Psalms 49:2

Pay attention, all you people, ¹  both rich and poor!

both low and high, rich and poor alike:

Both low and high, Rich and poor together.

High and low, rich and poor––listen!

All you haves and have-nots, All together now: listen.

High and low together, the poor, and those who have wealth.

both low and high, rich and poor together.

Both low and high, Rich and poor together.

Pay attention, all you people, ¹  both rich and poor!

¹ tn Heb “even the sons of mankind, even the sons of man.” Because of the parallel line, where “rich and poor” are mentioned, some treat these expressions as polar opposites, with בְּנֵי אָדָם (bÿney ’adam) referring to the lower classes and בְּנֵי אִישׁ (bÿney ’ish) to higher classes (cf. NIV, NRSV). But usage does not support such a view. The rare phrase בְּנֵי אִישׁ (“sons of man”) appears to refer to human beings in general in its other uses (see Pss 4:2; 62:9; Lam 3:33). It is better to understand “even the sons of mankind” and “even the sons of man” as synonymous expressions (cf. NEB “all mankind, every living man”). The repetition emphasizes the need for all people to pay attention, for the psalmist’s message is relevant to everyone.