Psalm 49 4

Psalm 49:4 kjv

I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp.

Psalm 49:4 nkjv

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will disclose my dark saying on the harp.

Psalm 49:4 niv

I will turn my ear to a proverb; with the harp I will expound my riddle:

Psalm 49:4 esv

I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will solve my riddle to the music of the lyre.

Psalm 49:4 nlt

I listen carefully to many proverbs
and solve riddles with inspiration from a harp.

Psalm 49 verses

Psalm 49 4 Meaning

Psalm 49:4 expresses the psalmist's resolute intention to engage deeply with profound truth. He declares his posture of humble reception ("I will incline mine ear") towards an enigmatic yet insightful message ("a parable" and "my dark saying"). This weighty message, concerning life's deepest realities and the futility of worldly wealth, is to be declared publicly and formally through music ("upon the harp"). It is an invitation to diligently listen to wisdom revealed through a poetic, perhaps riddling, presentation.

Psalm 49 4 Context

Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm, categorized with didactic psalms. Its central theme addresses the pervasive problem of trusting in earthly wealth and the futility of such trust in the face of death. The psalmist, as a wisdom teacher, intends to instruct "all peoples" (Ps 49:1) on this profound truth. Verse 4 serves as an introductory declaration, preparing the audience to receive a weighty, even challenging, message. The "dark saying" or "riddle" that follows concerns the universal human condition—mortality—and the contrasting destinies of the rich who rely on their wealth and the righteous who trust in God. It implicitly confronts any contemporary beliefs (like those sometimes seen in pagan cultures or even among misguided Israelites) that wealth could buy one's way out of death or secure one's place in the afterlife without divine favor. The psalm will subsequently reveal that human life cannot be redeemed by silver or gold from the grip of the grave; only God can provide true redemption from death (Ps 49:15).

Psalm 49 4 Word analysis

• "I will incline mine ear":

  • Hebrew: 'at-teh 'oz-ni (אֶטֶּה אָזְנִי).
  • 'at-teh (אֶטֶּה) derives from the verb natah (נָטָה), meaning "to stretch out, incline, extend, turn aside."
  • This phrase denotes an intentional and active posture of humble, attentive listening. It's not passive hearing but a deliberate turning towards the source of knowledge, indicating readiness to receive instruction and absorb deep truths. It underscores the importance of a receptive heart in grasping divine wisdom.

• "to a parable":

  • Hebrew: lə-mā-shāl (לְמָשָׁל).
  • mā-shāl (מָשָׁל) is a versatile Hebrew term that can mean proverb, parable, allegory, byword, comparison, or even an oracle.
  • It refers to a form of discourse often embodying profound moral or spiritual truths, frequently employing vivid imagery or figurative language to convey its message. In this context, it signals that the teaching will be more than simple facts; it will carry deep, possibly layered, meaning.

• "I will open":

  • Hebrew: 'ef-takh (אֶפְתַּח) derives from the verb patach (פָּתַח), meaning "to open, unbind, loose, explain, declare."
  • This signifies an active proclamation or disclosure. The psalmist will not just ponder but will declare and unfold the meaning of the profound truth he is about to convey. It suggests a movement from inward apprehension to outward expression.

• "my dark saying":

  • Hebrew: ḥi-ḏā-ṯî (חִידָתִי).
  • ḥi-ḏāh (חִידָה) means "riddle, enigma, dark saying, puzzling question."
  • Often implies something that is obscure, challenging to understand, or requires interpretation to grasp its full significance. By calling his message a "riddle," the psalmist invites thoughtful engagement, hinting that the truth about death and divine judgment might not be immediately obvious or palatable to all, especially those absorbed in materialism.

• "upon the harp":

  • Hebrew: bə-khi-nnōr (בְּכִנּוֹר).
  • kin-nōr (כִּנּוֹר) refers to a lyre or stringed instrument, often translated as "harp."
  • This indicates the musical setting for the proclamation. In ancient Israel, the harp was used in both sacred and secular contexts, accompanying psalms, prophecies, and wisdom teachings. Its inclusion here implies that the message is being presented formally, perhaps publicly, in a melodious and memorable manner, aiding in both delivery and retention of the profound truths to be spoken.

• Word-Group Analysis:

  • "I will incline mine ear to a parable": This phrase highlights the posture of a disciple. It emphasizes a deliberate act of seeking wisdom and a humble readiness to learn. It contrasts with a casual hearing and points to the depth of the teaching to be received.
  • "I will open my dark saying upon the harp": This expresses the teacher's intention to convey a profound, potentially complex truth using poetic and musical means. The combination of "opening" (declaring), a "dark saying" (a deep enigma), and the "harp" (musical accompaniment) elevates the message to a solemn, significant public instruction that requires careful consideration. It connects wisdom with divine inspiration and artistic expression.

Psalm 49 4 Bonus Section

The deliberate pairing of mā-shāl (parable/proverb) and ḥi-ḏāh (riddle/dark saying) signifies that the upcoming message transcends mere anecdote. It signals a complex wisdom truth, characteristic of a profound philosophical or theological argument disguised in poetic language, meant to probe the heart and mind of the listener. This literary choice enhances the teaching power, making the message more memorable and challenging, thereby compelling deeper reflection. The use of "my dark saying" suggests a personal revelation, either received from God or deeply internalized through experience and reflection, that the psalmist is now ready to share. This intertwining of personal insight with public proclamation, mediated by musical presentation, elevates the entire discourse beyond a simple lecture into a form of sacred, prophetic instruction.

Psalm 49 4 Commentary

Psalm 49:4 is the psalmist's personal declaration of purpose before launching into the heart of his wisdom instruction. It functions as a direct address, setting the tone for the entire psalm. The psalmist is not merely sharing personal thoughts but adopting the posture of a divinely inspired wisdom teacher. By inclining his ear to a "parable" (a weighty, often illustrative teaching), he signifies his own humble reception of deep truth, indicating that even the messenger must first be a hearer. Subsequently, his intention to "open" or reveal "my dark saying" suggests that the truth he is about to impart is not superficial; it is an enigmatic profound truth concerning the nature of life, death, wealth, and redemption that may challenge conventional thinking. The choice to declare this "upon the harp" further solemnizes the message, presenting it as a public, memorable, and divinely sanctioned pronouncement. This verse invites the listener to pay close attention, knowing that what follows is a significant unveiling of spiritual insight designed to shift one's eternal perspective from temporal security to divine salvation.

• Example: Just as a skilled teacher first learns diligently before explaining complex concepts, the psalmist emphasizes his own posture of receptivity before offering instruction. The "dark saying" can be likened to a spiritual paradox or an enduring question that demands deeper contemplation, answered by the wisdom found only in God.