Psalms 49:20 Meaning and Explanation
“Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The honored person who lacks understanding of mortality is no better than a perishing animal.
The Context of Psalms 49:20
Conclusion: lacking understanding of life's realities, the wealthy are like perishing animals.
What Does Psalms 49:20 Mean?
The final verse echoes the earlier comparison of humans to beasts, but adds a crucial distinction: the foolish wealthy are like beasts because they 'understandeth not.' Understanding here means grasping the fundamental truth the psalm has laid out—that wealth cannot purchase permanence and that death comes to all.
A human who lives in honor and wealth but lacks this understanding lives in delusion as deep as any animal's. The difference between human and beast is not wealth or status but wisdom—the knowledge of what truly matters and what truly endures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psalms 49:20
What does Psalms 49:20 mean?
The honored person who lacks understanding of mortality is no better than a perishing animal.
What is the context of Psalms 49:20?
Conclusion: lacking understanding of life's realities, the wealthy are like perishing animals.