Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version both low and high, rich and poor alike: New Living Translation High and low, rich and poor—listen! English Standard Version both low and high, rich and poor together! Berean Standard Bible both low and high, rich and poor alike. King James Bible Both low and high, rich and poor, together. New King James Version Both low and high, Rich and poor together. New American Standard Bible Both low and high, Rich and poor together. NASB 1995 Both low and high, Rich and poor together. NASB 1977 Both low and high, Rich and poor together. Legacy Standard Bible Both low and high, Rich and poor together. Amplified Bible Both low and high, Rich and poor together: Christian Standard Bible both low and high, rich and poor together. Holman Christian Standard Bible both low and high, rich and poor together. American Standard Version Both low and high, Rich and poor together. Contemporary English Version Listen, no matter who you are, rich or poor. English Revised Version Both low and high, rich and poor together. GOD'S WORD® Translation common people and important ones, rich people and poor ones. Good News Translation great and small alike, rich and poor together. International Standard Version both average people and those of means, the rich and the poor together. NET Bible Pay attention, all you people, both rich and poor! New Heart English Bible both low and high, rich and poor together. Webster's Bible Translation Both low and high, rich and poor together. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleboth low and high, rich and poor alike. World English Bible both low and high, rich and poor together. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionBoth low and high, together rich and needy. Young's Literal Translation Both low and high, together rich and needy. Smith's Literal Translation Also ye sons of Adam, also ye sons of man together, ye rich and needy. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAll you that are earthborn, and you sons of men: both rich and poor together. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible You of lowly birth or high estate, rich and poor together. New Revised Standard Version both low and high, rich and poor together. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleChildren of earth and sons of men, rich and poor together. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Children of Earth and the children of men together, the rich and the poor, OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Both low and high, Rich and poor together. Brenton Septuagint Translation both the sons of mean men, and sons of great men; the rich and poor man together. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Evanescence of Wealth1For the choirmaster. A Psalm of the sons of Korah. Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, 2both low and high, rich and poor alike. 3My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.… Cross References Proverbs 1:20-23 Wisdom calls out in the street, she lifts her voice in the square; / in the main concourse she cries aloud, at the city gates she makes her speech: / “How long, O simple ones, will you love your simple ways? How long will scoffers delight in their scorn and fools hate knowledge? ... Proverbs 8:1-4 Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? / On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. / Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: ... Isaiah 55:1-3 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! / Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods. / Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make with you an everlasting covenant—My loving devotion promised to David. Jeremiah 9:23-24 This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. Job 34:2-4 “Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning. / For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food. / Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good. Ecclesiastes 12:9-10 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. / The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth. Proverbs 9:1-6 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. / She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. / She has sent out her maidservants; she calls out from the heights of the city. ... Isaiah 1:18-20 “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. / If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. / But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Proverbs 2:1-6 My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, / if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, / if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, ... Isaiah 28:23-29 Listen and hear my voice. Pay attention and hear what I say. / Does the plowman plow for planting every day? Does he continuously loosen and harrow the soil? / When he has leveled its surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? He plants wheat in rows and barley in plots, and rye within its border. ... Matthew 11:15 He who has ears, let him hear. Mark 4:23-24 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear.” / He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you. Luke 8:8 Still other seed fell on good soil, where it sprang up and produced a crop—a hundredfold.” As Jesus said this, He called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 13:9-16 He who has ears, let him hear.” / Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak to the people in parables?” / He replied, “The knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. ... Romans 10:17 Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Treasury of Scripture Both low and high, rich and poor, together. Psalm 62:9 Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity. 1 Samuel 2:7,8 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up… Job 34:19 How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands. Jump to Previous Alike Degree High Low Needy Poor Rich Together WealthJump to Next Alike Degree High Low Needy Poor Rich Together WealthPsalm 49 1. An earnest persuasion to build the faith of resurrection16. Worldly prosperity is not to be admired both low and high This phrase emphasizes the universal nature of the message in Psalm 49. The terms "low and high" refer to social status, indicating that the wisdom and truths contained in this psalm are applicable to everyone, regardless of their position in society. In biblical times, social hierarchies were pronounced, with clear distinctions between classes. This inclusivity reflects the biblical principle that God's word and wisdom are for all people, as seen in passages like Galatians 3:28, which speaks of the equality of all in Christ. rich and poor alike Persons / Places / Events 1. Sons of KorahThe authors of Psalm 49, a group of Levitical singers and musicians who played a significant role in temple worship. 2. Israel The primary audience of the Psalms, representing God's chosen people who are called to live according to His statutes. 3. The Rich and Poor The societal groups addressed in this verse, emphasizing the universal nature of the message. 4. The Assembly The gathering of people, both low and high, to whom the message is proclaimed. 5. The Temple The central place of worship in Jerusalem, where the Psalms were often sung or recited. Teaching Points Universal Call to WisdomThe message of Psalm 49:2 is for everyone, regardless of social or economic status. It reminds us that God's wisdom and truth are accessible to all. Equality Before God Both the rich and the poor stand equal before God. This should encourage us to treat others with respect and dignity, recognizing our shared humanity. The Futility of Wealth Material wealth is temporary and cannot secure eternal life. Our focus should be on spiritual riches and a relationship with God. Humility and Dependence on God Whether rich or poor, we are called to live humbly and depend on God for our needs, acknowledging that He is the source of all blessings. Community and Unity The call to both low and high emphasizes the importance of community and unity in the body of Christ, where all are valued and have a role to play. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Psalm 49:2?2. How does Psalm 49:2 emphasize the universal need for wisdom and understanding? 3. What does "both low and high, rich and poor" teach about God's message? 4. How can we apply the inclusivity of Psalm 49:2 in our evangelism? 5. In what ways does Psalm 49:2 connect to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19? 6. How can recognizing our shared need for wisdom impact our daily interactions? 7. What does Psalm 49:2 reveal about the equality of all people before God? 8. How does Psalm 49:2 challenge societal views on wealth and status? 9. In what ways does Psalm 49:2 address the theme of mortality? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Psalm 49? 11. Which Bible sections contain poetic elements? 12. In Psalm 133:2, does the image of oil running down Aaron's beard have literal historic authenticity or is it purely symbolic? 13. What is the meaning of Psalm 49:7? 14. Psalm 49:12 likens humans to animals in their mortality--does this contradict the doctrine of an immortal soul seen elsewhere in Scripture? What Does Psalm 49:2 Mean setting the scenePsalm 49 opens with a summons: “Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world” (v. 1). Verse 2 immediately specifies who those “inhabitants” are, showing that the message is universal and authoritative. The psalmist will address the fleeting nature of wealth, the certainty of death, and the need to place trust in God rather than riches—truths that apply to everyone (cf. Isaiah 40:6-8; Romans 3:23). both low and high “both low and high” (Psalm 49:2a) • Social standing is irrelevant before God. Whether a person occupies a humble station or a position of influence, all are accountable to the same Creator (cf. Job 34:19; Proverbs 22:2). • The phrase reminds us that worldly rank cannot shield anyone from the realities the psalm soon details—mortality, judgment, and the call to wisdom (cf. 1 Samuel 2:7-8; Revelation 20:12). • By addressing both “low and high,” the psalmist affirms the equal worth of every person and levels the ground at the foot of God’s throne (cf. Acts 10:34-35). rich and poor alike “rich and poor alike” (Psalm 49:2b) • Earthly wealth does not purchase eternal security, nor does poverty exclude anyone from God’s salvation (cf. Luke 12:15-21; James 2:5-6). • Rich and poor share the same ultimate destiny apart from redemption (v. 10), so the psalm calls both groups to seek wisdom that transcends material status (cf. Luke 1:52-53; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). • The pairing underscores that God’s truths are not class-specific; the gospel addresses every economic bracket equally (cf. Romans 10:12-13). timeless truth • Every human being, regardless of rank or resources, must grapple with life’s brevity and eternity’s certainty (cf. Hebrews 9:27). • True security lies in God’s redemption, not in human standing or possessions (cf. Psalm 62:9-10; John 3:16). • Because the invitation is universal, believers should proclaim the message indiscriminately, mirroring God’s impartial concern. living it out • Evaluate where you place confidence—title, influence, bank account, or the Lord who “redeems my soul from the power of Sheol” (Psalm 49:15). • Treat people without favoritism, reflecting God’s equal invitation to “both low and high, rich and poor alike” (cf. James 2:1). • Use resources, positions, and opportunities to point others to the wisdom found in Christ, remembering that none of those assets accompany us past the grave (cf. Matthew 6:19-21). summary Psalm 49:2 underscores the universal scope of God’s message: every person—whatever the social ladder’s rung or the balance sheet’s figure—needs the same saving wisdom. Status cannot shelter us from death, and wealth cannot buy redemption. The psalmist’s call reaches everyone, inviting all to rest their hope in the Lord who offers lasting security beyond this life. (2) Both high and low.--The two Hebrew expressions here used, bene-adam and bene-ish, answer to one another much as homo and vir in Latin. The LXX. and Vulg., taking adam in its primary sense, render "sons of the soil and sons of men." Symmachus makes the expressions stand for men in general and men as individuals.Shall be of understanding.--The copula supplied by the Authorised Version is unnecessary. The word rendered meditation may mean, from its etymology, "muttered thoughts," and it is quite consistent to say, my musings speak of understanding. So LXX. and Vulgate. Verse 2. - Both high and low, rich and poor, together. The teaching of the psalm concerns all ranks alike. To the great and rich it will carry warning; to the poor and lowly, consolation.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew bothגַּם־ (gam-) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and low and high, בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son rich עָשִׁ֥יר (‘ā·šîr) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6223: Rich and poor וְאֶבְיֽוֹן׃ (wə·’eḇ·yō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor alike. יַ֝֗חַד (ya·ḥaḏ) Adverb Strong's 3162: A unit, unitedly Links Psalm 49:2 NIVPsalm 49:2 NLT Psalm 49:2 ESV Psalm 49:2 NASB Psalm 49:2 KJV Psalm 49:2 BibleApps.com Psalm 49:2 Biblia Paralela Psalm 49:2 Chinese Bible Psalm 49:2 French Bible Psalm 49:2 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Psalm 49:2 Both low and high rich and poor (Psalm Ps Psa.) |
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