Psalms 73:4
Psalms 73:4 in Multiple Translations
They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
For there are no pangs in their death; But their strength is firm.
For they have no pain; their bodies are fat and strong.
They don't ever seem to get sick; they are strong and healthy.
For there are no bandes in their death, but they are lustie and strong.
And their might [is] firm.
For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm.
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
And they that hate thee have made their boasts, in the midst of thy solemnity. They have set up their ensigns for signs,
Those people do not have any pains; they are always strong and healthy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 73:4
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 73:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
אֵ֖ין
חַרְצֻבּ֥וֹת
לְ/מוֹתָ֗/ם
וּ/בָרִ֥יא
אוּלָֽ/ם
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֖ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
חַרְצֻבּ֥וֹת
chartsubbâh
H2784
bond
N-fp
לְ/מוֹתָ֗/ם
mâveth
H4194
death
Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/בָרִ֥יא
bârîyʼ
H1277
fat
Conj | Adj
אוּלָֽ/ם
ʼûwl
H193
strength
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 73:4
כִּ֤י
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.
אֵ֖ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
חַרְצֻבּ֥וֹת
chartsubbâh
H2784
"bond"
N-fp
A bond or fetter is a chain that restricts movement, like the kind used in ancient times to hold prisoners. Figuratively, it can also mean a sharp pain. The Bible uses this word to describe a type of suffering.
Definition: 1) bond, fetter, pang, hands 1a) bonds 1b) pangs
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: band. See also: Psalms 73:4; Isaiah 58:6.
לְ/מוֹתָ֗/ם
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
וּ/בָרִ֥יא
bârîyʼ
H1277
"fat"
Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this word means 'fat' or 'plump', describing something or someone that is well-fed and healthy. It is used to describe animals and people, like in the story of the fat calf in Luke 15:27.
Definition: 1) fat 2) (TWOT) fat, fatter, fed, firm, plenteous, rank Also means: ber.yah (בִּרְיָה "fat" H1274)
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: fat ((fleshed), -ter), fed, firm, plenteous, rank. See also: Genesis 41:2; Judges 3:17; Psalms 73:4.
אוּלָֽ/ם
ʼûwl
H193
"strength"
N-ms | Suff
This word means 'mighty' or 'powerful', describing someone or something strong. It is used in the Bible to talk about nobles or wealthy men. The KJV translates it as 'mighty' or 'strength'.
Definition: 1) prominence 1a) body, belly (contemptuous)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: mighty, strength. See also: 2 Kings 24:15; Psalms 73:4.
Study Notes — Psalms 73:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 73:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:4
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
- Sermons on Psalms 73:4
Context — Surely God Is Good to Israel
2But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.
3For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.
5They are free of the burdens others carry; they are not afflicted like other men. 6Therefore pride is their necklace; a garment of violence covers them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 21:23–24 | One man dies full of vigor, completely secure and at ease. His body is well nourished, and his bones are rich with marrow. |
| 2 | Ecclesiastes 2:16 | For there is no lasting remembrance of the wise, just as with the fool, seeing that both will be forgotten in the days to come. Alas, the wise man will die just like the fool! |
| 3 | Luke 16:22 | One day the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. And the rich man also died and was buried. |
| 4 | Psalms 17:10 | They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance. |
| 5 | Job 24:20 | The womb forgets them; the worm feeds on them; they are remembered no more. So injustice is like a broken tree. |
| 6 | 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. |
| 7 | Ecclesiastes 7:15 | In my futile life I have seen both of these: A righteous man perishing in his righteousness, and a wicked man living long in his wickedness. |
Psalms 73:4 Summary
[This verse, Psalms 73:4, describes how the wicked often seem to have an easy life and a peaceful death, with their bodies being well-fed, which can be confusing for believers who face struggles and hardships, but as Romans 8:28 reminds us, God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the wicked have no struggle in their death?
This means that the wicked often seem to die peacefully, without the suffering or hardship that many righteous people face, as seen in Psalms 73:4, a stark contrast to the struggles of the righteous, such as Job's experiences in Job 2:7-8.
Is it true that the wicked are always well-fed and prosperous?
While it may seem that way, as described in Psalms 73:4, it's essential to remember that true prosperity comes from God, as stated in Psalms 37:3, and that the wicked may face eternal judgment, as warned in Revelation 20:12-15.
How can I avoid envying the prosperity of the wicked, as described in Psalms 73:3?
By focusing on your own relationship with God, trusting in His goodness, and remembering that His ways are not our ways, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9, you can avoid the trap of envy and instead choose to rejoice in the Lord, as encouraged in Philippians 4:4.
What is the significance of the well-fed bodies of the wicked in this verse?
The well-fed bodies of the wicked, as mentioned in Psalms 73:4, symbolize their apparent prosperity and comfort in this life, but this does not necessarily mean they are blessed by God, as Jesus taught in Luke 12:15, warning against the dangers of materialism and the importance of seeking eternal riches.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I've seen the wicked prosper in my own life, and how has that affected my faith?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when it seems like the wicked are thriving?
- In what ways can I prioritize my spiritual nourishment, ensuring that my soul is 'well-fed' with the Word of God, as described in Matthew 4:4?
