Psalms 49:18
Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
נַ֭פְשׁוֹ
his soul
H5315
נַ֭פְשׁוֹ
his soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
בְּחַיָּ֣יו
Though while he lived
H2416
בְּחַיָּ֣יו
Though while he lived
Strong's:
H2416
Word #:
3 of 8
alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin
יְבָרֵ֑ךְ
he blessed
H1288
יְבָרֵ֑ךְ
he blessed
Strong's:
H1288
Word #:
4 of 8
to kneel; by implication to bless god (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (god or the king, as
וְ֝יוֹדֻ֗ךָ
and men will praise
H3034
וְ֝יוֹדֻ֗ךָ
and men will praise
Strong's:
H3034
Word #:
5 of 8
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Deuteronomy 29:19And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst:Luke 12:19And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.
Historical Context
Ancient (and modern) cultures often equated visible prosperity with divine blessing. The wealthy received social praise that reinforced their self-satisfaction, creating echo chambers of mutual affirmation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does self-congratulation and social praise reinforce spiritual blindness?
- What is the difference between genuine blessing and self-blessing?
Analysis & Commentary
The self-deception: 'Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself.' The rich person congratulates himself, and others add their flattery. Self-blessing and social praise combine to reinforce the illusion that wealth equals blessing and success equals divine favor.