Psalms 73:13
Psalms 73:13 in Multiple Translations
Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocency;
As for me, I have made my heart clean to no purpose, washing my hands in righteousness;
It's been pointless to keep my mind pure and my hands clean.
Certainely I haue clensed mine heart in vaine, and washed mine hands in innocencie.
Only — a vain thing! I have purified my heart, And I wash in innocency my hands,
Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence,
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.
Thou by thy strength didst make the sea firm: thou didst crush the heads of the dragons in the waters.
So, God, I think it is useless that I have [RHQ] always done what you want me to, and that I have not sinned.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 73:13
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 73:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַךְ
רִ֭יק
זִכִּ֣יתִי
לְבָבִ֑/י
וָ/אֶרְחַ֖ץ
בְּ/נִקָּי֣וֹן
כַּפָּֽ/י
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
רִ֭יק
rîyq
H7385
vain
N-ms
זִכִּ֣יתִי
zâkâh
H2135
to clean
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
לְבָבִ֑/י
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
וָ/אֶרְחַ֖ץ
râchats
H7364
to wash
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
בְּ/נִקָּי֣וֹן
niqqâyôwn
H5356
innocence
Prep | N-ms
כַּפָּֽ/י
kaph
H3709
palm
N-fd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 73:13
אַךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
רִ֭יק
rîyq
H7385
"vain"
N-ms
This Hebrew word means something that is empty, worthless, or done in vain. It is used to describe actions or things that have no value or purpose. The Bible uses it to warn against empty or idle pursuits.
Definition: emptiness, vanity, empty, idle, vain
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: empty, to no purpose, (in) vain (thing), vanity. See also: Leviticus 26:16; Isaiah 30:7; Psalms 2:1.
זִכִּ֣יתִי
zâkâh
H2135
"to clean"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
This verb means to make something clean, like washing away sins. In the Bible, it's used to describe God's people being purified and made righteous. It appears in Leviticus and Ezekiel, emphasizing God's desire for cleanliness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure, be clear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean, be pure 1a2) to be clear, be justified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make clean, make pure, keep clean, keep pure 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to cleanse 1c2) to make yourself clean, purify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: be (make) clean, cleanse, be clear, count pure. See also: Job 15:14; Psalms 119:9; Psalms 51:6.
לְבָבִ֑/י
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms | Suff
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
וָ/אֶרְחַ֖ץ
râchats
H7364
"to wash"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
The Hebrew word for washing or bathing, used in Exodus 30:19 where priests had to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple. It means to clean or purify oneself, as seen in 2 Kings 5:10 where Elisha tells Naaman to wash in the Jordan River.
Definition: : wash 1) to wash, wash off, wash away, bathe 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to wash, wash off, wash away 1a2) to wash, bathe (oneself) 1b) (Pual) to be washed 1c) (Hithpael) to wash oneself 2a) (Hithpael Passive) to be regarded clean, trustworthy
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: bathe (self), wash (self). See also: Genesis 18:4; Leviticus 16:4; Psalms 26:6.
בְּ/נִקָּי֣וֹן
niqqâyôwn
H5356
"innocence"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to the state of being clear or innocent, either physically or morally. It is used in the Old Testament to describe a person's cleanness or innocence, such as in the book of Psalms where David asks God to create a clean heart within him.
Definition: 1) innocency 1a) freedom from guilt, innocency 1b) freedom from punishment 1c) cleanness of teeth (physical sense)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: cleanness, innocency. See also: Genesis 20:5; Psalms 73:13; Psalms 26:6.
כַּפָּֽ/י
kaph
H3709
"palm"
N-fd | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the palm of the hand, like in Exodus 29 where it describes the priest's hands being filled with offerings. It can also symbolize power or strength, like in Psalm 16. It's about the hand or its shape.
Definition: : palm/hand 1) palm, hand, sole, palm of the hand, hollow or flat of the hand 1a) palm, hollow or flat of the hand 1b) power 1c) sole (of the foot) 1d) hollow, objects, bending objects, bent objects 1d1) of thigh-joint 1d2) pan, vessel (as hollow) 1d3) hollow (of sling) 1d4) hand-shaped branches or fronds (of palm trees) 1d5) handles (as bent)
Usage: Occurs in 180 OT verses. KJV: branch, [phrase] foot, hand((-ful), -dle, (-led)), hollow, middle, palm, paw, power, sole, spoon. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Chronicles 6:13; Psalms 7:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 73:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 73:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:13
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:13
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:13
- Sermons on Psalms 73:13
Context — Surely God Is Good to Israel
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. 15If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 21:15 | Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ |
| 2 | Psalms 26:6 | I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD, |
| 3 | Job 34:9 | For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’ |
| 4 | Job 35:3 | For you ask, ‘What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin?’ |
| 5 | Hebrews 10:19–22 | Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. |
| 6 | Malachi 3:14 | You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts? |
| 7 | Psalms 51:10 | Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. |
| 8 | James 4:8 | Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. |
| 9 | Job 9:31 | then You would plunge me into the pit, and even my own clothes would despise me. |
| 10 | Psalms 24:4 | He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. |
Psalms 73:13 Summary
The Psalmist is expressing his frustration and confusion because, despite living a holy and pure life, he feels like it's all been for nothing. He's seeing the wicked around him prospering, which makes him question God's justice (as also seen in Habakkuk 1:13). However, this verse reminds us that our purity and innocence are not just about outward actions, but about our heart's posture before God (Matthew 5:8). By trusting in God's sovereignty and justice, we can find peace and purpose, even in the midst of seeming injustice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'keep my heart pure' in Psalms 73:13?
