Psalms 49:8

Psalms 49:8 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
• New International Version (NIV)the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—
• English Standard Version (ESV)for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,
• New King James Version (NKJV)For the redemption of their souls is costly, And it shall cease forever—

Context of Psalms 49:8

6They trust in their wealth and boast of their abundant riches. 7Yet these cannot redeem a person or pay his ransom to God — since the price of redeeming him is too costly, one should forever stop trying — 9so that he may live forever and not see the Pit. 10For one can see that the wise die; the foolish and stupid also pass away. Then they leave their wealth to others.

Psalms 49:8 word by word

וְ֭יֵקַר פִּדְי֥וֹן נַפְשָׁ֗ם וְחָדַ֥ל לְעוֹלָֽם׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• For the redemptionפִּדְיוֹןpidyôm pidyôm pidyôn pidyôn · redemptionH6306
• of their soulנֶ֫פֶשׁnephesh · soulH5315
• preciousיָקַרyâqar · be preciousH3365
• and it ceasethחָדַלchâdal · to ceaseH2308
• for everעוֹלָם‛ôlâm ‛ôlâm · forever: enduringH5769

Cross-references for Psalms 49:8

• Job 36:18Be careful that no one lures you with riches; do not let a large ransom lead you astray.

Commentaries on Psalms 49:8

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 8For the redemption of their soul is precious - It is of too high a price to be redeemed with corruptible things, such as silver or gold, and has required the sacrificial death of Christ. And it ceaseth for ever - This is very obscure, and may apply to the ransom which riches could produce. That ransom must be for ever unavailable, because of the value of the soul. Or this clause should be added to the following verse, and read thus: "And though he cease…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 8For the redemption of their soul is precious - The word “soul” here means “life,” and not the immortal part. The only question which the psalmist here considers is the value of wealth in preserving “life,” or in saving man from the grave. The phrase, ““their” soul,” refers doubtless to the man and his brother, as alluded to in the previous verse. The idea is that neither can the man of wealth ransom his own life from the grave, nor the life of his…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 6-14Verses 6-14 Here is a description of the spirit and way of worldly people. A man may have wealth, and may have his heart enlarged in love, thankfulness, and obedience, and may do good with it. Therefore it is not men's having riches that proves them to be worldly, but their setting their hearts upon them as the best things. Worldly men have only some floating thoughts of the things of God, while their fixed thoughts, their inward thoughts, are about the…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 5-8If enemies who live for material rewards cannot sustain themselves, how can they give life to others?Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 7-97-9. yet unable to save themselves or others.Read the comment

Topics related to Psalms 49:8

• Boasting
• Immortality
• Ransom
• Works

In the dictionaries

• Approve
• Boast
• Carry
• Likewise
• Manasseh
• Psalms
• Affliction
• Bible, the
• Dark Sayings
• Eschatology of the Old Testament

Commentaries on Psalms 49

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• The Treasury of David
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings