King James Version
Psalms 49:12 in the King James Version says “Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.”
Psalms 49:12 · KJV
For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.
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
Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.
This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. approve: Heb. delight in their mouth
Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. beauty: or, strength in the grave from: or, the grave being an habitation to every one of them
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Nevertheless man”
H120ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
“being in honour”
H3366value, i.e., (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity
“abideth”
H3885to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
“not he is like”
H4911to liken, i.e., (transitively) to use figurative language (an allegory, adage, song or the like); intransitively, to resemble
“the beasts”
H929properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
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.
Psalms 49:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Psalms 49:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge