Psalms 49:11

Their inward thought [is, that] their houses [shall continue] for ever, [and] their dwelling places to all generations; they call [their] lands after their own names.

Their inward {H7130} thought is, that their houses {H1004} shall continue for ever {H5769}, and their dwelling {H4908} places to all {H1755} generations {H1755}; they call {H7121}{H8804)} their lands {H127} after their own names {H8034}.

They think their homes will last forever, their dwellings through all generations; they give their own names to their estates.

Their graves are their eternal homes— their dwellings for endless generations— even though their lands were their namesakes.

Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, Andtheir dwelling-places to all generations; They call their lands after their own names.

Commentary

Psalms 49:11 captures a profound observation about human nature, particularly the folly of those who place their ultimate trust and hope in worldly possessions and material legacy. The psalmist reveals the inner delusion of the wealthy and powerful who believe their earthly gains provide eternal security.

Context

Psalm 49 is a "Maskil," or instructional psalm, designed to teach wisdom and understanding, especially regarding the transient nature of wealth and the certainty of death for all, regardless of their earthly status. The psalm contrasts the fleeting prosperity of the wicked with the enduring hope of the righteous. Verse 11 specifically describes the mindset of those who rely on their riches, highlighting their mistaken belief in the permanence of their material world and their efforts to immortalize themselves through property.

Key Themes

  • Delusion of Permanence: The core message is the misguided belief that physical structures and accumulated wealth can provide eternal security or a lasting legacy. The phrase "their houses shall continue for ever" speaks to a deep-seated human desire for immortality, misdirected towards earthly possessions.
  • Human Pride and Legacy: By calling "their lands after their own names," these individuals attempt to establish a lasting memorial and perpetuate their identity beyond their lifespan. This reveals a drive for self-glorification and a desire to control their narrative even after death, a common practice in ancient cultures to assert ownership and status.
  • Futility of Earthly Trust: The psalm collectively warns against placing ultimate confidence in riches, power, or human achievements. This verse underscores the emptiness of such pursuits when contrasted with the inevitable reality of death and the ultimate judgment. It echoes themes found elsewhere in Scripture about the folly of storing up treasures on earth.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "their inward thought" (Hebrew: qirbam, from qerev) refers to their innermost being, their secret conviction, or the core of their understanding. It’s not just a passing idea but a deep-seated belief system that guides their actions. This emphasizes that their delusion about permanence is not superficial but deeply ingrained. The term "for ever" (Hebrew: l'olam) typically denotes eternity or a very long duration, but here it highlights the ironic and ultimately false perception of human longevity and control over their possessions.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning against materialism and the misguided pursuit of earthly fame or security. It challenges us to examine where our true hope and security lie. Do we, like those described in the psalm, invest our primary energy and ambition into building a legacy of wealth or status that will inevitably fade? Or do we seek to build something that truly endures, a spiritual legacy that aligns with God's eternal purposes? The psalm encourages believers to remember the brevity of life and to live with an eternal perspective, trusting in God rather than the fleeting promises of this world. It reminds us that true lasting worth is not found in what we accumulate or what names we attach to our properties, but in our relationship with the Creator.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 4:17 (8 votes)

    And Cain knew his wife; and she conceived, and bare Enoch: and he builded a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of his son, Enoch.

  • Psalms 64:6 (5 votes)

    They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search: both the inward [thought] of every one [of them], and the heart, [is] deep.

  • Psalms 5:9 (5 votes)

    For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue.

  • Psalms 10:6 (4 votes)

    He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for [I shall] never [be] in adversity.

  • Ezekiel 38:10 (4 votes)

    Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:

  • 2 Samuel 18:18 (4 votes)

    Now Absalom in his lifetime had taken and reared up for himself a pillar, which [is] in the king's dale: for he said, I have no son to keep my name in remembrance: and he called the pillar after his own name: and it is called unto this day, Absalom's place.

  • Luke 11:39 (3 votes)

    And the Lord said unto him, Now do ye Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the platter; but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.