- What are some areas where I may be struggling with envy or discontentment, and how can I surrender those to God, seeking His peace and contentment, as promised in Philippians 4:7?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:4
For there are no bands in their death,.... Nothing that binds and straitens them, afflicts and distresses them; they have no pain of mind nor of body, but die at once, suddenly, in a moment, wholly
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:4
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. For (there are) no bands in their death - or 'even up to [lª-: note, Isaiah 7:15] their death. The same Hebrew occurs in Isaiah 58:6.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
There are no bands in their death; they are not dragged to death, neither by the hand and sentence of the magistrate, which yet they deserve; nor by any lingering and grievous torments of mind or body, which is the case of many good men; but they enjoy a sweet and quiet death, dropping into the grave, like ripe fruit from the tree, without ally violence used to them. Compare 21:13. But their strength is firm, Heb. and their strength is fat, i.e. sound and good; the best of any thing being called fat in Scripture, as . And in their lifetime they have great ease, and health, and content, till they expire like a lamp, merely for want of moisture.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
Psalms 73:4 For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.Ver. 4. For there are no bands in their death] Or, no knots and knarls; they die without long sickness, or much pain, or trouble of mind. If a man die like a lamb, and pass out of the world like a bird in a shell, he is certainly saved, think some. The wicked are here said to die quietly, as if there were no loosening of the band that is between soul and body. Julian the apostate died with these words in his mouth; Vitam reposcenti naturae tanquam debitor bonae fidei redditurus exulto, that is, I owe a death to nature, and now that she calleth for it, as a faithful debtor, I gladly pay it (Ammian.). The princes of the Sogdians, when they were drawn forth to death by Alexander the Great, carmen more laetantium cecinerunt, tripudiisque gaudium animi ostentare caeperunt, they sang and danced to the place of execution (Curt. lib. 7, ex Diodor.). But their strength is firm] They are lively and lusty, they are pingues et praevalidi, fat and fair liking; fat is their fortitude, so some render it; others, strong is their porch or palace.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
(4) For there are no bands in their death.—This is quite unintelligible, and does not fairly render the Hebrew, which gives, For there are no bands to their death. And by analogy of the derivation of tormenta from tor queo, we might give the Hebrew word bands the sense of pangs, rendering, “they have a painless death,” if such a statement about the wicked were not quite out of keeping with the psalm. The ancient versions give us no help. Some emendation of the text is absolutely necessary. In the only other place it occurs (Isaiah 58:6) the word means specially the bands of a yoke; hence a most ingenious conjecture, which, by only a change of one letter, gives there are no bands to their yoke, i.e., they are “chartered libertines,” men of libido effrenata et indomita, a description admirably in keeping with that of the animal grossness in the next clause, “fat is their belly.” (Comp. the image of an animal restive from over-feeding, Deuteronomy 32:15; Burgess, Notes on the Hebrew Psalms.) Strength.—The word is curious, but explained by Arabic cognates to mean belly, possibly from its roundness (“a fair round belly with good capon lined”); from root meaning roll.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
Verse 4. No bands in their death] Many of the godly have sore conflicts at their death. Their enemy then thrusts sore at them that they may fall; or that their confidence in their God may be shaken. But of this the ungodly know nothing. Satan will not molest them; he is sure of his prey; they are entangled, and cannot now break their nets; their consciences are seared, they have no sense of guilt. If they think at all of another world, they presume on that mercy which they never sought, and of which they have no distinct notion. Perhaps, "they die without a sigh or a groan; and thus go off as quiet as a lamb"-to the slaughter.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:4
4. no bands &c.] The meaning may be that they are not bound and delivered over like “pale captives” to premature death (cp. the paraphrase of P.B.V. “they are in no peril of death”): or that they have no torments of pain and disease (R.V. marg. pangs) in their death, but have a peaceful end to a prosperous life. Cp. Job 21:13; Job 21:23. But the mention of death seems premature, and the rhythm of the Hebrew is halting: sense and rhythm both gain by a simple emendation which is adopted by most editors: For they have no torments: Sound and stalwart is their body.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:4
For there are no bands in their death - The word rendered “bands” here means properly “cords tightly drawn,” Isaiah 58:6; then, pains, pangs, torments - “as if” one were twisted or tortured with
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:4
4. No bands in their death—The word “bands” means tortures, pains, “intended of pains that produce convulsive contractions.”—Delitzsch.
Sermons on Psalms 73:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Job 21-30 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the psalmist's lamentation of his tragic condition and the bitterness he experiences. The psalmist questions why the wicked prosper while th |
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Between Death and Resurrection - Part 2 by David Pawson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of regret and the certainty of the afterlife. He emphasizes that once a person is in the prison of death, there is no going back |
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The Significance of Resurrection - Part 1 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the concept of resurrection, emphasizing the distinction between the body, soul, and spirit, and the significance of the resurrection of the body. It explor |
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The Eternal Torment of the Wicked by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | Robert Murray M'Cheyne delivers a sobering sermon on 'The Eternal Torment of the Wicked', emphasizing that the eternal punishment of the wicked will be a source of joy and praise f |
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After You Die by Bakht Singh | Bakht Singh preaches about the contrasting beliefs of reincarnation and the afterlife as depicted in the Bible. He emphasizes that the story of the rich man and Lazarus is a real-l |
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1 Peter 3:19 by John Gill | John Gill explores 1 Peter 3:19, discussing the various interpretations of Christ's preaching to the spirits in prison. He argues against the notion that Christ's human soul descen |
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Of the Punishment of Sin. by John Gill | John Gill addresses the punishment of sin, emphasizing that all humanity, as descendants of Adam, is subject to both temporal and eternal punishment due to original sin and actual |