Psalms 49:4

KJV

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will incline {H5186}{H8686)} mine ear {H241} to a parable {H4912}: I will open {H6605}{H8799)} my dark saying {H2420} upon the harp {H3658}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will listen with care to [God's] parable, I will set my enigma to the music of the lyre.

Berean Standard Bible

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp:

American Standard Version

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 49:4 serves as the psalmist's solemn prologue, establishing a posture of humble receptivity to profound wisdom before embarking on its revelation. The speaker declares an intention to diligently listen to a "parable" or weighty saying, then to articulate a "dark saying" or enigmatic truth, employing the artistic and memorable medium of the harp. This verse sets the stage for the psalm's central message concerning the ultimate futility of earthly wealth and the enduring hope found in God, inviting the audience to engage deeply with a challenging spiritual reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 49 belongs to the collection of wisdom psalms, often attributed to the Sons of Korah (Psalms 42-49). It stands as a didactic poem, contrasting the fleeting prosperity and ultimate destiny of the wicked with the enduring hope and salvation of the righteous. Verse 4 acts as a crucial introductory statement, signaling to the reader that what follows is not merely a simple observation but a profound, divinely inspired truth that demands careful attention. It prepares the audience for the weighty discourse on mortality, wealth, and redemption that unfolds in the subsequent verses, particularly the stark reality presented in [Psalms 49:6-12](/psalms/49-6 "Psalms 49:6-12 - The Futility of Trusting in Riches") regarding the inability of riches to secure life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The psalm emerges from the rich tradition of Israelite wisdom literature, which includes books like Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. This tradition often employed literary forms such as proverbs (mashal) and riddles (chidah) to convey deep theological or philosophical truths, requiring listeners to ponder and discern meaning beyond the surface. The "harp" (kinnor) was a common and revered musical instrument in ancient Israel, frequently used in worship, prophetic utterances, and poetic recitation. Its mention here indicates that the "dark saying" would be delivered in a public, artistic, and perhaps solemn musical or poetic performance, a customary and impactful method of conveying significant messages in the ancient Near East, echoing the musical expressions found throughout [the Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms - Songs and Prayers").
* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several key themes central to Psalm 49 and broader biblical wisdom. Firstly, **Receptivity to Wisdom** is paramount, as the psalmist models a humble and attentive posture, indicating that profound truths are received before they are proclaimed. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Revelation and Enigmatic Truth** is highlighted by the "dark saying," suggesting that the wisdom to be unveiled is not easily grasped but requires contemplation, often challenging conventional human understanding of success and security. Thirdly, the **Power of Artistic Communication** is emphasized by the harp, underscoring that spiritual truths can be powerfully and memorably conveyed through music and poetry, making them accessible and impactful to the human heart, much like the call to sing [psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs](/ephesians/5-19 "Ephesians 5:19 - Singing to the Lord") in the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **incline mine ear (Hebrew, _natah ozen'_):** This phrase literally means "to stretch out the ear" or "to bend the ear." It denotes a deliberate, attentive, and humble posture of listening. It signifies a readiness to receive instruction, wisdom, or a message, suggesting that the psalmist is not speaking from his own mere human insight but is first a diligent listener, perhaps to divine inspiration or to the deep observations of life's mysteries.
* **parable (Hebrew, _mashal'_):** This is a broad and significant term in Hebrew wisdom literature. While it can refer to a simple proverb, it also encompasses allegories, weighty sayings, didactic poems, or profound utterances that convey deep truth through illustration or comparison. In this context, it implies a profound, insightful, and often challenging truth that requires more than a superficial hearing; it demands contemplation and discernment.
* **dark saying (Hebrew, _chidah'_):** This word translates to "riddle," "enigma," or "perplexing question." It refers to something obscure, mysterious, or difficult to understand at first glance, requiring intellectual effort and spiritual insight to unlock its hidden meaning. The psalmist is preparing to reveal a truth that, while profound, may initially seem perplexing or counter-intuitive, particularly concerning the ultimate value of wealth in the face of mortality.
* **harp (Hebrew, _kinnor'_):** A stringed instrument, specifically a lyre, commonly used in ancient Israel for sacred music, worship, and poetic recitation. Its mention here indicates that the "dark saying" will be delivered in a public, artistic, and memorable form. It suggests that the profound truth is not a dry academic treatise but a message intended to be heard, felt, and remembered, conveyed with the beauty and solemnity of music.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will incline mine ear to a parable":** This opening clause establishes the psalmist's receptive stance. It highlights a deliberate act of humility and attentiveness, indicating that the wisdom about to be shared is not self-generated but received. The "parable" refers to the weighty, insightful truth that the psalmist has absorbed and is now prepared to transmit, emphasizing the importance of listening as a prerequisite for true understanding and effective communication.
* **"I will open my dark saying upon the harp":** This second clause declares the psalmist's intention to communicate the profound truth. "Open" implies revealing something previously concealed or obscure, making it accessible. The "dark saying" is the enigmatic, challenging truth about human mortality, the futility of trusting in wealth, and the ultimate hope in God, which the psalm will unfold. The "harp" signifies the medium of delivery: a public, artistic, and perhaps solemn musical or poetic presentation, designed to enhance the message's impact, memorability, and emotional resonance.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 49:4 masterfully employs several **literary devices** to set the tone for the psalm's profound message. The phrase "I will incline mine ear" is a powerful **metaphor** for humble and attentive listening, transforming a physical act into a spiritual posture of receptivity to wisdom. The verse also exhibits clear **synonymous parallelism**, a hallmark of Hebrew poetry, where the second line reinforces the first with similar meaning expressed in different words. "I will incline mine ear to a parable" is paralleled by "I will open my dark saying upon the harp," both conveying the dual acts of receiving and then communicating profound wisdom. The "harp" serves as **symbolism**, representing the artistic and musical medium through which this weighty truth will be delivered, highlighting that spiritual insights are often conveyed through aesthetically rich and memorable forms. Furthermore, the use of "dark saying" (chidah) creates an element of **enigma** or **riddle**, inviting the listener to engage deeply with the forthcoming message, signaling that the truth is not superficial but requires contemplation to unlock its full meaning.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 49:4 profoundly connects to the broader biblical emphasis on the nature of wisdom, the necessity of divine revelation, and the posture required to receive and transmit truth. The psalmist's act of "inclining the ear" before "opening a dark saying" mirrors the biblical principle that true wisdom begins with listening—either to God's direct Word or to the profound insights derived from meditating on His creation and providential dealings. This verse underscores that the most significant truths, particularly those concerning life, death, and eternity, are often presented in ways that challenge superficial understanding, requiring humility, patience, and deep contemplation. It positions the psalmist not as a mere philosopher, but as a conduit for a wisdom that transcends human reason, a wisdom that will expose the vanity of earthly pursuits in favor of eternal realities.

