Nevertheless man being in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish.

PSALMS 49:12KJV
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Psalms 49:12 (KJV)

What does Psalms 49:12 mean?

Psalms 49:12 says that even when a person is honored or important, they do not last forever; in the end, they die just like animals do. The verse points out that human status or wealth does not make anyone immune to death.

The psalm is spoken by a member of the community of Israel, addressing all people regardless of their background or status. The setting is a reflection on the limits of human power and the certainty of mortality. The verse fits into a larger section warning against trusting in riches or social standing, reminding readers that death comes to everyone, no matter how honored they may be.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 49:12

  • "man" (אָדָם, ’adam): This word refers to humankind in general, emphasizing the common fate shared by all people, not just a specific group.
  • "honour" (יָקָר, yaqar): This word means value, preciousness, or honor, highlighting that even those who are highly respected or wealthy face the same end.
  • "abideth" (לִין, lin): This verb often means to stay overnight or remain, but here it carries the sense that a person does not continue or endure in their honored state.
  • "like" (מָשַׁל, mashal): This word means "to be like" or "to resemble," showing the comparison between humans and animals in their mortality.
  • "beasts" (בְּהֵמָה, behemah): This word refers to animals, especially domesticated ones, used here to stress the shared fate of death.
  • "perish" (דָּמָה, damah): This verb means to be destroyed or to cease, underlining the finality of death for both humans and animals.

Why Psalms 49:12 matters

  • Psalms 49:12 clears up the idea that wealth or honor can protect someone from death, making it clear that all people, regardless of their status, share the same end.
  • The verse emphasizes the temporary nature of human achievements and positions, encouraging humility and perspective about what truly lasts.
  • In the context of the whole psalm, this verse sets up a contrast between trusting in riches and recognizing the reality of mortality, which is a central message of the passage.

Where else these words appear

“perish” Hebrew H1820 · used in 14 verses

  • Psalms 49:20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.
  • Jeremiah 14:17 Therefore thou shalt say this word unto them; Let mine eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease: for the virgin daughter of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous blow.
  • Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

“honour” Hebrew H3366 · used in 15 verses

  • Esther 1:4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
  • Esther 6:7 And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour,
  • Psalms 49:20 Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.

“like” Hebrew H4911 · used in 15 verses

  • Numbers 21:27 Wherefore they that speak in proverbs say, Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared:
  • Psalms 143:7 Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.
  • Ezekiel 17:2 Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel;

“abideth” Hebrew H3885 · used in 79 verses

  • Genesis 19:2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
  • Joshua 3:1 And Joshua rose early in the morning; and they removed from Shittim, and came to Jordan, he and all the children of Israel, and lodged there before they passed over.
  • Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.