Psalms 49:14 Meaning and Explanation
“Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The wealthy descend to death like sheep, while the righteous will prevail.
The Context of Psalms 49:14
The fate of the wealthy and the ultimate reversal when righteousness prevails.
What Does Psalms 49:14 Mean?
The image of sheep driven to the grave is vivid and sobering. The wealthy, who fancied themselves masters of the world, become passive victims of death—led like animals to slaughter. Then the startling reversal: 'death shall feed on them' positions death as the true master, consuming the flesh of the rich as it does all mortals.
The second part promises a morning when the upright have 'dominion over them.' This may mean resurrection and vindication, or eternal judgment where righteousness prevails. Either way, the order is inverted: those who seemed powerless below will be exalted above. The once-magnificent beauty decays in the grave.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 49:14
What does Psalms 49:14 mean?
The wealthy descend to death like sheep, while the righteous will prevail.
What is the context of Psalms 49:14?
The fate of the wealthy and the ultimate reversal when righteousness prevails.