* [Proverbs 2:2](/proverbs/2-2 "Proverbs 2:2 - Incline your ear to wisdom")
* [Matthew 13:34-35](/matthew/13-34 "Matthew 13:34-35 - Jesus teaches in parables")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God speaks through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 49:4 offers timeless guidance for navigating a world often distracted by superficiality and material pursuits. The psalmist's initial posture of "inclining the ear" serves as a powerful model for us today. In an age of constant noise and information overload, cultivating a deep, humble, and receptive heart to God's wisdom is paramount. This means intentionally setting aside time for Scripture, prayer, and quiet contemplation, allowing God's "parables" and "dark sayings"—His profound truths that often challenge our worldly assumptions—to penetrate our minds and transform our hearts. We are called to wrestle with the deeper mysteries of faith, recognizing that not all truth is immediately obvious but requires spiritual discernment. Furthermore, just as the psalmist prepares to "open" his dark saying "upon the harp," we are reminded of our responsibility to share the profound spiritual insights we gain. Each believer is uniquely gifted to communicate God's truth, whether through words, art, music, or the very testimony of our lives. This verse encourages us to be diligent students of divine wisdom and faithful, creative communicators of its eternal impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I actively "incline my ear" to God's wisdom, and how can I cultivate a deeper posture of humility and receptivity in my daily life?**
* **What "dark sayings" or challenging truths in Scripture do I find myself needing to meditate on more deeply, and how can I approach them with greater openness?**
* **How can I use my unique gifts, talents, and platforms to "open" God's truth to others in a compelling, impactful, and memorable way?**

### FAQ
**What is a "dark saying" in the biblical context?**

Answer: A "dark saying" (Hebrew: *chidah*) refers to a riddle, an enigma, or a profound, often obscure, utterance that requires careful thought and interpretation to grasp its full meaning. It's not meant to conceal truth entirely, but to invite deeper contemplation and engagement with a weighty subject, often related to divine mysteries or challenging wisdom. Examples include Samson's riddle in [Judges 14:12](/judges/14-12 "Judges 14:12 - Samson's Riddle") or the Queen of Sheba's "hard questions" for Solomon in [1 Kings 10:1](/1_kings/10-1 "1 Kings 10:1 - Queen of Sheba's Visit"). In Psalm 49, it points to the profound mystery of human mortality and the futility of earthly wealth in the face of death, which the psalmist is about to unpack.

**Why is the "harp" mentioned in relation to a "dark saying"?**

Answer: The mention of the "harp" (Hebrew: *kinnor*) signifies that the profound message, the "dark saying," is intended to be communicated in a public, artistic, and memorable manner. The harp was a common musical instrument used in ancient Israel for sacred music, poetic recitation, and prophetic utterances. It suggests that the wisdom contained in the psalm is not merely a dry intellectual discourse but a truth to be sung, recited, and meditated upon, enhancing its impact and memorability. This highlights the ancient practice of conveying deep spiritual truths through poetic and musical forms, making them accessible and impactful to a wider audience, much like the use of music throughout the [book of Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 49:4, with its emphasis on receiving and then revealing profound wisdom through a "parable" and "dark saying" upon the "harp," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the One in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). Just as the psalmist inclined his ear, Jesus perfectly "inclined His ear" to the Father's will, always listening and obeying ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus does what the Father does")). He then "opened His dark saying" not merely on a harp, but through His life, teachings, and ultimately, His redemptive work on the cross. Jesus consistently taught in parables, revealing the mysteries of the kingdom of God to those with "ears to hear" while concealing them from others ([Matthew 13:10-17](/matthew/13-10 "Matthew 13:10-17 - Jesus explains His use of parables")). His entire ministry was the unfolding of God's profound, once-hidden "dark saying" concerning sin, death, and eternal life. The ultimate "dark saying" of humanity's mortality and the futility of earthly wealth, which Psalm 49 addresses, is fully illuminated and overcome in Christ's resurrection, which reveals the true and lasting redemption that no human wealth could ever purchase ([1 Peter 1:18-19](/1_peter/1-18 "1 Peter 1:18-19 - Redeemed not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ")). He is the Living Word, through whom God has spoken His final and most comprehensive revelation ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God speaks through His Son")).

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 78:2

I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

Matthew 13:35

That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.

Numbers 12:8

With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?

Proverbs 1:6

To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

Numbers 23:7

And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, [saying], Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel.

Matthew 13:11

He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.

Matthew 13:15

For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.