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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 73:16 When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/73-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/19_Psa_073_016.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 73:16 - Endow the King with Your Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight" /><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/73-16.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/73-16.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 16</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="/ad16.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/73-15.htm" title="Psalm 73:15">◄</a> Psalm 73:16 <a href="/psalms/73-17.htm" title="Psalm 73:17">►</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 />When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/73.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/73.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/73.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When I thought to know this, it <i>was</i> too painful for me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/73.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />When I thought <i>how</i> to understand this, It <i>was</i> too painful for me—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/73.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I thought of understanding this, It was troublesome in my sight<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When I pondered to understand this, It was troublesome in my sight<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When I pondered to understand this, It was troublesome in my sight<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/73.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When I gave thought to know this, It was trouble in my sight<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/73.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When I considered how to understand this, It was too great an effort for me <i>and</i> too painful<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/73.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/73.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/73.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />When I thought how I might know this, It was too painful for me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/73.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It was hard for me to understand all this! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/73.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />When I thought how I might know this, it was too painful for me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/73.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But when I tried to understand this, it was too difficult for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/73.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I tried to think this problem through, but it was too difficult for me <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/73.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When I tried to understand this, it was too difficult for me<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/73.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/73.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/73.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/73.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/73.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me— <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/73.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I think to know this, "" It [is] perverseness in my eyes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/73.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I think to know this, Perverseness it is in mine eyes,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/73.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I shall think to know this, it is labor in mine eyes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/73.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />I studied that I might know this thing, it is a labour in my sight: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/73.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 72:16>I considered, so that I might know this. It is a hardship before me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/73.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Though I tried to understand all this, it was too difficult for me, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/73.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/73.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/73.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />It is evil in my eyes.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/73.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And when I pondered how I might know this, It was wearisome in mine eyes;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/73.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I undertook to understand this, <i>but</i> it is too hard for me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/73-16.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=8897" 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">15</span>If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2803.htm" title="2803: wā·’ă·ḥaš·šə·ḇāh (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- To think, account. ">When I tried</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: lā·ḏa·‘aṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">to understand</a> <a href="/hebrew/2063.htm" title="2063: zōṯ (Pro-fs) -- Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that. Irregular feminine of zeh; this.">all this,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hī (Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">it</a> <a href="/hebrew/5999.htm" title="5999: ‘ā·māl (N-ms) -- Trouble, labor, toil. From amal; toil, i.e. Wearing effort; hence, worry, wheth. Of body or mind.">was troublesome</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ḇə·‘ê·nāy (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 1cs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in my sight</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end.…<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="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a></span><br />Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; / in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/11-33.htm">Romans 11:33</a></span><br />O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/42-3.htm">Job 42:3</a></span><br />You asked, ‘Who is this who conceals My counsel without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/8-17.htm">Ecclesiastes 8:17</a></span><br />I saw every work of God, and that a man is unable to comprehend the work that is done under the sun. Despite his efforts to search it out, he cannot find its meaning; even if the wise man claims to know, he is unable to comprehend.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">1 Corinthians 2:14</a></span><br />The natural man does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God. For they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/12-1.htm">Jeremiah 12:1</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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/8-28.htm">Romans 8:28</a></span><br />And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a></span><br />Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/28-12.htm">Job 28:12-28</a></span><br />But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living. / The ocean depths say, ‘It is not in me,’ while the sea declares, ‘It is not with me.’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/12-8.htm">Daniel 12:8-9</a></span><br />I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” / “Go on your way, Daniel,” he replied, “for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-12.htm">John 16:12-13</a></span><br />I still have much to tell you, but you cannot yet bear to hear it. / However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.<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="/2_corinthians/4-17.htm">2 Corinthians 4:17-18</a></span><br />For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison. / So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;</p><p class="hdg">when</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/36-6.htm">Psalm 36:6</a></b></br> Thy righteousness <i>is</i> like the great mountains; thy judgments <i>are</i> a great deep: O LORD, thou preservest man and beast.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/77-19.htm">Psalm 77:19</a></b></br> Thy way <i>is</i> in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2</a></b></br> Clouds and darkness <i>are</i> round about him: righteousness and judgment <i>are</i> the habitation of his throne.</p><p class="hdg">too painful for me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Psalm 39:6</a></b></br> Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up <i>riches</i>, and knoweth not who shall gather them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/18-32.htm">Luke 18:32-34</a></b></br> For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-18.htm">John 16:18,19</a></b></br> They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while? we cannot tell what he saith… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/49-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/psalms/73-7.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/31-18.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/psalms/66-11.htm">Oppressive</a> <a href="/job/6-25.htm">Painful</a> <a href="/psalms/55-10.htm">Perverseness</a> <a href="/job/32-11.htm">Pondered</a> <a href="/psalms/73-10.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/psalms/50-21.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/psalms/72-14.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-30.htm">Task</a> <a href="/psalms/63-6.htm">Think</a> <a href="/psalms/69-33.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/73-8.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/psalms/66-10.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Troublesome</a> <a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/53-2.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/psalms/68-9.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/job/7-3.htm">Wearisome</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/78-19.htm">Able</a> <a href="/psalms/77-4.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/psalms/139-24.htm">Grievous</a> <a href="/isaiah/10-1.htm">Oppressive</a> <a href="/psalms/127-2.htm">Painful</a> <a href="/psalms/89-22.htm">Perverseness</a> <a href="/psalms/75-3.htm">Pondered</a> <a href="/psalms/78-65.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/psalms/74-5.htm">Seemed</a> <a href="/psalms/76-7.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/proverbs/31-15.htm">Task</a> <a href="/psalms/77-3.htm">Think</a> <a href="/psalms/77-5.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/psalms/77-5.htm">Thoughts</a> <a href="/psalms/78-18.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-15.htm">Troublesome</a> <a href="/psalms/74-21.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/81-5.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/psalms/77-2.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/1-8.htm">Wearisome</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>When I tried to understand all this</b><br>The psalmist is grappling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous. This struggle is a common theme in wisdom literature, such as in the Book of Job. The attempt to understand divine justice and the prosperity of the wicked is a recurring biblical theme, reflecting the human quest for meaning in the face of life's injustices. This phrase indicates a personal effort to comprehend a complex spiritual and moral dilemma, highlighting the limitations of human understanding without divine revelation.<p><b>it was troublesome in my sight</b><br>The psalmist expresses a deep emotional and intellectual struggle. The Hebrew word for "troublesome" can also imply labor or toil, suggesting that this contemplation was not only mentally taxing but also spiritually burdensome. This reflects the broader biblical theme of human limitation and the need for divine insight, as seen in Ecclesiastes, where human wisdom alone is insufficient to grasp God's purposes. The psalmist's struggle foreshadows the New Testament revelation of Christ, who provides ultimate understanding and resolution to the problem of evil and suffering.<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 singer and seer in David's court. He is known for his role in leading worship and composing psalms.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctuary_of_god.htm">The Sanctuary of God</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in verse 16, the sanctuary plays a crucial role in the context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>. It represents the place where Asaph gains understanding and perspective on his troubles.<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 grapples with the prosperity of the wicked, which is a central theme leading up to verse 16.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_struggle_with_understanding.htm">The Struggle with Understanding</a></b><br>Asaph's experience is a common human struggle. We often find it difficult to reconcile the prosperity of the wicked with God's justice. This struggle is not unique to Asaph but is a part of the human condition.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_perspective.htm">The Importance of Perspective</a></b><br>Asaph's turning point comes when he enters the sanctuary of God. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's presence and perspective when we are troubled or confused.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_wisdom.htm">Trusting God's Wisdom</a></b><br>The Hebrew root for "troublesome" ('amal) suggests labor or toil. Our efforts to understand life's complexities can be burdensome, but trusting in God's wisdom can bring peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_worship_and_community.htm">The Role of Worship and Community</a></b><br>Engaging in worship and being part of a faith community can provide clarity and support when we face difficult questions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_ultimate_justice.htm">God's Ultimate Justice</a></b><br>While the prosperity of the wicked may seem unjust, Asaph's journey reminds us that God's justice will ultimately prevail, even if it is not immediately apparent.<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/why_do_evil_people_succeed.htm">Why do evil people succeed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/job_21_13__evidence_rich_die_at_ease.htm">In Job 21:13, what evidence exists (historically or archaeologically) that would suggest the rich die at ease without facing retribution? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_doubt.htm">What does the Bible say about doubting God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_greedy_exploiters_thrive_unpunished.htm">If Job 20:19–20 suggests a direct correlation between greed and swift downfall, why do some wealthy exploiters seem to thrive indefinitely without facing apparent divine retribution? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/psalms/73.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">When I thought . . .</span><span class= "ital">--i.e., when I reflected in order to know this</span>--when I tried to think the matter out, get at the bottom of it. (For the sense of the verb, comp. <a href="/psalms/78-5.htm" title="For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children:">Psalm 78:5</a>; <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm" title="A man's heart devises his way: but the LORD directs his steps.">Proverbs 16:9</a>.)<p><span class= "bld">It was too painful.</span>--See margin.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/73.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When I thought to know this;</span> literally, <span class="accented">and I meditated, that I might understand this.</span> A process of careful thought and consideration is implied, during which the psalmist tried hard to understand the method of God's government, and to explain to himself its seeming anomalies. But he says, It was too painful for me. He did not succeed; he was baffled and perplexed, and the whole effort was a pain and a grief to him. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/73-16.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">When I tried</span><br /><span class="heb">וָֽ֭אֲחַשְּׁבָה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ă·ḥaš·šə·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2803.htm">Strong's 2803: </a> </span><span class="str2">To think, account</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to understand</span><br /><span class="heb">לָדַ֣עַת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all this,</span><br /><span class="heb">זֹ֑את</span> <span class="translit">(zōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2063.htm">Strong's 2063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, </span><br /><br /><span class="word">it</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֣וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was troublesome</span><br /><span class="heb">עָמָ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·māl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5999.htm">Strong's 5999: </a> </span><span class="str2">Toil, wearing effort, worry, wheth, of body, mind</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in my sight</span><br /><span class="heb">בְעֵינָֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·‘ê·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/73-16.htm">Psalm 73:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/73-16.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 73:16 When I tried to understand this it (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/73-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 73:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/73-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 73:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:17" /></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>