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Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/73.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/73.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/73.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God <i>is</i> good to Israel, <i>even</i> to such as are of a clean heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/73.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God <i>is</i> good to Israel, To such as are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/73.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. God certainly is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/73.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/73.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, To those who are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/73.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A psalm of Asaph. † God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/73.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A psalm of Asaph. God is indeed good to Israel, to the pure in heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/73.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, Even to such as are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/73.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />God is truly good to Israel, especially to everyone with a pure heart. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/73.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />BOOK III A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, even to such as are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/73.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />[A psalm by Asaph.] God is truly good to Israel, to those whose lives are pure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/73.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />God is indeed good to Israel, to those who have pure hearts. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/73.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />God is indeed good to Israel, to those pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/73.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/73.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />A psalm by Asaph. Certainly God is good to Israel, and to those whose motives are pure! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/73.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />[A Psalm by Asaph.] Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/73.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/73.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />A Psalm by Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/73.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />A PSALM OF ASAPH. Surely God [is] good to Israel, to the clean of heart. And I—as a little thing, "" My feet have been turned aside,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/73.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> A Psalm of Asaph. Only -- good to Israel is God, to the clean of heart. And I -- as a little thing, My feet have been turned aside,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/73.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Chanting to Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to the clean of heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/73.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />A psalm for Asaph. How good is God to Israel, to them that are of a right heart! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/73.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 72:1>A Psalm of Asaph. How good is God to Israel, to those who are upright in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/73.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A psalm of Asaph. How good God is to the upright, to those who are pure of heart! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/73.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Truly God is good to the upright, to those who are pure in heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/psalms/73.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />TRULY God is good to Israel, and to those who are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/73.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />God is good to Israel and to those in a natural state of heart.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/73.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />A Psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, Even to such as are pure in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/73.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />A Psalm for Asaph. How good is God to Israel, to the upright in heart!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/73-1.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=8805" 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">20</span>Thus conclude the prayers of David son of Jesse. <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4210.htm" title="4210: miz·mō·wr (N-ms) -- A melody. From zamar; properly, instrumental music; by implication, a poem set to notes.">A Psalm</a> <a href="/hebrew/623.htm" title="623: lə·’ā·sāp̄ (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Gatherer, the name of several Isr. From 'acaph; collector; Asaph, the name of three Israelites, and of the family of the first.">of Asaph.</a> <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/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">is good</a> <a href="/hebrew/3478.htm" title="3478: lə·yiś·rā·’êl (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also of his posterity.">to Israel,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1249.htm" title="1249: lə·ḇā·rê (Prep-l:: Adj-mpc) -- Pure, clean. From barar; beloved; also pure, empty.">to those who are pure</a> <a href="/hebrew/3824.htm" title="3824: lê·ḇāḇ (N-ms) -- Inner man, mind, will, heart. From labab; the heart; used also like leb.">in heart.</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped.…<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="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a></span><br />Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/11-18.htm">Proverbs 11:18</a></span><br />The wicked man earns an empty wage, but he who sows righteousness reaps a true reward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/57-13.htm">Isaiah 57:13</a></span><br />When you cry out, let your companies of idols deliver you! Yet the wind will carry off all of them, a breath will take them away. But he who seeks refuge in Me will inherit the land and possess My holy mountain.