Psalms 49:20

KJV

Man [that is] in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts [that] perish.

KJV (with Strong's)

Man {H120} that is in honour {H3366}, and understandeth {H995}{H8799)} not, is like {H4911}{H8738)} the beasts {H929} that perish {H1820}{H8738)}.

Complete Jewish Bible

People, even rich ones, can fail to grasp that, like animals, they will die.

Berean Standard Bible

A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish.

American Standard Version

Man that is in honor, and understandeth not, Is like the beasts that perish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 49:20 serves as a profound summation of the psalm's central argument, asserting that human beings, despite possessing worldly honor, wealth, or social standing, are ultimately no different from perishing animals if they lack true spiritual understanding. This verse underscores the profound futility of earthly achievements and status when divorced from a discerning grasp of life's brevity, the certainty of death, and the eternal realities that transcend temporal existence. It challenges the conventional wisdom that equates material prosperity with ultimate blessing, redirecting focus towards the indispensable value of spiritual insight and God-given wisdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm, part of Book 2 of the Psalter, characterized by its didactic tone and profound meditation on life's ultimate questions. It opens with a universal call for all people to listen to its profound message, as the psalmist prepares to utter "dark sayings" and "parables" ([Psalms 49:1-4](/psalms/49-1-4 "Psalms 49:1-4 - Call to Hear Wisdom")). The psalm then contrasts the apparent security and boastfulness of the wicked rich, who trust in their wealth to ransom themselves or extend their lives ([Psalms 49:5-12](/psalms/49-5-12 "Psalms 49:5-12 - The Folly of Trusting in Riches")), with the ultimate destiny of the righteous who trust in God ([Psalms 49:13-15](/psalms/49-13-15 "Psalms 49:13-15 - The Hope of the Righteous")). The psalmist highlights that even the most honored and wealthy individuals cannot escape death, and their legacy often fades ([Psalms 49:11-12](/psalms/49-11-12 "Psalms 49:11-12 - The Transient Nature of Earthly Legacies")). Verse 20 acts as a powerful concluding refrain, echoing the sentiment of verse 12 ("Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish") and reinforcing the psalm's core argument about the transient nature of worldly glory without spiritual discernment. This repetition emphasizes the critical importance of the message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, material prosperity and high social standing were often interpreted as clear indicators of divine favor and blessing. Kings, nobles, and the wealthy were seen as possessing "honor" (`yᵉqâr`), signifying their perceived elevated status in the eyes of both humans and gods. However, the wisdom tradition within Israel, exemplified by Psalms 49, often challenged this simplistic equation. While acknowledging the reality of wealth and honor, it consistently pointed to a deeper, spiritual understanding of true blessing and human destiny. The psalm speaks into a world where the rich and powerful often oppressed the poor, and it offers a theological corrective, asserting that all humanity, regardless of status, faces the same ultimate fate of death. The comparison to "beasts that perish" would have been particularly jarring, as it stripped away human dignity and uniqueness when spiritual understanding was absent, reducing humanity to a purely physical existence.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Psalm 49 and the broader biblical wisdom tradition. Foremost is the **Futility of Worldly Wealth and Honor**, demonstrating that material possessions and social prestige offer no ultimate security against death or a lasting legacy. This theme is powerfully articulated throughout the psalm, particularly in verses like [Psalms 49:6-7](/psalms/49-6-7 "Psalms 49:6-7 - Riches Cannot Redeem a Soul"). Another crucial theme is the **Universality of Death**, emphasizing that death is the great equalizer, affecting both the rich and the poor, the honored and the lowly. The psalm starkly reminds its audience that "wise men die, likewise the fool and the senseless person perish" ([Psalms 49:10](/psalms/49-10 "Psalms 49:10 - Death Comes to All")). This leads to the central contrast between **Worldly Understanding vs. True Wisdom**. The "understanding" (or lack thereof) highlighted in verse 20 is not mere intellectual knowledge but a profound spiritual discernment of eternal truths, recognizing the brevity of life and the sovereignty of God. Finally, the psalm subtly introduces the theme of **Hope Beyond the Grave** for those who trust in God, contrasting their destiny with the simple perishing of animals, as hinted in [Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God Will Redeem My Soul from the Power of Sheol").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Honour (Hebrew, _yᵉqâr'_):** From H3366, this word denotes "value," specifically "wealth," "costliness," or "dignity." In the context of Psalms 49:20, it refers to a person who possesses high social standing, prestige, or significant material possessions. The psalm does not condemn honor itself but rather highlights the tragic irony of a person holding such esteemed status without the spiritual insight necessary to truly understand life's ultimate realities, rendering their honor ultimately empty and fleeting.
