Psalms 49:15
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah.
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ
H389
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
But God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֗ים
But God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 9
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
will redeem
H6299
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
will redeem
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
3 of 9
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
נַ֭פְשִׁי
my soul
H5315
נַ֭פְשִׁי
my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
מִֽיַּד
from the power
H3027
מִֽיַּד
from the power
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
שְׁא֑וֹל
of the grave
H7585
שְׁא֑וֹל
of the grave
Strong's:
H7585
Word #:
6 of 9
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
כִּ֖י
H3588
כִּ֖י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
7 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 73:24Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.Psalms 86:13For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.Psalms 56:13For thou hast delivered my soul from death: wilt not thou deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?Psalms 89:48What man is he that liveth, and shall not see death? shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah.Hosea 13:14I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.Revelation 5:9And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;Genesis 5:24And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.Acts 7:59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.Psalms 31:5Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.Luke 23:46And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.
Historical Context
This is one of the Old Testament's clearest expressions of hope beyond death. While full resurrection doctrine developed later, this verse anticipates God's victory over Sheol.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the contrast between verses 7-8 (no human can redeem) and verse 15 (God will redeem)?
- How does this verse inform Christian hope in resurrection?
Analysis & Commentary
The hope: 'But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me.' While no human can ransom another (v.7), God can redeem! 'Receive' (laqach) echoes Enoch's translation (Genesis 5:24). This verse expresses confidence in resurrection or assumption beyond death.