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-27.htm">James 1:27</a></span><br />Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a></span><br />Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/24-3.htm">Psalm 24:3-4</a></span><br />Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? / He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-14.htm">Hebrews 12:14</a></span><br />Pursue peace with everyone, as well as holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/3-3.htm">1 John 3:3</a></span><br />And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-17.htm">Proverbs 16:17</a></span><br />The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-8.htm">Isaiah 35:8</a></span><br />And there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not travel it—only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-48.htm">Matthew 5:48</a></span><br />Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a></span><br />Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-25.htm">Psalm 18:25</a></span><br />To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-5.htm">1 Timothy 1:5</a></span><br />The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/15-1.htm">Psalm 15:1-2</a></span><br />A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy mountain? / He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/50-1.htm">Psalm 50:1</a></b></br> A Psalm of Asaph. The mighty God, <i>even</i> the LORD, hath spoken, and called the earth from the rising of the sun unto the going down thereof.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/74-1.htm">Psalm 74:1</a></b></br> Maschil of Asaph. O God, why hast thou cast <i>us</i> off for ever? <i>why</i> doth thine anger smoke against the sheep of thy pasture?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/83-1.htm">Psalm 83:1</a></b></br> A Song <i>or</i> Psalm of Asaph. Keep not thou silence, O God: hold not thy peace, and be not still, O God.</p><p class="hdg">truly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/2-6.htm">Psalm 2:6</a></b></br> Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/42-11.htm">Psalm 42:11</a></b></br> Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, <i>who is</i> the health of my countenance, and my God.</p><p class="hdg">God</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/73-18.htm">Psalm 73:18-28</a></b></br> Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/84-11.htm">Psalm 84:11</a></b></br> For the LORD God <i>is</i> a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good <i>thing</i> will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/63-7.htm">Isaiah 63:7-9</a></b></br> I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, <i>and</i> the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses… </p><p class="hdg">to such</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/1-47.htm">John 1:47</a></b></br> Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/2-28.htm">Romans 2:28,29</a></b></br> For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither <i>is that</i> circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16</a></b></br> Therefore <i>it is</i> of faith, that <i>it might be</i> by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,</p><p class="hdg">of a clean heart.</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><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/4-14.htm">Jeremiah 4:14</a></b></br> O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a></b></br> Blessed <i>are</i> the pure in heart: for they shall see God.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/psalms/72-20.htm">Asaph</a> <a href="/psalms/51-10.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/psalms/69-2.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/psalms/69-16.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/69-32.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/72-18.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/psalms/72-3.htm">Little</a> <a href="/psalms/72-20.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/51-10.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/psalms/68-21.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/70-3.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/72-7.htm">Upright</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/74-1.htm">Asaph</a> <a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/psalms/73-2.htm">Feet</a> <a href="/psalms/73-28.htm">Good</a> <a href="/psalms/73-7.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/76-1.htm">Israel</a> <a href="/psalms/81-14.htm">Little</a> <a href="/psalms/73-28.htm">Psalm</a> <a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Pure</a> <a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/psalms/73-16.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/psalms/75-10.htm">Upright</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>A Psalm of Asaph.</b><br>Asaph was a prominent Levite musician appointed by King David to lead worship in the tabernacle. He is credited with writing several psalms, including <a href="/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>. Asaph's role as a worship leader and his close association with David suggest a deep spiritual insight and understanding of Israel's relationship with God. His psalms often reflect themes of justice, worship, and the struggles of faith, providing a personal and communal perspective on the experiences of the Israelites.<p><b>Surely God is good to Israel,</b><br>This phrase affirms the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing God's faithfulness and benevolence. The goodness of God is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, seen in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, His provision in the wilderness, and His establishment of Israel in the Promised Land. This statement also reflects the theological understanding that God's goodness is not just a general attribute but is specifically directed towards His chosen people, Israel.<p><b>to those who are pure in heart.</b><br>The concept of purity of heart is central to biblical teaching, indicating sincerity, integrity, and devotion to God. In the Hebrew context, the heart represents the center of one's being, including thoughts, emotions, and will. This phrase suggests that God's goodness is particularly experienced by those who maintain a sincere and undivided devotion to Him. It echoes the Beatitudes in the New Testament, where Jesus states, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (<a href="/matthew/5-8.htm">Matthew 5:8</a>). This connection highlights the continuity of God's desire for inner purity and the promise of His presence and favor to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.<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 deep and reflective psalms that often explore themes of justice and the prosperity of the wicked.