CINXE.COM

<!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 73:21 When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/73-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/19_Psa_073_021.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Psalm 73:21 - Endow the King with Your Justice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within," /><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/73-21.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/73-21.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 21</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="/ad1.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/73-20.htm" title="Psalm 73:20">◄</a> Psalm 73:21 <a href="/psalms/73-22.htm" title="Psalm 73:22">►</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 my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/psalms/73.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/psalms/73.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/psalms/73.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/psalms/73.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/psalms/73.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />When my heart was embittered And I was pierced within,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When my heart was embittered And I was pierced within,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/psalms/73.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />When my heart was embittered, And I was pierced within,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/psalms/73.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />When my heart was embittered And I was pierced within,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/psalms/73.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />When my heart was embittered And I was pierced within [as with the fang of an adder],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/psalms/73.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/psalms/73.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I became embittered and my innermost being was wounded, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/psalms/73.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For my soul was grieved, And I was pricked in my heart:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/psalms/73.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Once I was bitter and brokenhearted. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/psalms/73.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/psalms/73.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When my heart was filled with bitterness and my mind was seized [with envy],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/psalms/73.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/psalms/73.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When I chose to be bitter I was emotionally pained.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/psalms/73.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/psalms/73.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Yes, my spirit was bitter, and my insides felt sharp pain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/psalms/73.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/psalms/73.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/psalms/73.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/psalms/73.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For my heart shows itself violent, "" And my reins prick themselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/psalms/73.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> For my heart doth show itself violent, And my reins prick themselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/psalms/73.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For my heart will be embittered, and my loins were hard.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/psalms/73.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For my heart hath been inflamed, and my reins have been changed: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/psalms/73.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 72:21>For my heart has been inflamed, and my temperament has been changed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/psalms/73.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/psalms/73.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked 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 />Thus my heart was grieved, and my conscience troubled me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/psalms/73.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I am troubled; my heart and my kidneys rage against me.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/psalms/73.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For my heart was in a ferment, And I was pricked in my reins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/psalms/73.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />For my heart has rejoiced, and my reins have been gladdened.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/psalms/73-21.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=8927" 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>Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form. <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">When</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.">my heart</a> <a href="/hebrew/2556.htm" title="2556: yiṯ·ḥam·mêṣ (V-Hitpael-Imperf-3ms) -- To be pungent, in taste, in color. A primitive root; to be pungent; i.e. In taste, in color.">was grieved</a> <a href="/hebrew/8150.htm" title="8150: ’eš·tō·w·nān (V-Hitpael-Imperf-1cs) -- To whet, sharpen. A primitive root; to point; intensively, to pierce; figuratively, to inculcate.">and I was pierced</a> <a href="/hebrew/3629.htm" title="3629: wə·ḵil·yō·w·ṯay (Conj-w:: N-fpc:: 1cs) -- A kidney. Feminine of kliy; a kidney; figuratively, the mind.">within,</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.…<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/14-30.htm">Proverbs 14:30</a></span><br />A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/5-2.htm">Job 5:2</a></span><br />For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-14.htm">James 3:14-16</a></span><br />But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:9</a></span><br />Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-31.htm">Ephesians 4:31-32</a></span><br />Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, outcry and slander, along with every form of malice. / Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/5-19.htm">Galatians 5:19-21</a></span><br />The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-22.htm">Matthew 5:22</a></span><br />But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ will be subject to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be subject to the fire of hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Romans 1:29-31</a></span><br />They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. / They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/3-3.htm">1 Corinthians 3:3</a></span><br />for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-20.htm">2 Corinthians 12:20</a></span><br />For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/4-5.htm">Genesis 4:5-6</a></span><br />but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. / “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jonah/4-1.htm">Jonah 4:1-4</a></span><br />Jonah, however, was greatly displeased, and he became angry. / So he prayed to the LORD, saying, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster. / And now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-8.htm">1 Samuel 18:8-9</a></span><br />And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-4.htm">Proverbs 27:4</a></span><br />Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins.</p><p class="hdg">my heart</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/73-3.htm">Psalm 73:3</a></b></br> For I was envious at the foolish, <i>when</i> I saw the prosperity of the wicked.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/37-1.htm">Psalm 37:1,7</a></b></br> <i>A Psalm</i> of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity… </p><p class="hdg">in my</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-13.htm">Job 16:13</a></b></br> His archers compass me round about, he cleaveth my reins asunder, and doth not spare; he poureth out my gall upon the ground.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/lamentations/3-13.htm">Lamentations 3:13</a></b></br> He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/numbers/21-6.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/psalms/71-20.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/job/27-2.htm">Embittered</a> <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">Ferment</a> <a href="/psalms/69-26.