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I

Why should I fear in evil days,
    with the iniquity of my assailants surrounding me,
Of those who trust in their wealth
    and boast of their abundant riches?(A)
[a]No man can ransom even a brother,
    or pay to God his own ransom.(B)
The redemption of his soul is costly;
    and he will pass away forever.
10 Will he live on forever, then,
    and never see the Pit of Corruption?

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Footnotes

  1. 49:8 No man can ransom even a brother: an axiom. For the practice of redemption, cf. Jb 6:21–23. A play on the first Hebrew word of Ps 49:8, 16 relates the two verses.

17 Do not fear when a man becomes rich,
    when the wealth of his house grows great.
18 At his death he will not take along anything,
    his glory will not go down after him.(A)
19 During his life his soul uttered blessings;
    “They will praise you, for you do well for yourself.”
20 But he will join the company of his fathers,
    never again to see the light.(B)

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