Psalm 73 KJV
King James Version, Holy Bible
1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.
2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.
3 For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
More Psalm Chapter 73 (Old Testament)
6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment.
7 Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish.
8 They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.
9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth.
10 Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
More Psalms Chapter 73 (Old Testament)
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.
15 If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children.
16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.
18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
19 How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image.
21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
22 So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
More Psalms Chapter 73
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
27 For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.
28 But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.
Key Takeaways from This Psalm:
Psalm 73:26
Verse: אֵל, לִי הוּא חָזְקִי
Transliteration: El li hu chazki
English: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Focus Word: חָזַק (Chazak)
- Root: ח-ז-ק (Chet-Zayin-Qof)
- Meaning: “To be strong,” “to strengthen,” “to hold fast.”
- Deeper Insight: Chazak conveys moral and spiritual strength, emphasizing God as the source of enduring power and stability.
Biblical Scholars On This Chapter:
| Scholar (Institution & Dates) | Work | View on Psalm 73 |
|---|---|---|
| Hugh Binning (University of Glasgow, 1627–1653) | Sermons on the Psalms | Observes that the Psalm grapples with envy and the apparent success of the wicked, emphasizing God’s ultimate justice. |
| Thomas Scott (University of Edinburgh, 1747–1821) | Commentary on the Holy Bible | Notes the Psalm teaches reflection, humility, and trust in divine providence. |
| Johann Albrecht Bengel (University of Tübingen, 1687–1752) | Gnomon Novi Testamenti | Highlights the insight that true perspective comes from seeing life in the light of eternity. |
| Francis Turretin (Academia Genevensis / Geneva, 1623–1687) | Institutio Theologiae Elencticae | Observes that God’s guidance of the faithful ensures their ultimate well-being despite present trials. |
| William Perkins (University of Cambridge, 1558–1602) | Commentary on the Psalms | Notes that the Psalm models how reflection on God’s justice sustains faith during discouragement. |
| Scholar & Work | View |
|---|---|
| John Calvin – Commentary on the Psalms | Calvin sees the psalm as the believer’s struggle with the prosperity of the wicked. The sanctuary resolves doubt. God’s presence is the ultimate good. |
| Matthew Henry – Exposition on the Psalms | Henry interprets the psalm as a journey from envy to clarity. Eternal realities overturn present appearances. Nearness to God satisfies the soul. |
| Albert Barnes – Notes on the Psalms | Barnes views the psalm as an honest confession of perplexity. The wicked appear secure, but their end is ruin. God’s guidance brings peace. |
| John Morison – Practical Exposition of the Psalms | Morison sees the psalm as depicting spiritual crisis. The sanctuary restores perspective. Fellowship with God surpasses all. |
| William Walford – Commentary on the Psalms | Walford interprets the psalm as revealing the soul’s battle with doubt. Understanding comes through divine revelation. God is the believer’s portion. |
| Andrew A. Bonar – Christ and His Church in the Psalms | Bonar sees the psalm as the Church’s struggle with worldly success. God’s nearness resolves conflict. Eternal hope prevails. |
| Joseph Parker – People’s Bible Notes | Parker interprets the psalm as confronting the seeming triumph of evil. God’s presence clarifies life’s mysteries. Trust replaces despair. |
| Thomas Dale – Exposition of the Psalms | Dale sees the psalmist troubled by the wicked prospering. The sanctuary brings truth. God’s fellowship is supreme. |
| Horatius Bonar – Psalm Meditations | Bonar views the psalm as faith questioning its own perceptions. God reveals the end of the wicked. Communion with Him is the soul’s joy. |
| Christopher Wordsworth – Commentary on the Psalms | Wordsworth interprets the psalm as the Church finding rest in God amid worldly perplexities. The wicked fall, but the righteous dwell with God. His nearness is everlasting joy. |
