Psalms 73:12
Psalms 73:12 in Multiple Translations
Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth.
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
Behold, these are the wicked; And, being alway at ease, they increase in riches.
Truly, such are the sinners; they do well at all times, and their wealth is increased.
Look at these wicked people! They don't have a care in the world, and they're always making money!
Lo, these are the wicked, yet prosper they alway, and increase in riches.
Lo, these [are] the wicked and easy ones of the age, They have increased strength.
Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
But God is our king before ages: he hath wrought salvation in the midst of the earth.
That is what wicked people are like; they never worry about anything, and they are always becoming richer.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 73:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 73:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הִנֵּה
אֵ֥לֶּה
רְשָׁעִ֑ים
וְ/שַׁלְוֵ֥י
ע֝וֹלָ֗ם
הִשְׂגּוּ
חָֽיִל
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Part
אֵ֥לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
רְשָׁעִ֑ים
râshâʻ
H7563
wicked
Adj
וְ/שַׁלְוֵ֥י
shâlêv
H7961
at ease
Conj | Adj
ע֝וֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
N-ms
הִשְׂגּוּ
sâgâh
H7685
to grow
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
חָֽיִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 73:12
הִנֵּה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
אֵ֥לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
רְשָׁעִ֑ים
râshâʻ
H7563
"wicked"
Adj
This word describes someone who is morally wrong, a bad person who is guilty of crime or sin against God or others. It is used to describe the wicked in biblical stories, such as in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) wicked, criminal 1a) guilty one, one guilty of crime (subst) 1b) wicked (hostile to God) 1c) wicked, guilty of sin (against God or man)
Usage: Occurs in 248 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] condemned, guilty, ungodly, wicked (man), that did wrong. See also: Genesis 18:23; Psalms 101:8; Psalms 1:1.
וְ/שַׁלְוֵ֥י
shâlêv
H7961
"at ease"
Conj | Adj
Being at ease means feeling peaceful and secure, like having no worries. In the Bible, it can also mean being prosperous or wealthy, but sometimes it can imply being too comfortable and becoming careless.
Definition: 1) quiet, at ease, prosperous 1a) at ease (of persons) 1b) quiet (of land) 1c) quiet, ease 1d) ease (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: (being) at ease, peaceable, (in) prosper(-ity), quiet(-ness), wealthy. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:40; Psalms 73:12; Jeremiah 49:31.
ע֝וֹלָ֗ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
הִשְׂגּוּ
sâgâh
H7685
"to grow"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This word means to increase or grow, often used to describe something getting bigger or more powerful, like a plant growing upward. It appears in 2 Samuel 23:10.
Definition: 1) to grow, increase 1a) (Qal) to grow (of plant)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: grow (up), increase. See also: Job 8:7; Psalms 73:12; Psalms 92:13.
חָֽיִל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
Study Notes — Psalms 73:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 73:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:12
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
- Sermons on Psalms 73:12
Context — Surely God Is Good to Israel
10So their people return to this place and drink up waters in abundance.
11The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?”
12Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth.
13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands. 14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 52:7 | “Look at the man who did not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his wealth and strengthened himself by destruction.” |
| 2 | Psalms 49:6 | They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. |
| 3 | Hosea 12:7–8 | A merchant loves to defraud with dishonest scales in his hands. And Ephraim boasts: “How rich I have become! I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors, they can find in me no iniquity that is sinful.” |
| 4 | Psalms 17:14 | from such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children. |
| 5 | Psalms 62:10 | Place no trust in extortion, or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. |
| 6 | Psalms 37:35 | I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, |
| 7 | Jeremiah 5:17 | They will devour your harvest and food; they will consume your sons and daughters; they will eat up your flocks and herds; they will feed on your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will destroy the fortified cities in which you trust.” |
| 8 | James 5:1–3 | Come now, you who are rich, weep and wail over the misery to come upon you. Your riches have rotted and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and consume your flesh like fire. You have hoarded treasure in the last days. |
| 9 | Jeremiah 12:1–2 | Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease? You planted them, and they have taken root. They have grown and produced fruit. You are ever on their lips, but far from their hearts. |
| 10 | Jeremiah 5:28 | They have grown fat and sleek, and have excelled in the deeds of the wicked. They have not taken up the cause of the fatherless, that they might prosper; nor have they defended the rights of the needy. |
Psalms 73:12 Summary
[This verse is saying that the wicked people seem to be happy and successful, and they are getting richer and richer, but this doesn't mean that God is happy with them, as we see in Psalm 37:1-2. It's like the Bible says in Jeremiah 12:1-4, where the prophet asks why the wicked prosper, and God responds by saying that it's not for us to understand, but to trust in His sovereignty. We need to remember that true happiness and fulfillment come from knowing and following God, not from having a lot of money or stuff, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:24.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous suffer?