* **Understandeth (Hebrew, _bîyn'_):** From H995, this primitive root signifies "to separate mentally" or "distinguish," leading to the general meaning "to understand." It encompasses a range of cognitive and spiritual capacities, including "discern," "perceive," "be prudent," and "have intelligence." In this verse, the negation "understandeth not" (`lo yavin`) points to a profound failure of spiritual discernment. It is not a lack of intellectual capacity but an inability to grasp ultimate truths about life, death, eternity, and God's sovereignty, resulting in a misplacement of trust in transient things.
* **Perish (Hebrew, _dâmâh'_):** From H1820, this primitive root means "to be dumb or silent," and by extension, "to fail or perish" or "to be destroyed." When applied to "beasts," it emphasizes the finality of their natural, physical end, without any hope or consciousness beyond the grave. The stark comparison implies that a human being, despite their unique creation and potential for eternal relationship with God, reduces their existence to the same transient, purely physical level as an animal if they lack spiritual understanding. Their end, in this spiritual sense, is one of silence and oblivion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Man [that is] in honour":** This clause introduces the subject: an individual who has attained a high degree of social standing, reputation, wealth, or influence in the world. They are recognized and respected by society for their achievements or possessions, enjoying a position of perceived advantage and dignity.
* **"and understandeth not":** This is the critical qualifier that profoundly alters the meaning of the preceding phrase. It is not the presence of honor that is problematic, but the absence of true spiritual discernment. This person fails to grasp the deeper realities of life, death, and eternity, remaining blind to the fleeting nature of their earthly glory and the ultimate significance of their soul and its eternal destiny.
* **"is like the beasts [that] perish":** This is a powerful and humbling simile that delivers the psalm's central warning. Animals live by instinct, without moral or spiritual awareness, and their existence culminates in physical death with no apparent consciousness or hope beyond. The comparison suggests that a human being who lives solely for earthly honor and lacks spiritual understanding effectively reduces their existence to this same level, missing their unique, God-given capacity for eternal relationship and purpose. Their end, in this spiritual sense, is no different from that of a mere animal, marked by oblivion rather than eternal life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Simile**, explicitly stating that "Man... is like the beasts," which is designed to shock and humble, highlighting the tragic irony of human potential squandered. There is a strong use of **Juxtaposition** and **Contrast**, placing "man in honour" (implying human dignity and elevated status) directly against "beasts that perish" (implying instinctual, transient existence). This stark contrast underscores the profound spiritual deficiency of those who prioritize earthly glory over eternal truth. The verse also utilizes **Repetition** (as it echoes [Psalms 49:12](/psalms/49-12 "Psalms 49:12 - Man in Honor Without Understanding")) to emphasize its central warning, driving home the critical importance of spiritual understanding. The language is **Didactic** and **Admonitory**, serving as a direct teaching and warning against a misplaced focus on worldly achievements and a failure to grasp eternal realities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 49:20 resonates deeply with broader biblical theology concerning the nature of true wisdom, the transient nature of earthly life, and the ultimate destiny of humanity. It challenges the human tendency to find ultimate security and identity in temporal achievements, wealth, or social status. The verse asserts that without a spiritual understanding—a discernment of God's sovereignty, the brevity of life, and the reality of eternity—human existence, no matter how outwardly glorious, is ultimately reduced to a mere physical journey ending in oblivion, akin to that of animals. This underscores the crucial biblical emphasis on seeking heavenly treasures over earthly ones and recognizing that true life extends beyond the grave, found only in a relationship with the Creator.

* [Ecclesiastes 3:19](/ecclesiastes/3-19 "Common Fate of Humans and Animals")
* [Luke 12:20-21](/luke/12-20-21 "Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [Matthew 16:26](/matthew/16-26 "What Good Is It to Gain the Whole World?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 49:20 offers a timeless and sobering challenge to our modern sensibilities, which often equate success and worth with material possessions, social influence, or professional accolades. It compels us to critically examine where we place our ultimate value and trust. Are we investing our lives in that which is fleeting and perishable, or in that which has eternal significance? The verse calls us to prioritize spiritual wisdom—a deep understanding of God's truth, our own mortality, and the eternal destiny of our souls—above all else. True honor, then, is not found in what we accumulate or how others perceive us, but in how we align our lives with God's purposes, living with an eternal perspective that transcends the temporary allure of this world. It urges humility in success and discernment in our pursuits, reminding us that without a foundation of spiritual understanding, even the most esteemed human life can miss its ultimate purpose and end in spiritual emptiness. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our true dignity and lasting legacy are rooted not in earthly achievements, but in our relationship with the Creator and our grasp of His eternal truths.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "understanding" truly mean in the context of this verse, and how does it differ from worldly knowledge or success?**
* **How might a pursuit of worldly "honor" without spiritual understanding lead one to live a life that ultimately "perishes" in a deeper sense?**
* **What practical steps can I take to prioritize spiritual discernment and an eternal perspective in my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that having honor or wealth is inherently bad?**

Answer: No, the verse does not condemn honor or wealth in themselves. The crucial qualifier is "and understandeth not." The problem lies not in the possession of honor or riches, but in the *lack of spiritual understanding* that often accompanies it. If a person with honor or wealth fails to grasp the brevity of life, the certainty of death, and the ultimate futility of trusting in perishing things, then their life, despite its outward glitter, is ultimately no different in its spiritual end from that of a mere animal. The issue is misplaced trust and a failure to recognize eternal realities, not the material possessions themselves, which can be used for good when guided by divine wisdom, as seen in figures like Abraham or Job.

**What is the "understanding" that is missing?**

Answer: The "understanding" (Hebrew: `bîyn`) referred to in this verse is far more than mere intellectual knowledge or worldly shrewdness. It is a profound spiritual discernment, an insight into the true nature of reality as revealed by God. It encompasses the wisdom to recognize the transient nature of earthly life and possessions, the universality of death, and the ultimate sovereignty of God. It is the ability to grasp one's true purpose and destiny beyond this physical existence, acknowledging that true security and lasting significance are found in a relationship with God, not in the fleeting accolades or material wealth of this world. This understanding leads to living with an eternal perspective, valuing what truly endures and making choices that reflect God's eternal purposes, as highlighted in passages like [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 49:20 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "understanding" that humanity so desperately lacks, which prevents them from perishing like beasts, is fully embodied and revealed in Him. Christ is described as the very wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom and Righteousness")), in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Those who "understand" by believing in Him and following His teachings gain not merely extended life, but eternal life, contrasting sharply with the "perishing" fate of those who reject Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). Jesus consistently taught against accumulating earthly "honor" or treasures that "moth and rust destroy," instead urging His followers to "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven" ([Matthew 6:19-21](/matthew/6-19-21 "Matthew 6:19-21 - Lay Up Treasures in Heaven")). He demonstrated that true honor comes not from worldly acclaim, but from humility and obedience to God, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross, which secured eternal life for all who believe. In Christ, humanity finds the true understanding that elevates them beyond the transient existence of perishing beasts, offering a hope that triumphs over the grave and leads to everlasting glory, as He is the "resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")).

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 49:12

Nevertheless man [being] in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts [that] perish.

Esther 7:10

So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Job 4:21

Doth not their excellency [which is] in them go away? they die, even without wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 3:18

I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.

Ecclesiastes 3:19

For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all [is] vanity.

Psalms 73:18

Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.

Psalms 73:19

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.