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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Psalm 73:13 Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/73-13.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/19_Psa_073_013.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 73:13 - Endow the King with Your Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/psalms/73-13.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/psalms/73-13.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/psalms/">Psalms</a> > <a href="/psalms/73.htm">Chapter 73</a> > Verse 13</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad13.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/psalms/73-12.htm" title="Psalm 73:12">◄</a> Psalm 73:13 <a href="/psalms/73-14.htm" title="Psalm 73:14">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/psalms/73.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/73.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/73.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/73.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Verily I have cleansed my heart <i>in</i> vain, and washed my hands in innocency.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/73.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Surely I have cleansed my heart <i>in</i> vain, And washed my hands in innocence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/73.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure And washed my hands in innocence;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure And washed my hands in innocence;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure, And washed my hands in innocence;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/73.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure And washed my hands in innocence;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/73.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Surely then in vain I have cleansed my heart And washed my hands in innocence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/73.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/73.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/73.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocency;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/73.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />What good did it do me to keep my thoughts pure and refuse to do wrong? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/73.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocency;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/73.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I've received no reward for keeping my life pure and washing my hands of any blame.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/73.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Is it for nothing, then, that I have kept myself pure and have not committed sin? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/73.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I kept my heart pure for nothing and kept my hands clean from guilt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/73.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/73.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />I concluded, "Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/73.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocence,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/73.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/73.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/73.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Only—a vain thing! I have purified my heart, "" And I wash my hands in innocence,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/73.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Only -- a vain thing! I have purified my heart, And I wash in innocency my hands,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/73.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Surely in vain I cleansed my heart, and I will wash my hands in cleanness.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/73.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I said: Then have I in vain justified my heart, and washed my hands among the innocent. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/73.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 72:13>And I said: So then, it is without purpose that I have justified my heart and washed my hands among the innocent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/73.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Is it in vain that I have kept my heart pure, washed my hands in innocence? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/73.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />All in vain I have kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/73.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />As for me, I have cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocence.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/73.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I alone have purified my heart and have washed my hands in purity.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/73.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Surely in vain have I cleansed my heart, And washed my hands in innocency;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/73.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I said, Verily in vain have I justified my heart, and washed my hands in innocency.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/73-13.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nFaD2oDhKPc?start=8879" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Endow the King with Your Justice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">12</span>Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree as they increase their wealth. <span class="reftext">13</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/389.htm" title="389: ’aḵ- (Adv) -- Surely, howbeit. Akin to 'aken; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence only.">Surely</a> <a href="/hebrew/7385.htm" title="7385: rîq (N-ms) -- Emptiness, a worthless thing, in vain. From ruwq; emptiness; figuratively, a worthless thing; adverbially, in vain.">in vain</a> <a href="/hebrew/2135.htm" title="2135: zik·kî·ṯî (V-Piel-Perf-1cs) -- To be clear, clean or pure. A primitive root; to be translucent; figuratively, to be innocent.">I have kept my heart pure;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lə·ḇā·ḇî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5356.htm" title="5356: bə·niq·qā·yō·wn (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- Innocency. Or niqqayon; from naqah; clearness.">in innocence</a> <a href="/hebrew/7364.htm" title="7364: wā·’er·ḥaṣ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To wash, wash off or away, bathe. A primitive root; to lave.">I have washed</a> <a href="/hebrew/3709.htm" title="3709: kap·pāy (N-fdc:: 1cs) -- Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan. From kaphaph; the hollow hand or palm; figuratively, power.">my hands.