Psalms 73:21
Psalms 73:21 in Multiple Translations
When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
For my soul was grieved, And I was pricked in my heart:
My heart was made bitter, and I was pained by the bite of grief:
At that time my thoughts were bitter. I felt like I had been stabbed.
Certainely mine heart was vexed, and I was pricked in my reines:
For my heart doth show itself violent, And my reins prick themselves,
For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.
Let not the humble be turned away with confusion: the poor and needy shall praise thy name.
When I felt sad/bitter, and brokenhearted,
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 73:21
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 73:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֭י
יִתְחַמֵּ֣ץ
לְבָבִ֑/י
וְ֝/כִלְיוֹתַ֗/י
אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן
כִּ֭י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יִתְחַמֵּ֣ץ
châmêts
H2556
to leaven
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
לְבָבִ֑/י
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/כִלְיוֹתַ֗/י
kilyâh
H3629
kidney
Conj | N-fp | Suff
אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן
shânan
H8150
to sharpen
V-r-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 73:21
כִּ֭י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יִתְחַמֵּ֣ץ
châmêts
H2556
"to leaven"
V-Hithpael-Imperf-3ms
In the original Hebrew, this verb means to oppress or be cruel to someone, often causing them harm or suffering. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing ruthless behaviors, and warning against treating others harshly. It involves being merciless.
Definition: 1) to be leavened, be sour 1a) (Qal) to be leavened 1b) (Hiphil) to taste something leavened 1c) (Hithpael) to be embittered, grieved
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: cruel (man), dyed, be grieved, leavened. See also: Exodus 12:34; Psalms 73:21; Psalms 71:4.
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.
וְ֝/כִלְיוֹתַ֗/י
kilyâh
H3629
"kidney"
Conj | N-fp | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to the kidneys, which were considered essential organs, and also symbolized the mind and emotions. It appears in passages like Psalm 7:9 and Revelation 2:23. The kidneys were thought to be the seat of feelings and affections.
Definition: 1) kidneys 1a) of physical organ (lit.) 1b) of seat of emotion and affection (fig.) 1c) of sacrificial animals 2) (TWOT) reins
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: kidneys, reins. See also: Exodus 29:13; Job 19:27; Psalms 7:10.
אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן
shânan
H8150
"to sharpen"
V-r-Imperf-1cs
To sharpen means to make something pointy or to teach someone a lesson. In Psalm 52:2, the tongue is sharpened like a sword, showing its power to hurt or help.
Definition: 1) to sharpen, whet 1a) (Qal) to whet, sharpen 1b) (Piel) to sharpen, teach (incisively) 1c)(Hithpolel) to be pierced
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: prick, sharp(-en), teach diligently, whet. See also: Deuteronomy 6:7; Psalms 73:21; Psalms 45:6.
Study Notes — Psalms 73:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 73:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:21
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
- Sermons on Psalms 73:21
Context — Surely God Is Good to Israel
19How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors!
20Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
21When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You. 23Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 37:7 | Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men prosper in their ways, when they carry out wicked schemes. |
| 2 | Psalms 73:3 | For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
| 3 | Job 16:13 | His archers surround me. He pierces my kidneys without mercy and spills my gall on the ground. |
| 4 | Lamentations 3:13 | He pierced my kidneys with His arrows. |
| 5 | Psalms 37:1 | Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. |
Psalms 73:21 Summary
[This verse describes a moment when the Psalmist was feeling deeply hurt and troubled, with a heart that was grieved and pierced within. It's a feeling we can all relate to, and it's something that God understands and cares about, as we see in verses like Psalms 38:8 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. The key is to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand what's happening, and to remember that He is always with us, holding our right hand, as we see in Psalms 73:23.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be grieved and pierced within?
This phrase describes a deep emotional pain, similar to what David experienced in Psalms 38:8, where he felt overwhelmed by his sorrow and cried out to God for relief. It's a feeling of being deeply troubled and hurt, often caused by the injustices of the world.
