urgency of the message contained in Psalm 49. By explicitly naming "low and high, rich and poor," he ensures that no one can claim the message is not for them. This comprehensive address highlights that the core human struggles—the pursuit of security, the reality of death, and the question of ultimate value—are common to all, regardless of social standing or economic status. It sets the stage for the psalm's central argument that earthly distinctions are ultimately meaningless in the face of eternity and that true wisdom and salvation are universally needed. The call in [Psalms 49:1](/psalms/49-1 "Psalm 49:1 - Call to All Peoples") to "all you peoples" is immediately clarified by verse 2 to leave no doubt about the psalm's intended reach.

**How does this verse relate to the rest of Psalm 49?**

Answer: Psalms 49:2 functions as a foundational statement that frames the entire psalm. It establishes the universal audience for the profound wisdom that follows, which directly addresses the perplexing problem of the prosperity of the wicked. The psalm goes on to contrast the fleeting nature of wealth and the certainty of death for all, including the rich and powerful, with the enduring hope and deliverance found in God for the righteous. Verse 2 sets up this comparison by declaring that the truths about mortality and the vanity of earthly trust apply equally to "low and high, rich and poor." It prepares the reader for the psalm's core message that no amount of wealth can redeem a soul or avert death, as explicitly stated in [Psalms 49:7-9](/psalms/49-7-9 "Psalm 49:7-9 - No One Can Redeem a Brother"), and that ultimately, "man in his pomp will not remain; he is like the beasts that perish" ([Psalms 49:12](/psalms/49-12 "Psalm 49:12 - Man is Like Beasts")).

**Does this verse imply that wealth is inherently bad?**

Answer: No, Psalms 49:2 does not imply that wealth is inherently bad. Rather, it sets the stage for the psalm's argument that wealth, in itself, offers no ultimate security, salvation, or escape from death. The psalm critiques the *trust* placed in wealth, the *pride* associated with it, and the *illusion* that it can buy eternal life or deliver one from judgment. The issue is not the possession of riches but the heart's posture towards them. The psalm's message is a warning against finding ultimate hope or identity in material possessions, which are fleeting, rather than in God, who is eternal. This aligns with other biblical teachings that warn against the dangers of loving money ([1 Timothy 6:10](/1_timothy/6-10 "1 Timothy 6:10 - Love of Money")) and the difficulty for the rich to enter the kingdom of God if they trust in their riches ([Matthew 19:23-24](/matthew/19-23-24 "Matthew 19:23-24 - Rich Man and the Kingdom")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 49:2, in its declaration of a universal audience for profound truth, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the divine wisdom personified, whose message and sacrifice transcend all human distinctions of "low and high, rich and poor." The Gospel of Jesus Christ is uniquely and profoundly universal, offered to "whoever believes in him" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Jesus himself embodied the leveling effect of God's truth, coming not only for the righteous but for "sinners" ([Mark 2:17](/mark/2-17 "Mark 2:17 - Jesus Came for Sinners")), ministering to the marginalized and challenging the self-sufficiency of the wealthy and powerful. His incarnation meant humbling himself, taking on the form of a servant, and becoming poor so that through His poverty, we might become rich ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility") and [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). In Christ, the distinctions that divide humanity—whether social, economic, or ethnic—are ultimately dissolved, for in Him "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - One in Christ Jesus")). He is the true and lasting "ransom" that no human wealth could ever provide, offering eternal life and deliverance from the grave to all who believe, regardless of their earthly standing ([1 Timothy 2:5-6](/1_timothy/2-5-6 "1 Timothy 2:5-6 - One Mediator")).

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 62:9

Surely men of low degree [are] vanity, [and] men of high degree [are] a lie: to be laid in the balance, they [are] altogether [lighter] than vanity.

Proverbs 22:2

¶ The rich and poor meet together: the LORD [is] the maker of them all.

1 Samuel 2:7

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

James 2:1

¶ My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, [the Lord] of glory, with respect of persons.

James 2:7

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

Jeremiah 5:4

Therefore I said, Surely these [are] poor; they are foolish: for they know not the way of the LORD, [nor] the judgment of their God.