The Tanakh · JPS 1917 Translation

Psalms 49

Jewish Publication Society 1917 · Ketuvim — the Writings

Psalms chapter 49 — part of the Ketuvim — the Writings in the Jewish Bible. In the classic JPS 1917 translation it opens: “For the Leader; a Psalm of the sons of Korah.” — the complete text of all 21 verses is below, free to read online.

1For the Leader; a Psalm of the sons of Korah.

2Hear this, all ye peoples; give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world,

3Both low and high, rich and poor together.

4My mouth shall speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.

5I will incline mine ear to a parable; I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

6Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my supplanters compasseth me about,

7Of them that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches?

8No man can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to G-d a ransom for him--

9For too costly is the redemption of their soul, and must be let alone for ever--

10That he should still live alway, that he should not see the pit.

11For he seeth that wise men die, the fool and the brutish together perish, and leave their wealth to others.

12Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling-places to all generations; they call their lands after their own names.

13But man abideth not in honour; he is like the beasts that perish.

14This is the way of them that are foolish, and of those who after them approve their sayings. Selah

15Like sheep they are appointed for the nether-world; death shall be their shepherd; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their form shall be for the nether-world to wear away, that there be no habitation for it.

16But G-d will redeem my soul from the power of the nether-world; for He shall receive me. Selah

17Be not thou afraid when one waxeth rich, when the wealth of his house is increased;

18For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; his wealth shall not descend after him.

19Though while he lived he blessed his soul: 'Men will praise thee, when thou shalt do well to thyself';

20It shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see the light.

21Man that is in honour understandeth not; he is like the beasts that perish.

21 verses · JPS 1917 (public domain)

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