Psalms 49:19

19 they will go to the company of their ancestors, who will never again see the light.

Psalms 49:19 Meaning and Commentary

Psalms 49:19

He shall go to the generation of his fathers
Be gathered to them at death; or "to the dwelling place of his fathers" F13; either the grave, or hell, or both; the habitation of his wicked ancestors: unless the words be rendered, as they are by some, though "he shall come to the age of his fathers" F14; live as long as they have done; yet he must die at last, and leave all behind, as they have done;

they shall never see light;
neither he nor his fathers; they shall never see light of the sun any more, nor return to the light of the living, but shall lie in the dark and silent grave until the resurrection; or rather, they shall never enjoy eternal light, glory, and happiness. The ultimate state of glory is sometimes expressed by "light"; ( John 8:12 ) ( Colossians 1:12 ) ; this the people of God, such who are made light in the Lord, and are the children of the day, shall see; but wicked men shall not; they will be cast into outer darkness, where are weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.


FOOTNOTES:

F13 (rwd-de) "ad habitationem", Gejerus.
F14 "Usque ad aetatem", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

Psalms 49:19 In-Context

17 For when they die they will carry nothing away; their wealth will not go down after them.
18 Though in their lifetime they count themselves happy —for you are praised when you do well for yourself—
19 they will go to the company of their ancestors, who will never again see the light.
20 Mortals cannot abide in their pomp; they are like the animals that perish.

Footnotes 1

New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.