How can I relate to the emotions expressed in this verse?
We can all identify with feelings of grief and being pierced within, just like the Psalmist. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, God is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction.
What role does faith play in times of emotional pain?
Faith plays a crucial role in times of emotional pain, as it helps us trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand what's happening. As Romans 8:28 reminds us, God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
How can I find comfort when I'm feeling grieved and pierced within?
We can find comfort in God's presence and promises, just like the Psalmist did. As Deuteronomy 31:6 reminds us, God is always with us and will never leave or forsake us, so we can trust in His love and care for us, even in the midst of pain and sorrow.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I've felt grieved and pierced within, and how did I respond to those feelings?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, especially when I'm facing difficult circumstances?
- What are some ways I can comfort others who are experiencing emotional pain, just as God comforts me?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's presence and promises, and how can I apply that trust to my everyday life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:21
Thus my heart was grieved,.... Not with his own sins, nor with the sins of the wicked, but at their prosperity; for this is an account of himself, while under the temptation, and before he went into
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:21
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. -He condemns his past beastlike folly and expresses his assurance of God's presence and guidance, notwithstanding his folly. Verse 21.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
Thus; so as I have above expressed; for this particle so taken, doth not belong to what he had now wisely and piously said in the next foregoing verses, but to what he had unadvisedly spoken in the former verses, as is evident from the following verse. Or, nevertheless, as this particle is oft used. Although I knew very. well that the prosperity of sinners would have a sudden and dismal end, yet I was so foolish as to be grieved at it. I was pricked in my reins; was heartily and deeply wounded with disquieting thoughts, and tormenting passions, envy, and sorrow, and anger.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
Psalms 73:21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.Ver. 21. Thus my heart was grieved] Heb. leavened and soured, sc. with the greatness of godly sorrow, et quasi aceto acri perfundebatur, it was steeped, as it were, in vinegar. So Peter wept bitterly; waters of Marah flowed from his eyes. And I was pricked in my reins] Pricked at heart, as those, Acts 2:37, put to as much pain as those that have the stone in the kidneys, exceedingly grieved for my misconstruing and miscensuring of God’ s ways and people.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
(21) Grieved.—Literally, grew sour; or, as we say, “was soured.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
Verse 21. Thus may heart was grieved] The different views which I got of this subject quite confounded me; I was equally astonished at their sudden overthrow and my own ignorance. I felt as if I were a beast in stupidity. I permitted my mind to be wholly occupied with sensible things, like the beasts that perish, and did not look into a future state; nor did I consider, nor submit to, the wise designs of an unerring Providence.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:21
15–28. Faith triumphant in the conviction of an ultimate judgement and the consciousness of the supreme blessedness of fellowship with God.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:21
Thus my heart was grieved - literally, and more expressively, “was soured.” The meaning is, that his heart was grieved, pained, dissatisfied.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:21
21. Thus my heart was grieved—Heart and reins are herein parallel terms, denoting the inmost nature,—the mind and soul, the intellective and sensitive being.
Sermons on Psalms 73:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Appendix 3 to Vitae Patrum Sayings of the Egyptian Fathers by Heribert Rosweyde | Heribert Rosweyde preaches on the virtues of humility, self-discipline, and prayer as essential elements in the monk's journey towards God. He emphasizes the importance of self-ref |
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An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr |
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Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength |
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Home Before Dark by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the speaker begins by sharing a personal testimony about the importance of giving testimonies and sharing one's individual experiences. He references Psalm 66:16-20 |
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Life of David by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher begins by referencing the story of Peter in the 12th chapter of Acts, where he was imprisoned and about to be beheaded. The preacher then transitions t |
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Feeding Christ (Time for Renewal Conference) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by reading from Luke 17:7-10, where Jesus tells a parable about a servant and his master. The preacher emphasizes the importance of serving God |
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A Touch From God - Part 3 by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord and seeking His presence, highlighting the consequences of spiritual adultery and the need to come out from places of d |