Psalms 49:12
Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
Original Language Analysis
וְאָדָ֣ם
Nevertheless man
H120
וְאָדָ֣ם
Nevertheless man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
1 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
בִּ֭יקָר
being in honour
H3366
בִּ֭יקָר
being in honour
Strong's:
H3366
Word #:
2 of 7
value, i.e., (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity
בַּל
H1077
בַּל
Strong's:
H1077
Word #:
3 of 7
properly, a failure; by implication nothing; usually (adverb) not at all; also lest
יָלִ֑ין
abideth
H3885
יָלִ֑ין
abideth
Strong's:
H3885
Word #:
4 of 7
to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
נִמְשַׁ֖ל
not he is like
H4911
נִמְשַׁ֖ל
not he is like
Strong's:
H4911
Word #:
5 of 7
to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
Cross References
Psalms 39:5Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.Psalms 49:20Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.Psalms 82:7But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes.Ecclesiastes 9:12For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
Historical Context
This verse challenges human pretension by linking humanity with the animal kingdom in mortality. While humans bear God's image, they share with beasts the experience of physical death.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is comparing humans to 'beasts that perish' both humbling and instructive?
- What does this verse teach about the limits of earthly honor?
Analysis & Commentary
The verdict: 'Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.' Despite status, humans share animals' mortality. 'Abideth not' (lo yalin) suggests not spending the night--honor is temporary, like a guest who departs. The comparison to beasts emphasizes physical death common to all creatures.