Psalm 49:8
ESV
for the ransom of their life is costly and can never suffice,
NIV
the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough—
NASB
For the redemption of his soul is priceless, And he should cease imagining forever—
CSB
since the price of redeeming him is too costly, one should forever stop trying —
NLT
Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough
KJV
For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)
NKJV
For the redemption of their souls is costly, And it shall cease forever—
What does Psalm 49:8 mean?
Under the Mosaic law a person could rescue a poor relative from indentured service by paying his debts (Leviticus 25:23–28). This "ransom" was meant to pay their debts and set them free. Earthly money can solve some earthly problems. But it cannot prevent a person from dying, eventually (Hebrews 9:27). Nor could any amount of money cover a man's sins against God (Psalm 49:7). When it seems unfair that a wicked person can be successful (Psalm 49:5–6; 73:2–3) we should remember that wealth has no value in eternity (Psalm 73:15–20). Ignoring God to seek money will not save one's life, but it will damn one's soul (Psalm 49:9).In various ways, writers and speakers have noted that a person might sacrifice health to gain wealth, but when their health fails, they'll spend all their wealth seeking to be healthy. Death is no respecter of persons, and Hebrews 9:27 makes it clear that every person has an appointment with death. Money cannot cancel this appointment. Jesus told a story about a rich man who lived in the lap of luxury. He wore expensive clothes and ate fine foods every day (Luke 16:19). However, his extravagant lifestyle ended when he died, and his wealth stayed behind. His body was buried and his soul went into torment because he did not honor God (Luke 16:20–31).
All who die without knowing Jesus as Savior will perish eternally (John 3:16–18, 36), whether they were wealthy or poor. Giving up the health and life of one's soul is even more foolish than sacrificing physical well-being to be rich.
Psalm 49:5–12 begins to describe and unravel the "riddle" previously mentioned. Though God warns about sin, wicked people may still prosper on earth. This can be discouraging to those who follow God but suffer at the hands of evil people. As the psalmist explains, ungodly people can only have a false sense of security. Wealth cannot buy pardon from sin. Ultimately, they will die and leave their wealth to others. The God-honoring person, however, has nothing to fear in eternity.
The "riddle" in question is the fact that some rich persons are also wicked and ungodly. Rich and poor, alike, should remember that money is temporary. It is not a substitute for God's approval. All people face death and God's judgment. There is no reason to envy a person who has earthly wealth but lacks eternal hope.