</a> </span><span class="reftext">14</span>For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-15.htm">Job 21:15-16</a></span><br />Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ / Still, their prosperity is not in their own hands, so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/malachi/3-14.htm">Malachi 3:14-15</a></span><br />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? / So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, they even test God and escape.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/49-4.htm">Isaiah 49:4</a></span><br />But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/9-29.htm">Job 9:29-31</a></span><br />Since I am already found guilty, why should I labor in vain? / If I should wash myself with snow and cleanse my hands with lye, / then You would plunge me into the pit, and even my own clothes would despise me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Ecclesiastes 2:11</a></span><br />Yet when I considered all the works that my hands had accomplished and what I had toiled to achieve, I found everything to be futile, a pursuit of the wind; there was nothing to be gained under the sun.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1-2</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-26.htm">Job 30:26</a></span><br />But when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, darkness fell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-14.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:14</a></span><br />There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-9</a></span><br />Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? / Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. / Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/1-13.htm">Habakkuk 1:13</a></span><br />Your eyes are too pure to look upon evil, and You cannot tolerate wrongdoing. So why do You tolerate the faithless? Why are You silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-10.htm">Matthew 5:10-12</a></span><br />Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. / Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-19.htm">1 Corinthians 15:19</a></span><br />If our hope in Christ is for this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-18.htm">Romans 8:18</a></span><br />I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">2 Corinthians 4:17</a></span><br />For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a></span><br />And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Truly I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.</p><p class="hdg">verily</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-27.htm">Job 9:27,31</a></b></br> If I say, I will forget my complaint, I will leave off my heaviness, and comfort <i>myself</i>: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/21-15.htm">Job 21:15</a></b></br> What <i>is</i> the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/34-9.htm">Job 34:9</a></b></br> For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.</p><p class="hdg">washed</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Psalm 24:4</a></b></br> He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Psalm 26:6</a></b></br> I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/51-10.htm">Psalm 51:10</a></b></br> Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/job/35-3.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/psalms/68-31.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/psalms/73-7.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Innocence</a> <a href="/psalms/26-6.htm">Innocency</a> <a href="/psalms/66-9.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Purified</a> <a href="/psalms/71-24.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/psalms/72-7.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/62-10.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/psalms/68-21.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/psalms/60-8.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/psalms/58-10.htm">Washed</a> <a href="/psalms/60-8.htm">Washing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/77-8.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-9.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/psalms/76-5.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/psalms/73-21.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/isaiah/43-26.htm">Innocence</a> <a href="/daniel/6-22.htm">Innocency</a> <a href="/psalms/73-27.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/psalms/119-9.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/proverbs/20-9.htm">Purified</a> <a href="/psalms/89-47.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/psalms/75-2.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/89-47.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/psalms/118-10.htm">Verily</a> <a href="/psalms/108-9.htm">Wash</a> <a href="/proverbs/6-33.htm">Washed</a> <a href="/psalms/108-9.htm">Washing</a><div class="vheading2">Psalm 73</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">The prophet, prevailing in a temptation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Shows the occasion thereof, the prosperity of the wicked</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">The wound given thereby, diffidence</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/psalms/73-15.htm">The victory over it, knowledge of God's purpose.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/73.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/psalms/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/psalms/73.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure;</b><br>This phrase reflects a moment of deep introspection and doubt. The psalmist, Asaph, is grappling with the apparent futility of maintaining personal purity and righteousness when the wicked seem to prosper. This sentiment echoes the broader biblical theme of the righteous suffering while the wicked thrive, as seen in Job's lament (<a href="/job/21-7.htm">Job 21:7-15</a>) and the questioning of God's justice in <a href="/habakkuk/1-2.htm">Habakkuk 1:2-4</a>. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's being, including thoughts, emotions, and will. The psalmist's struggle is not just external but deeply internal, questioning the value of his spiritual and moral efforts.<p><b>in innocence I have washed my hands.</b><br>The imagery of washing hands in innocence is reminiscent of the ritual purity practices in ancient Israel, where physical cleanliness symbolized spiritual purity. This phrase may also allude to the actions of Pilate in the New Testament, who washed his hands to symbolize his claimed innocence in the crucifixion of Jesus (<a href="/matthew/27-24.htm">Matthew 27:24</a>). The psalmist's use of this imagery underscores his commitment to living a life of integrity and moral uprightness. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, maintaining ritual purity was a significant aspect of religious life, as seen in the laws of Leviticus. The psalmist's lament highlights the tension between outward religious observance and the inner turmoil caused by the prosperity of the wicked.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/asaph.htm">Asaph</a></b><br>The author of <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, Asaph was a prominent Levite musician appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle. He is known for his honest and heartfelt psalms that often explore themes of justice and the prosperity of the wicked.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctuary_of_god.htm">The Sanctuary of God</a></b><br>While not directly mentioned in verse 13, the sanctuary plays a crucial role in the broader context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>. It represents the place where Asaph gains understanding and perspective on the prosperity of the wicked and the justice of God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wicked.htm">The Wicked</a></b><br>Throughout <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, Asaph contrasts his own struggles with the apparent prosperity and ease of the wicked, which leads to his initial feelings of futility in maintaining purity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_struggle_with_envy_and_doubt.htm">The Struggle with Envy and Doubt</a></b><br>Asaph's lament highlights a common struggle among believers: the temptation to envy the prosperity of the wicked and doubt the value of righteousness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perspective.htm">The Importance of Perspective</a></b><br>The turning point for Asaph comes when he enters the sanctuary of God, reminding us that divine perspective is crucial in understanding life's injustices.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/purity_of_heart.htm">Purity of Heart</a></b><br>Maintaining a pure heart is not in vain; it aligns us with God's will and prepares us for His presence, as emphasized in both the Old and New Testaments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>Despite temporary appearances, God's justice prevails. Believers are called to trust in His ultimate plan and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community_worship.htm">The Role of Community Worship</a></b><br>Asaph's experience underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship in gaining spiritual insight and encouragement.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_psalm_73.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Psalm 73</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_zophar_with_psalm_73.htm">How do we reconcile Zophar’s rigid cause-and-effect theology in Job 20 with other biblical passages (like Psalm 73) that acknowledge the prosperity of the wicked without immediate judgment?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_psalm_65_13_literal_or_poetic.htm">(Psalm 65:13) Can the depiction of fields and valleys rejoicing be taken literally, or should it be viewed purely as poetic language?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_kids_suffer_genetic_diseases.htm">Why do innocent children suffer from genetic diseases if God forms them in the womb (Psalm 139:13)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_hidden_in_innocent_suffering.htm">If God is omnipresent, why does He appear hidden when the innocent suffer? (Psalm 10:1)</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/73.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 13.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Verily, I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.</span> Such was the psalmist's first instinctive feeling, when he noticed the prosperity of the wicked. The Prayer book Version inserts, between this verse and the last, the words, "and I said;" which is correct, though somewhat free, exegesis. Compare with the expression, "I have washed my hands in innocency," Job's remarkable words, "If I wash myself with snow, and make my hands never so clean" (<a href="/job/9-30.htm">Job 9:30</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/73-13.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Surely</span><br /><span class="heb">אַךְ־</span> <span class="translit">(’aḵ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_389.htm">Strong's 389: </a> </span><span class="str2">A particle of affirmation, surely</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in vain</span><br /><span class="heb">רִ֭יק</span> <span class="translit">(rîq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7385.htm">Strong's 7385: </a> </span><span class="str2">Emptiness, a worthless thing, in vain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have kept my heart pure;</span><br /><span class="heb">זִכִּ֣יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(zik·kî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2135.htm">Strong's 2135: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be translucent, to be innocent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in innocence</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּנִקָּי֣וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·niq·qā·yō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5356.htm">Strong's 5356: </a> </span><span class="str2">Clearness</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have washed</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֶרְחַ֖ץ</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’er·ḥaṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7364.htm">Strong's 7364: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wash, wash off or away, bathe</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my hands.</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּפָּֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(kap·pāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - fdc | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3709.htm">Strong's 3709: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hollow or flat of the hand, palm, sole (of the foot), a pan</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/73-13.htm">Psalm 73:13 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 73:13 Surely in vain I have cleansed my (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/73-12.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 73:12"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:12" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/73-14.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 73:14"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:14" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>