This is a common question that has puzzled believers throughout history, but as Psalm 73:12 notes, the wicked may appear carefree and prosperous, but this is not necessarily a reflection of God's approval or favor, as seen in Psalm 37:1-2 and Jeremiah 12:1-4.
What does it mean to be 'carefree' in this context?
In this verse, being 'carefree' means that the wicked are without worry or concern, not because they have a deep trust in God, but because they are self-sufficient and confident in their own abilities, as opposed to the trust and humility encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Is it wrong to desire wealth and material possessions?
While wealth and material possessions are not inherently wrong, the Bible warns against making them the primary focus of our lives, as seen in Matthew 6:24 and 1 Timothy 6:10, and instead encourages us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
How can I avoid envying the wicked and their prosperity?
By focusing on our own relationship with God and trusting in His sovereignty, as seen in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 37:3-7, we can avoid envying the wicked and instead cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be envying the prosperity of others, and how can I redirect my focus to God's plan and purposes?
- How can I balance the desire for material comfort and security with the biblical call to trust and obey God, even in uncertain circumstances?
- In what ways can I demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when the wicked seem to prosper and the righteous suffer?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate a heart of gratitude and contentment, rather than envying the prosperity of others?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:12
Behold, these are the ungodly,.... Who say and do as before declared; such as these must be without the knowledge of God, the fear, love, and worship of him: who prosper in the world; in worldly and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:12
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. -The mental conflict which resulted in the Psalmist's mind from the anomalous prosperity of sinners. Verse 12.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
These are the ungodly; this is their condition and carriage in it. These seem to be the words of the psalmist, summing up the matter, and preparing his passage to the other part of the Psalm.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
Psalms 73:12 Behold, these [are] the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase [in] riches.Ver. 12. Behold, these are the ungodly] q.d. If God do take knowledge of things here below, and ordereth all events, how is it that the ungodly prosper, while better men suffer? Who prosper in the world] An ill character, everything considered. See Psalms 17:14. Behold, these are the ungodly, the fortunate men of the world, so some render it. He that liveth in the height of the world’ s blandishments is not far from destruction. Periculosa est summe bona corporis valetudo, saith Hippocrates, The height of health is nearest to sickness and death. They increase in riches] They wallow in wealth; God pouring honey into their hives; but for a vengeance.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
(11-14) The mutual relation of these verses has been the subject of many conflicting opinions. The following is the arrangement that seems preferable— “And people say, How shall God know? And does the Most High take notice of it? Lo! there are wicked men, And yet, always at ease, they amass riches. It is in vain then that I have kept my heart pure. And washed my hands in innocence; For I have been plagued every day, And my punishments (come) every morning.” —this reflection being put into the mouth of the public who are onlookers at the career of these timeservers. But the poet immediately goes on to disclaim it for himself.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
Verse 12. These are the ungodly] The people still speak. It is the ungodly that prosper, the irreligious and profane.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:12
1–14. Faith tried by the sight of the prosperity of the wicked.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:12
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world - This is also to be understood as the language of the good man perplexed and embarrassed by the fact that the wicked are prosperous and happy.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:12
12. Behold, these are the ungodly—The psalmist speaks and “describes the impression made upon him, the representative of real and living piety, by this contradiction between sight and faith, between
Sermons on Psalms 73:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Who's Begging Now - c.m. Ward by From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons | In this sermon titled "Who's Begging Now?" by Sam Ward, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the state of one's heart rather than their material wealth. He uses the story of t |
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Do Not Be Overawed by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of envying the wicked, who may appear carefree and prosperous in life but face dire consequences in death. He reflects on Psalm 73, illustrati |
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Exposition on Psalm 52 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the contrast between those who trust in earthly riches and those who trust in the mercy of God for everlasting life. He emphasizes the importance of ro |
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Easter Conference 1979-02 by Aldy Fam Fanous | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prayer and the filling of the Holy Spirit in the church. He uses the example of Elijah, who prayed and saw great miracles |
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Special Meetings 01 God's Thoughts by John W. Bramhall | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of sowing the seeds of the word of God in the world. He recalls an incident from his past where he distributed tracts during |
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Fire for God | What Did Jesus Do by Manuel Brambila | In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of relying on God's strength and not our own. He encourages the audience to trust in the message of the gospel rather than the |
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Hosea #3 Ch. 4-5 Israel's Willful Ignorance by Chuck Missler | In this sermon on the book of Hosea, the speaker begins by highlighting the broken home of Israel as a result of their adulterous relationship with God. The focus then shifts to ch |