Psalms Chapter 49 · Verse 20
Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
Original Language Analysis
אָדָ֣ם
Man
H120
אָדָ֣ם
Man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
1 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
בִּ֭יקָר
that is in honour
H3366
בִּ֭יקָר
that is in honour
Strong's:
H3366
Word #:
2 of 7
value, i.e., (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָבִ֑ין
and understandeth
H995
יָבִ֑ין
and understandeth
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
4 of 7
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
נִמְשַׁ֖ל
not is like
H4911
נִמְשַׁ֖ל
not is like
Strong's:
H4911
Word #:
5 of 7
to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
Historical Context
The refrain, slightly modified, emphasizes the psalm's central point. The repetition invites readers to internalize the truth: honor without understanding is bestial, not truly human.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the 'understanding' that distinguishes wise humans from beasts?
- How does this wisdom psalm's conclusion challenge our values?
Analysis & Commentary
The refrain (repeating v.12): 'Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.' The addition 'understandeth not' is key. Honor without wisdom equals animal existence. Understanding--the wisdom the psalm offers--distinguishes the truly human from the merely biological.