King James Version

What Does Psalms 49:14 Mean?

Psalms 49:14 in the King James Version says “Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the mo...” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 49 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Psalms 49:14 · KJV

Strength

Context

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

16

Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased;

Read Psalms 49 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The grim imagery: 'Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them.' The wealthy who thought themselves masters become death's flock, herded into Sheol. 'The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning'--resurrection reverses present inequities. Death feeds on those who fed on luxury.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'morning' likely refers to the day of resurrection when God's judgment reverses earthly fortunes. The wicked's current dominion ends; the upright receive dominion from God.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the sheep/grave imagery reverse the wealthy person's self-image?
  2. What is the 'morning' when the upright shall have dominion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
כַּצֹּ֤אן׀1 of 14

“Like sheep”

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

שְׁא֗וֹל2 of 14

“in the grave”

H7585

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

שַׁתּוּ֮3 of 14

“they are laid”

H8371

to place, i.e., array; reflex. to lie

מָ֤וֶת4 of 14

“death”

H4194

death (natural or violent); concretely, the dead, their place or state (hades); figuratively, pestilence, ruin

יִ֫רְעֵ֥ם5 of 14

“shall feed”

H7462

to tend a flock; i.e., pasture it; intransitively, to graze (literally or figuratively); generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a frie

וַיִּרְדּ֘וּ6 of 14

“shall have dominion”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

בָ֤ם7 of 14
H0
יְשָׁרִ֨ים׀8 of 14

“on them and the upright”

H3477

straight (literally or figuratively)

לַבֹּ֗קֶר9 of 14

“over them in the morning”

H1242

properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning

וְ֭ציּרָם10 of 14
H6736

a form (of beauty; as if pressed out, i.e., carved); hence, an (idolatrous) image

לְבַלּ֥וֹת11 of 14

“shall consume”

H1086

to fail; by implication to wear out, decay (causatively, consume, spend)

שְׁא֗וֹל12 of 14

“in the grave”

H7585

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

מִזְּבֻ֥ל13 of 14

“from their dwelling”

H2073

a residence

לֽוֹ׃14 of 14
H0

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 49:14 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 49:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Malachi 4:31 Corinthians 6:2Job 24:19-20Job 30:23Daniel 7:22Daniel 7:18

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