Psalms 49:6

Authorized King James Version

PDF

They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches;

Original Language Analysis

הַבֹּטְחִ֥ים They that trust H982
הַבֹּטְחִ֥ים They that trust
Strong's: H982
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 2 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
חֵילָ֑ם in their wealth H2428
חֵילָ֑ם in their wealth
Strong's: H2428
Word #: 3 of 6
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
וּבְרֹ֥ב themselves in the multitude H7230
וּבְרֹ֥ב themselves in the multitude
Strong's: H7230
Word #: 4 of 6
abundance (in any respect)
עָ֝שְׁרָ֗ם of their riches H6239
עָ֝שְׁרָ֗ם of their riches
Strong's: H6239
Word #: 5 of 6
wealth
יִתְהַלָּֽלוּ׃ and boast H1984
יִתְהַלָּֽלוּ׃ and boast
Strong's: H1984
Word #: 6 of 6
to be clear (orig. of sound, but usually of color); to shine; hence, to make a show, to boast; and thus to be (clamorously) foolish; to rave; causativ

Analysis & Commentary

The false confidence of the wealthy: 'They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches.' 'Trust' (batach) and 'boast' (halal) reveal the heart's orientation. Wealth becomes their security and identity. The psalmist contrasts this misplaced trust with the reality death brings.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures often equated wealth with divine blessing and assumed riches could provide security against all threats. The psalm exposes this illusion.

Questions for Reflection