Psalms 49:19
He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.
Original Language Analysis
תָּ֭בוֹא
He shall go
H935
תָּ֭בוֹא
He shall go
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
2 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
דּ֣וֹר
to the generation
H1755
דּ֣וֹר
to the generation
Strong's:
H1755
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling
אֲבוֹתָ֑יו
of his fathers
H1
אֲבוֹתָ֑יו
of his fathers
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 9
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
נֵ֝֗צַח
H5331
נֵ֝֗צַח
Strong's:
H5331
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
לֹ֣א
they shall never
H3808
לֹ֣א
they shall never
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Job 33:30To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.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?Genesis 15:15And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
Historical Context
Sheol was conceived as a place of darkness, silence, and separation from God's active presence. 'Never see light' suggests permanent exclusion from life and blessing.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'never see light' indicate about eternal destiny?
- How does this verse serve as warning against trusting in wealth?
Analysis & Commentary
The destination: 'He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light.' Despite present glory, the wealthy joins ancestors in death's darkness. 'Never see light' indicates not just physical death but exclusion from God's presence, which is light. The eternal destiny contradicts temporal prosperity.