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/psalms/38-18.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/psalms/73-13.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/68-8.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/psalms/69-29.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/psalms/69-26.htm">Pierced</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-24.htm">Prick</a> <a href="/acts/2-37.htm">Pricked</a> <a href="/psalms/26-2.htm">Reins</a> <a href="/psalms/71-15.htm">Show</a> <a href="/psalms/72-14.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/51-17.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/psalms/73-6.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/psalms/73-6.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/psalms/55-15.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/proverbs/23-32.htm">Bite</a> <a href="/psalms/74-22.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/psalms/106-33.htm">Embittered</a> <a href="/acts/21-31.htm">Ferment</a> <a href="/psalms/77-3.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/psalms/78-40.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/psalms/73-26.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/psalms/89-2.htm">Itself</a> <a href="/psalms/78-41.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/psalms/88-5.htm">Pierced</a> <a href="/ezekiel/28-24.htm">Prick</a> <a href="/acts/2-37.htm">Pricked</a> <a href="/psalms/139-13.htm">Reins</a> <a href="/psalms/77-7.htm">Show</a> <a href="/psalms/74-19.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/76-12.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/psalms/74-8.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/psalms/86-14.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/psalms/74-3.htm">Within</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 my heart was grieved</b><br>This phrase reflects a deep emotional turmoil and spiritual struggle. The psalmist, Asaph, is expressing a moment of intense inner conflict and sorrow. In the broader context of <a href="/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, Asaph grapples with the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, which causes him to question God's justice. This grief is not just emotional but also spiritual, as it challenges his faith and understanding of God's ways. The heart, in biblical terms, often represents the center of one's being, including emotions, will, and intellect. This phrase can be connected to other scriptures where the heart is central to one's relationship with God, such as <a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>, which advises guarding the heart as it is the wellspring of life.<p><b>and I was pierced within</b><br>The imagery of being "pierced" suggests a deep, penetrating pain, akin to being wounded. This internal piercing can be understood as a conviction or realization that cuts to the core of one's being. In the context of <a href="/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>, this piercing may represent the moment of clarity or awakening when Asaph recognizes his own envy and bitterness towards the prosperity of the wicked. This realization is painful but necessary for spiritual growth and repentance. The concept of being pierced can also be seen in the New Testament, where the Word of God is described as sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit (<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>). This connection highlights the transformative power of divine truth in revealing and correcting the inner thoughts and attitudes of the heart.<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 honest and heartfelt psalms that often explore the tension between the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous.<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 21, the sanctuary plays a crucial role in the broader context of <a href="/bsb/psalms/73.htm">Psalm 73</a>. It is where Asaph gains understanding and perspective on his struggles.<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 of the wicked, which initially causes him distress and confusion.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_reality_of_inner_turmoil.htm">The Reality of Inner Turmoil</a></b><br>Asaph's experience reminds us that believers can experience deep emotional and spiritual struggles. It's important to acknowledge these feelings rather than suppress them.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_conviction.htm">The Role of Conviction</a></b><br>The phrase "pierced within" suggests a moment of conviction or realization. Allowing God's truth to penetrate our hearts can lead to transformation and understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_presence_for_clarity.htm">Seeking God's Presence for Clarity</a></b><br>Asaph's turning point comes when he enters the sanctuary of God. In times of confusion, seeking God's presence through prayer, worship, and scripture can provide clarity and peace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_envy.htm">The Danger of Envy</a></b><br>Envy of the wicked's prosperity can lead to spiritual discontent. Focusing on God's eternal promises helps realign our perspective.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community.htm">The Importance of Community</a></b><br>Asaph's insights likely came through communal worship and teaching. Engaging with a faith community can offer support and wisdom during times of doubt.<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/what_is_laughter's_value_in_the_bible.htm">How does the Bible offer comfort in grief?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_we_reconcile_prosperity_paradox.htm">Psalm 73:3 says the wicked prosper, yet other passages (e.g., Psalm 1:3) promise prosperity for the righteous--how do we reconcile this contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_david_mourn_and_curse_foes.htm">Psalm 35:13-14 - How can David both mourn for his foes and call down curses on them without contradiction?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_speech.htm">What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?</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>(21) <span class= "bld">Grieved.</span>--Literally, <span class= "ital">grew sour; </span>or, as we say, "was soured."<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/psalms/73.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Thus my heart was grieved;</span> literally, <span class="accented">for my heart was grieved</span>, or "was soured." The "for" refers to a suppressed phrase of self-condemnation, "But at the time I did not see all this - the solution did not present itself to me." I was too full of grief and bitterness to consider the matter calmly and dispassionately. <span class="cmt_word">And I was pricked in my reins;</span> <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "a pang of passionate discontent had pierced my inmost being" (Cheyne). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/psalms/73-21.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</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֭י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my heart</span><br /><span class="heb">לְבָבִ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ḇā·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common 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 /><br /><span class="word">was grieved</span><br /><span class="heb">יִתְחַמֵּ֣ץ</span> <span class="translit">(yiṯ·ḥam·mêṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be pungent, in taste, in color</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and I was pierced</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶשְׁתּוֹנָֽן׃</span> <span class="translit">(’eš·tō·w·nān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8150.htm">Strong's 8150: </a> </span><span class="str2">To point, to pierce, to inculcate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">within,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝כִלְיוֹתַ֗י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḵil·yō·w·ṯay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3629.htm">Strong's 3629: </a> </span><span class="str2">A kidney, the mind</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/psalms/73-21.htm">Psalm 73:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/psalms/73-21.htm">OT Poetry: Psalm 73:21 For my soul was grieved (Psalm Ps Psa.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/psalms/73-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Psalm 73:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/psalms/73-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Psalm 73:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Psalm 73:22" /></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>