Psalm - 49:9



9 That he should live on forever, that he should not see corruption.

Verse In-Depth

Explanation and meaning of Psalm 49:9.

Differing Translations

Compare verses for better understanding.
That he should still live alway, That he should not see corruption.
and shall still live unto the end.
That he should still live perpetually, and not see corruption.
And still he liveth for ever, He seeth not the pit.
So that he might have eternal life, and never see the underworld.
For too costly is the redemption of their soul, and must be let alone for ever-

*Minor differences ignored. Grouped by changes, with first version listed as example.


Historical Commentaries

Scholarly Analysis and Interpretation.

That he should still live for ever - That his brother whom he could not redeem - or that he himself - should not die, Psalm 49:8. The idea is, that the price of life is so great that no wealth can rescue it so that a man shall not die.
And not see corruption - Should not return to dust, or moulder away in the grave. See the notes at Psalm 16:10.

That he should still live for ever,.... Or "though he should live", &c. (w). Though the rich man should live ever so long, a thousand years twice told, as in Ecclesiastes 6:6; yet he could not in all this time, with all his riches, redeem his brother; and at last must die himself, and so must his brother too, as his own experience and observation may assure him, Psalm 49:10. Or the meaning is, he cannot so redeem his brother, or give to God a ransom for him, that he should live a corporeal life for ever, and never die; since all men die, wise men and fools, rich and poor; and much less that he should live and enjoy an "eternal life", as the Targum; a life of happiness and bliss hereafter, which is not to be obtained by gold and silver, but is the pure gift of God;
and not see corruption; the grave, the pit of corruption, the house appointed for all living: or "the judgment of hell", according to the Chaldee paraphrase.
(w) "etiamsi vivat", Gejerus.

corruption--literally, "pit," or, "grave," thus showing that "soul" is used for "life" [Psalm 49:8].

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