Psalms 49:16

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

אַל H408
אַל
Strong's: H408
Word #: 1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
תִּ֭ירָא Be not thou afraid H3372
תִּ֭ירָא Be not thou afraid
Strong's: H3372
Word #: 2 of 9
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 3 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יַעֲשִׁ֣ר is made rich H6238
יַעֲשִׁ֣ר is made rich
Strong's: H6238
Word #: 4 of 9
properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
אִ֑ישׁ when one H376
אִ֑ישׁ when one
Strong's: H376
Word #: 5 of 9
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
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 6 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יִ֝רְבֶּה is increased H7235
יִ֝רְבֶּה is increased
Strong's: H7235
Word #: 7 of 9
to increase (in whatever respect)
כְּב֣וֹד when the glory H3519
כְּב֣וֹד when the glory
Strong's: H3519
Word #: 8 of 9
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness
בֵּיתֽוֹ׃ of his house H1004
בֵּיתֽוֹ׃ of his house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 9 of 9
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis & Commentary

The practical application: 'Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased.' The wealthy person's prosperity should not produce envy or fear. Their riches cannot accomplish what truly matters; therefore, their apparent advantage is ultimately meaningless.

Historical Context

Ancient wisdom often addressed the temptation to envy the prosperous wicked. This psalm provides the theological framework for resisting that envy by revealing wealth's ultimate impotence.

Questions for Reflection