Psalms 49:2 (KJV)

What does Psalms 49:2 mean?

Psalms 49:2 calls people from every social and economic position to listen to the psalm’s message. The speaker addresses people who would not necessarily have shared the same standing or opportunities, placing them together as the audience.

After calling all peoples to listen in verse 1, the speaker names contrasting groups within that audience. “Low and high” points to differences in social standing, while “rich and poor” points to differences in wealth.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 49:2

• “low” — בְּנֵי אָדָם (bene adam): The phrase literally refers to “sons of man” and is often understood here as people of ordinary standing. The contrast with “high” brings out a distinction in social rank.
• “high” — בְּנֵי אִישׁ (bene ish): This phrase also speaks of people, but alongside “low” it is often understood to refer to those of higher standing. The two phrases are a paired way of addressing people across social divisions.

Why Psalms 49:2 matters

• Wealth does not limit the intended audience. The words “rich and poor” address both those who have resources and those who have little.
• The shared audience fits the subject that follows. Later, the psalm says that both wise and foolish people die and leave their wealth behind (verse 10), a concern that reaches beyond one social group.