Psalms 49:1
Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world:
Original Language Analysis
שִׁמְעוּ
Hear
H8085
שִׁמְעוּ
Hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
1 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָֽעַמִּ֑ים
this all ye people
H5971
הָֽעַמִּ֑ים
this all ye people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 8
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
הַ֝אֲזִ֗ינוּ
give ear
H238
הַ֝אֲזִ֗ינוּ
give ear
Strong's:
H238
Word #:
5 of 8
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Psalms 78:1Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth.Revelation 2:17He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.Revelation 2:7He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.Psalms 34:11Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.Psalms 33:8Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.Romans 3:29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:Romans 10:18But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.Matthew 11:15He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.Revelation 2:29He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.
Historical Context
Wisdom psalms addressed universal human experience, not just Israelite covenant concerns. This broad audience indicates the psalm's application to all humanity regardless of nation or status.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does this wisdom address 'all inhabitants of the world' rather than just Israel?
- What universal human concerns does the psalm prepare to address?
Analysis & Commentary
The summons: 'Hear this, all ye people; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world.' The scope is universal--not just Israel but 'all inhabitants of the world.' The wisdom offered transcends national boundaries because it addresses universal human concerns: mortality, wealth, and ultimate destiny.