Psalms 49:16

Authorized King James Version

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;

Word-by-Word Analysis

אַל

H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תִּ֭ירָא

H3372

Be not thou afraid

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַעֲשִׁ֣ר

H6238

is made rich

properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich

אִ֑ישׁ

H376

when one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יִ֝רְבֶּה

H7235

is increased

to increase (in whatever respect)

כְּב֣וֹד

H3519

when the glory

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

בֵּיתֽוֹ׃

H1004

of his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the worship and praise theme central to Psalms. The concept of glory reflects the proper human response to God's character and works. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to worship literature expressing the full range of human experience before God, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on worship and praise particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on glory address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?
What practical applications emerge from understanding worship and praise as presented in this verse, particularly in light of contemporary challenges facing the church and individual believers?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of worship and praise, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of fundamental Christian doctrine?