Psalms 49:13

Authorized King James Version

This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זֶ֣ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#2
דַ֭רְכָּם
This their way
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
#3
כֵּ֣סֶל
is their folly
properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o
#4
לָ֑מוֹ
H0
#5
וְאַחֲרֵיהֶ֓ם׀
yet their posterity
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#6
בְּפִיהֶ֖ם
their sayings
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
#7
יִרְצ֣וּ
approve
to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt
#8
סֶֽלָה׃
Selah
suspension (of music), i.e., pause

Analysis

The worship and praise theme here intersects with the broader canonical witness to God's character and purposes. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation that finds its culmination in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's consistent character and purposes.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of ancient Near Eastern poetry and hymnic literature for worship shapes this text's meaning. Israel's liturgical traditions developed through centuries of temple worship and personal devotion Understanding a worldview centered on covenant relationship between God and His people helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection