King James Version
What Does Psalms 49:13 Mean?
“This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. approve: Heb. delight in their mouth”
Psalms 49:13 · KJV
Context
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
14
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
15
But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. power: Heb. hand the grave: or, hell
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe way of fools: 'This their way is their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings.' Those who trust wealth follow a foolish path, yet their children repeat the same errors. Generational folly perpetuates itself as children 'approve' (literally, 'find pleasure in') their parents' misguided values.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Wisdom literature frequently noted how foolishness passes from generation to generation when children fail to learn from parents' errors. The cycle continues until someone breaks free through wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- How does foolishness get transmitted from generation to generation?
- What breaks the cycle of approving the folly of the previous generation?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsדַ֭רְכָּם2 of 8
“This their way”
H1870a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
כֵּ֣סֶל3 of 8
“is their folly”
H3689properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o
לָ֑מוֹ4 of 8
H0וְאַחֲרֵיהֶ֓ם׀5 of 8
“yet their posterity”
H310properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
בְּפִיהֶ֖ם6 of 8
“their sayings”
H6310the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
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 49:13 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 49:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge