complete verse (Psalm 49:16)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 49:16:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “Do not be troubled in the heart when a person is getting rich,
    when the glory of his house is getting more and more;” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “Don’t be afraid if someone gets rich
    and his property increases more and more.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “[You (sing.)] do- not -be-troubled when others become-rich/accumulate-wealth,
    when the wealth of their family increases even more.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “Do not be jealous when someone is going to be rich,
    when the wealth of his home will increase,” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Usiwe na hofu iwapo mtu anakuwa tajiri,
    hata kama mali yake inaongezeka sana.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “So, do not be dismayed when someone becomes rich
    and the houses where they live become more and more luxurious,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Psalm 49:16 - 49:17

In verse 16 the psalmist advises others to be like him (see verses 5-6) and not “be upset” because some people prosper. The verb is “to be afraid” (see Revised Standard Version), which Good News Translation and Bible en français courant take in the sense of being upset, disquieted. New Jerusalem Bible and New International Version “overawed” is good. But the same Hebrew consonants can be given vowel points to mean “look,” possibly yielding “look with envy” (see New English Bible, Dahood). This makes good sense, and a translator may choose to follow this interpretation.

In verse 16b the glory of his house (or, “the honor…”) may mean “the wealth of his family” (New English Bible) or “his household goods” (New Jerusalem Bible).

The two lines of verse 17 are synonymous: no one takes his riches with him when he “goes down” to Sheol, the world of the dead. Revised Standard Version has kept the meaning glory in the text of verses 16b and 17b, with “wealth” as an alternative translation. It seems best to say “wealth” or “riches” in the text (so Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible; New International Version “splendor”; New Jerusalem Bible “goods”). In some languages it is not possible to speak of his glory going down or “his wealth will not go with him,” as if wealth had animate characteristics. One may often say “his wealth will not be with him in the grave” or “he will not be able to use his money in the grave.”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .