Psalms 49:17

Authorized King James Version

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For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בְ֭מוֹתוֹ For when he dieth H4194
בְ֭מוֹתוֹ For when he dieth
Strong's: H4194
Word #: 3 of 9
death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin
יִקַּ֣ח he shall carry nothing away H3947
יִקַּ֣ח he shall carry nothing away
Strong's: H3947
Word #: 4 of 9
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
הַכֹּ֑ל H3605
הַכֹּ֑ל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵרֵ֖ד shall not descend H3381
יֵרֵ֖ד shall not descend
Strong's: H3381
Word #: 7 of 9
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
אַחֲרָ֣יו after H310
אַחֲרָ֣יו after
Strong's: H310
Word #: 8 of 9
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
כְּבוֹדֽוֹ׃ his glory H3519
כְּבוֹדֽוֹ׃ his glory
Strong's: H3519
Word #: 9 of 9
properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

Analysis & Commentary

The reason not to fear: 'For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him.' The naked truth of death: nothing accompanies us. 'Glory' (reputation, honor, visible splendor) remains behind. The funeral procession doesn't include moving vans; shrouds have no pockets.

Historical Context

Ancient burial practices sometimes included grave goods, but even wealthy burials couldn't truly transfer possessions to the afterlife. The psalm exposes this as pretense.

Questions for Reflection