To keep one's heart pure means to maintain a righteous and holy lifestyle, as seen in Matthew 5:8, where Jesus teaches that the pure in heart will see God.
Why does the Psalmist feel like he has kept his heart pure 'in vain'?
The Psalmist feels this way because, despite his efforts to live a holy life, he sees the wicked prospering around him, which seems unfair and leads him to question God's justice, as also expressed in Jeremiah 12:1.
What does 'washing my hands in innocence' signify?
Washing one's hands in innocence is a symbol of ritual purity and a declaration of one's innocence before God, similar to what is described in Deuteronomy 21:6-7, where the Israelites would wash their hands to signify their innocence in a matter.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Psalms 73?
This verse is part of the Psalmist's lament about the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, a theme that is also explored in Psalms 37:1-7, where trust in God's sovereignty and timing is encouraged.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm living a pure and holy life, yet not seeing the desired outcomes?
- How do I respond when I see others, who do not follow God, prospering while I face challenges?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when things seem unfair?
- In what ways can I practically 'wash my hands in innocence' today, symbolizing my commitment to living a life of purity and integrity before God?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:13
Verily, I have cleansed my heart in vain,.... Which supposes that his heart had been unclean, as every man's is, and which appears by what is in it, and by what comes out of it; that it was now
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:13
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 73:13
Hence I was sometimes tempted to think that religion was a vain and unprofitable thing, at least as to the happiness of this life, which yet God had promised as a reward to piety. True religion is here fitly and fully described by its two principal parts and works, the cleansing of the heart from sinful lusts and passions, and of the hands, or outward man, from a course of sinful actions, And although it be God’ s work to cleanse the heart, yet he saith, I have cleansed it, because every good man doth co-operate with God’ s grace in cleansing it. Compare 7:1. Washed my hands in innocency, i.e. kept my hands (the great instruments of action, and consequently the rest of the members of my body) innocent and pure from evil practices. I have washed my hands, not only ceremonially with water, wherewith hypocrites satisfy themselves, but also morally, or with the waters of God’ s grace and Spirit, innocency or purity.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:13
Psalms 73:13 Verily I have cleansed my heart [in] vain, and washed my hands in innocency.Ver. 13. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain] For all is to little purpose, if the cards play on this fashion, if the good must be thus extremely under, and the bad on top of the wheel. Surely I have troubled myself to no purpose or profit; if it be so, why am I thus? as she said. I read of a profane soldier, who at the siege of a town, passing a place of danger, was heard swearing, and when one that stood by warned him, saying, Fellow soldier, do not swear, the bullets fly, he answered, They that swear come off as well as those that pray; but soon after this a shot hit him, and down he fell. It is not safe for saints to symbolize with sinners in such desperate speeches; lest the Lord hear it and be displeased. Omne trahit secum numinis ira malum (Ovid).
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:13
(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 73:13
Verse 13. I have cleansed my heart in vain] It is no advantage to us to worship the true God, to walk according to the law of righteousness, and keep the ordinances of the Most High.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:13
13. Verily] The same word ak as in Psalms 73:1. R.V. Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart. If the wicked prosper thus, his endeavours after holiness have been wasted. There is no reward for the righteous: nay (Psalms 73:14) his own reward has been chastisement. He would not have claimed to be sinless any more than Job (cp. Job 20:9), but he has a good conscience. For the second line cp. Psalms 26:6.
The metaphor is derived from the ceremonies of the Levitical ritual. See Exodus 30:17 ff.; cp. Deuteronomy 31:6.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:13
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain - That is, There is no advantage in all my efforts to become pure and holy.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:13
13. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain— “Verily” has the force of wholly. Wholly in vain have I cleansed my heart.
Sermons on Psalms 73:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Making Sense of Life by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on a particular psalm that highlights the struggle of maintaining perspective and not getting discouraged in life. The psalmist expresses his fr |
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Give Me a Reason Not to Give Up by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher urges believers to continue living for God despite the hardships they may face. He invites those who are committed to the cause of saving the lost to c |
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Someone to Watch Over Me by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the struggles of Asaph, who felt his righteous efforts were in vain as he compared his suffering to the ease of the wicked. In his despair, Asaph questio |
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Suffer for a Little While by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh preaches on the experience of the psalmist Asaph in Psalm 73, where he almost stumbled and fell from faith while observing the prosperity of the ungodly. Asaph was temp |
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The Use and Abuse of Money by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commandments and warns of the repercussions for ignoring them. He specifically focuses on the message in Jam |
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Our Daily Homily - Psalms Part 2 by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of spiritual purity and the importance of approaching God with a clean heart, as illustrated in Psalms 26:6. He explains that true cleansing com |
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John 11:53 to End. Christ Retires to Ephraim. by Favell Lee Mortimer | Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the wicked suggestion of Caiaphas leading to the plot to put Jesus to death, emphasizing the guilt of those who propose evil schemes and the cons |