Psalms 49:7
None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him:
Original Language Analysis
אָ֗ח
his brother
H251
אָ֗ח
his brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
1 of 9
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
by any means
H6299
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
by any means
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
3 of 9
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
by any means
H6299
יִפְדֶּ֣ה
by any means
Strong's:
H6299
Word #:
4 of 9
to sever, i.e., ransom; generally to release, preserve
אִ֑ישׁ
None of them can
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
None of them can
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִתֵּ֖ן
nor give
H5414
יִתֵּ֖ן
nor give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
7 of 9
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Cross References
Matthew 16:26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.Matthew 25:9But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.1 Peter 1:18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
Historical Context
The concept of ransom was familiar from slave redemption and blood-money payments. But no financial transaction could satisfy death's claim or purchase standing before God.
Questions for Reflection
- Why is it significant that wealth cannot 'redeem' from death?
- What can accomplish what wealth cannot regarding our ultimate destiny?
Analysis & Commentary
The stark limitation: 'None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him.' No amount of money can purchase exemption from death or entry to God's presence. The Hebrew padah (redeem) and kopher (ransom) are commercial terms--wealth cannot transact with mortality.