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, representing His covenant people. In this context, Israel symbolizes those who are in a relationship with God and are recipients of His goodness.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/pure_in_heart.htm">Pure in Heart</a></b><br>This phrase refers to individuals who are sincere, honest, and devoted to God. In Hebrew, "pure" suggests a sense of cleanliness or innocence, emphasizing moral and spiritual integrity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_unchanging_goodness.htm">God's Unchanging Goodness</a></b><br>Despite life's challenges and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, God's goodness remains constant. Believers can trust in His character and His promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_a_pure_heart.htm">The Importance of a Pure Heart</a></b><br>A pure heart is essential for experiencing God's goodness. This purity is not about perfection but about sincerity and a genuine relationship with God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/covenant_relationship_with_god.htm">Covenant Relationship with God</a></b><br>God's goodness is particularly directed toward those in a covenant relationship with Him, as seen in His dealings with Israel. Today, this extends to all who are in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>While the world may seem unjust, believers are called to trust in God's ultimate justice and His timing, knowing that He is good to those who are faithful.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reflecting_on_personal_integrity.htm">Reflecting on Personal Integrity</a></b><br>This verse challenges believers to examine their own hearts and strive for purity, seeking God's help to live lives that honor Him.<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/does_psalm_73_12_conflict_with_history.htm">Psalm 73:12 implies the wicked live untroubled lives—does this conflict with historical records of corrupt nations eventually falling apart? </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/does_psalm_12_1-2_reflect_israel's_history.htm">Does the contrast in Psalm 12:1-2 between a faithful few and a deceitful majority align with historical evidence of Israel's religious practices at the time?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_psalm_60_1_fit_god's_mercy.htm">Since Psalm 60:1 portrays God as angry and distant, how does this align with the Bible's broader portrayal of His mercy and love?</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>(1) <span class= "bld">Truly.</span>--See Note, <a href="/psalms/62-2.htm" title="He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.">Psalm 62:2</a>. This particle often, like the Latin <span class= "ital">at, </span>introduces a rejoinder to some supposed statement.<p>Dryden's lines express the feeling of this opening--<p>"Yet sure the gods are good! I would fain think so,<p>If they would give me leave!<p>But virtue in distress, and vice in triumph,<p>Make atheists of mankind."<p>The question arises whether the second clause of the verse limits, or only repeats, the first. No doubt in theory God was understood to be good to Israel generally, but the very subject of the psalm seems to require a limitation here. The poet sees that a moral correspondence with their profession is necessary, even in the chosen people--the truth which St. Paul stated with such insistance, "For they are not all Israel which are of Israel."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/73.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Truly God is good to Israel;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> verily, in spite of appearances to the contrary, which had for a time made the writer doubt. It is suggested that the triumph of Absalom may have been the circumstance that shook Asaph's faith. <span class="cmt_word">Even to such as are of a clean heart</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> to the pious in Israel, who are the true Israel. God is really on their side, though he may seem for a time to favour the wicked. (On the need of a pure heart, see <a href="/psalms/24-4.htm">Psalm 24:4</a>.) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/73-1.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">A Psalm</span><br /><span class="heb">מִזְמ֗וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(miz·mō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4210.htm">Strong's 4210: </a> </span><span class="str2">Instrumental music, a poem set to notes</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Asaph.</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאָ֫סָ֥ף</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ā·sāp̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_623.htm">Strong's 623: </a> </span><span class="str2">Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Surely</span><br /><span class="heb">אַ֤ךְ</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">God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[is] good</span><br /><span class="heb">ט֭וֹב</span> <span class="translit">(ṭō·wḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> </span><span class="str2">Pleasant, agreeable, good</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Israel,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְיִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל</span> <span class="translit">(lə·yiś·rā·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3478.htm">Strong's 3478: </a> </span><span class="str2">Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to those who are pure</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבָרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇā·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1249.htm">Strong's 1249: </a> </span><span class="str2">Beloved, pure, empty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in heart.</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵבָֽב׃</span> <span class="translit">(lê·ḇāḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3824.htm">Strong's 3824: </a> </span><span class="str2">Inner man, mind, will, heart</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/73-1.htm">Psalm 73:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/73-1.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 73:1 A Psalm by Asaph (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/72-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 72:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 72:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/73-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 73:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:2" /></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>