Psalms 49:5

KJV

Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, [when] the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore should I fear {H3372}{H8799)} in the days {H3117} of evil {H7451}, when the iniquity {H5771} of my heels {H6120} shall compass {H5437}{H8799)} me about?

Complete Jewish Bible

Why should I fear when the days bring trouble, when the evil of my pursuers surrounds me,

Berean Standard Bible

Why should I fear in times of trouble, when wicked usurpers surround me?

American Standard Version

Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, When iniquity at my heels compasseth me about?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 49:5 presents a profound rhetorical question, challenging the very notion of fear in the face of overwhelming adversity or the pervasive presence of evil. The psalmist asks why he (or anyone) should be afraid during "days of evil" when "the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about," setting the stage for the psalm's central argument: that true security and lasting hope are found not in fleeting worldly wealth or human strength, but in divine wisdom and God's ultimate redemption from the grave.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 49 is a *maskil*, an instructional wisdom psalm that invites all people to listen to a profound truth ([Psalms 49:1-4](/psalms/49-1 "Psalms 49:1-4 - An Invitation to Wisdom")). It functions as a theological reflection on the problem of evil and the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Verse 5 introduces the central tension of the psalm: the human inclination to fear when surrounded by trouble or the consequences of sin. This rhetorical question anticipates the psalm's subsequent exposition, which contrasts the inevitable doom of those who trust in their wealth with the enduring hope and ultimate redemption God provides for the righteous from the power of Sheol ([Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God Redeems from Sheol")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Composed likely during a period when the righteous observed the wicked prospering, accumulating wealth and influence, while they themselves might have faced hardship or oppression. In ancient Near Eastern societies, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine favor, and suffering as a sign of divine displeasure. Psalm 49 directly challenges this simplistic view, asserting that worldly success is fleeting and ultimately offers no defense against death. The "days of evil" reflect a common human experience of adversity, moral decay, or persecution, while the "iniquity of my heels" points to the pervasive nature of sin, whether personal consequences or the malicious actions of enemies.
* **Key Themes:** A dominant theme throughout [Psalm 49](/psalms/49 "Psalm 49 - The Folly of Trusting in Wealth") is the futility of relying on riches for security or salvation. The psalm explicitly states that wealth cannot redeem a soul or extend one's life, highlighting its ultimate impotence in the face of death ([Psalms 49:6-9](/psalms/49-6 "Psalms 49:6-9 - Riches Cannot Redeem")). The psalm underscores the inescapable reality that all humanity, regardless of their status, wisdom, or wealth, will eventually face death ([Psalms 49:10](/psalms/49-10 "Psalms 49:10 - All Face Death")). Despite the grim reality of death, the psalmist expresses a profound and unique hope in God's power to redeem the righteous from the power of Sheol ([Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God Redeems from Sheol")). This divine intervention provides the ultimate answer to the question posed in [Psalms 49:5](/psalms/49-5 "Psalms 49:5 - Why Fear Evil?"), offering a foundation for security and peace that transcends the grave.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fear (Hebrew, _yare'_):** This word denotes more than simple apprehension; it implies dread, terror, or being intimidated to the point of paralysis. The psalmist's rhetorical question challenges the very premise of such a response, suggesting that a deeper understanding of reality should negate the need for this kind of overwhelming dread.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _'avon'_):** This term refers to sin, guilt, or the consequences and punishment of sin. It describes moral crookedness, perversity, or the burden of guilt. In this context, it represents a malevolent force or the oppressive weight of wrongdoing.
* **Heels (Hebrew, _'aqevay'_):** Literally "my heels" or "my footsteps." This word can also carry connotations of "those who follow me," "my supplanters" (as in Jacob, whose name is related to grasping the heel), or "the end/consequence." In the context of Psalm 49, it most powerfully suggests something that pursues or surrounds one relentlessly. While it could imply the consequences of one's own past actions, the broader psalm's focus on the wicked makes it more likely to refer to the evil schemes and pervasive influence of those who "dog one's steps" or seek to trip them up.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil":** This opening rhetorical question immediately challenges the natural human tendency to succumb to fear when confronted with adversity. "Days of evil" refers to periods characterized by trouble, distress, moral corruption, or the apparent triumph of the wicked. The psalmist implies that there is a profound, underlying truth or a divine perspective that renders such fear unnecessary, thereby setting the stage for the psalm's subsequent revelation of God's ultimate justice and the security of the righteous.
* **"[when] the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about?":** This clause specifies the nature of the threat that might provoke fear. "The iniquity of my heels" is a complex and evocative phrase. It can be interpreted as the consequences of one's own past sins catching up, or, more congruently with the psalm's broader contrast between the righteous and the wicked, it refers to the pervasive evil and malicious schemes of wicked individuals who "dog one's steps," surround them, or seek to trip them up. This "iniquity" is not merely present but actively "compasses" (surrounds, encloses, overwhelms) the psalmist, creating a vivid sense of being trapped or besieged by malevolent forces.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 49:5 powerfully employs **Rhetorical Question** ("Wherefore should I fear?") to engage the reader and compel them to consider the deeper reasons for hope beyond immediate circumstances. This device implies that there is, in fact, no valid reason for fear from a divine perspective. The phrase "the iniquity of my heels" uses a subtle form of **Personification**, giving the abstract concept of "iniquity" an active, pursuing quality, as if it were a tangible entity tracking the psalmist. Furthermore, the imagery of this iniquity being able to "compass me about" functions as a potent **Metaphor** of encirclement and being overwhelmed, evoking a sense of siege or entrapment. These literary techniques combine to vividly portray the challenging circumstances while simultaneously setting up the psalmist's confident defiance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse introduces a fundamental theological theme: the confrontation of human fear with divine truth. It challenges the believer to look beyond the immediate circumstances of "days of evil" and the pervasive "iniquity" that seems to surround them, to find a deeper security rooted in God's sovereign power and His ultimate plan of redemption. The psalmist's rhetorical question is not born of naivete but of a profound wisdom that understands the temporary nature of worldly power and the eternal nature of God's deliverance. It foreshadows the New Testament call to peace and trust in God amidst trials, reminding us that our ultimate hope transcends the limitations and threats of this fallen world.

* [Psalms 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "Psalm 23:4 - Fearing No Evil")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6-7 - Do Not Be Anxious, But Pray")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 49:5 offers a profound and liberating challenge to our natural human inclination to fear when confronted with adversity, the apparent triumph of evil, or the consequences that seem to pursue us. It invites us to pause and critically examine the validity of our anxieties, prompting us to consider a higher, divine truth. For believers, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate security and hope reside not in the fleeting conditions of this world, nor in our own ability to avoid trouble, but in the steadfast character and redemptive power of God. It encourages a posture of courageous faith, trusting that even when surrounded by "days of evil" or the "iniquity" that seeks to overwhelm, God's sovereign plan and ultimate deliverance provide an unshakable foundation for peace. This calls us to cultivate a spiritual perspective that looks beyond immediate circumstances to the eternal promises of God, finding rest in His unfailing presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "days of evil" or "iniquity" (whether personal struggles or societal ills) currently cause you to feel fear or anxiety?**
* **How does the psalmist's rhetorical question, "Wherefore should I fear?", challenge your perspective on these fears?**
* **In what practical ways can you actively choose to trust in God's ultimate deliverance and wisdom, even when circumstances seem overwhelming?**

### FAQ
**What does "the iniquity of my heels" specifically mean?**

Answer: This phrase is rich with meaning and has been interpreted in a few ways. Within the context of [Psalm 49](/psalms/49 "Psalm 49 - The Folly of Trusting in Wealth"), which contrasts the righteous with the wicked, it most likely refers to the pervasive evil and malicious schemes of wicked individuals who "dog one's steps," pursuing and surrounding the righteous. It can also carry a secondary sense of the consequences of one's own past actions catching up, or the general evil that seems to follow and encompass humanity. The "my" can be understood as a general human experience, as the psalmist is speaking to all people in [Psalms 49:1-4](/psalms/49-1 "Psalms 49:1-4 - Listen, All Peoples"), expressing a universal human predicament.

**Why is the psalmist asking a question rather than making a direct statement?**

Answer: The use of a rhetorical question ("Wherefore should I fear?") is a powerful literary device. It is not seeking information but rather making a strong assertion by inviting the listener to conclude that there is, in fact, *no valid reason* for fear from a divine perspective. It serves to engage the reader, provoke thought, and set up the entire psalm as an answer to this fundamental question, revealing the wisdom that liberates from fear by contrasting the fleeting nature of worldly wealth with God's ultimate and enduring redemption ([Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God Redeems from Sheol")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 49:5, with its defiant rhetorical question against fear in the face of overwhelming evil, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The psalmist's hope for redemption from Sheol ([Psalms 49:15](/psalms/49-15 "Psalms 49:15 - God Redeems from Sheol")) is fully realized in Christ's victory over death and the grave. When Jesus faced the ultimate "days of evil" and was "compassed about" by the iniquity of a fallen world and the sins of humanity, He did not succumb to fear but willingly laid down His life, trusting in His Father's sovereign plan ([John 10:17-18](/john/10-17 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). His resurrection is the definitive answer to the psalmist's question, demonstrating that death and evil have no final power over those who are in Him ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")). Through Christ, believers are empowered to live without fear, knowing that He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")) and that nothing can separate them from the love of God ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38 "Romans 8:38-39 - Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love")). He is the true wisdom that delivers from the folly of trusting in fleeting things and grants eternal security.

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

Romans 8:33

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? [It is] God that justifieth.

Romans 8:34

Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Acts 27:24

Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:11

Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.

Hosea 7:2

And they consider not in their hearts [that] I remember all their wickedness: now their own doings have beset them about; they are before my face.

Psalms 22:16

For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet.