King James Version

What Does Psalms 49:11 Mean?

Psalms 49:11 in the King James Version says “Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling places to all generations; they c...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Their 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. all: Heb. generation and generation”

Psalms 49:11 · KJV

Context

9

That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption.

10

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

11

Their 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. all: Heb. generation and generation

12

Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.

13

This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. approve: Heb. delight in their mouth

Read Psalms 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The universal reality: 'Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever...they call their lands after their own names.' The wealthy imagine perpetuating their legacy through real estate and naming. Yet this very effort reveals awareness of mortality--why name land after yourself except to be remembered after death?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient kings built monuments, named cities, and established dynasties to achieve immortality through memory. The psalm exposes this as futile self-deception that ignores actual mortality.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are modern equivalents of 'calling lands after our own names'?
  2. How does the drive for legacy reveal our awareness of mortality?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
קִרְבָּ֤ם1 of 10

“Their inward”

H7130

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

בָּתֵּ֨ימוֹ׀2 of 10

“thought is that their houses”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

לְֽעוֹלָ֗ם3 of 10

“shall continue for ever”

H5769

properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

מִ֭שְׁכְּנֹתָם4 of 10

“and their dwelling”

H4908

a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w

וָדֹ֑ר5 of 10

“generations”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

וָדֹ֑ר6 of 10

“generations”

H1755

properly, a revolution of time, i.e., an age or generation; also a dwelling

קָֽרְא֥וּ7 of 10

“they call”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

בִ֝שְׁמוֹתָ֗ם8 of 10

“after their own names”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

עֲלֵ֣י9 of 10
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲדָמֽוֹת׃10 of 10

“their lands”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Psalms 49:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Psalms 49:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Genesis 4:17Psalms 5:9Psalms 64:62 Samuel 18:18Psalms 10:6Ezekiel 38:10

Test Your Knowledge

Psalms 49 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPsalms Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Psalms 49 with CommentaryAll Psalms ChaptersComplete Psalms QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes