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Psalms 49:20

Old Testament Poetry/Hymns ASV (1901)

What does Psalms 49:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Man that is in honor, and understandeth not, Is like the beasts that perish. Psalm 50 A Psalm of Asaph.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Man that is in honor, and understandeth not, Is like the beasts that perish. Psalm 50 A Psalm of Asaph.
Psalms 49:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Psalms 49

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away; His glory shall not descend after him.
18Though while he lived he blessed his soul (And men praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself,)
19He shall go to the generation of his fathers; They shall never see the light.
20Man that is in honor, and understandeth not, Is like the beasts that perish. Psalm 50 A Psalm of Asaph.
← Psalms 49:19Psalms 50:1 →
← Full Chapter 49 Psalms Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“(Compare Psa 49:12). The folly is more distinctly expressed by "understandeth not," substituted for "abideth not." Next: Psalms Chapter 50”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Man that is in honor - Man that is in possession of wealth, or that occupies an exalted rank. See the notes at Psalms 49:12. And understandeth not - That is, who has no proper appreciation of what it is to be a man; of what is his true rank “as” a man; of his relations to God; of his condition as an immortal being - man that values himself only on the fact that he is rich; that lives for this world alone; that regards it as a sufficient distinction that he “is” rich; that degrades his nobler nature in the mere enjoyment of the pleasures of sense - is like the beasts - is in no way elevated above them. Is like the beasts that perish - They live only for this life. They have no higher nature…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Understandeth not - Hath not true wisdom. The beasts - Though he hath the outward shape of a man, yet in truth he is a beast, a stupid, and unreasonable creature. Next: Psalms Chapter 50”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Man: Psa 49:12; Est 5:11-14, Est 7:10 understandeth: Job 4:21 is like: Psa 73:18, Psa 73:19; Ecc 3:18, Ecc 3:19 Next: Psalms Chapter 50”
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Related study paths

Read Psalms 49 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification