Psalms 73:16
Psalms 73:16 in Multiple Translations
When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
When I thought how I might know this, It was too painful for me;
When my thoughts were turned to see the reason of this, it was a weariness in my eyes;
So I thought about it and tried to understand, but it looked like a lot of hard work to me—
Then thought I to know this, but it was too painefull for me,
And I think to know this, Perverseness it [is] in mine eyes,
When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me—
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Thine is the day, and thine is the night: thou hast made the morning light and the sun.
And when I tried to think about all this, it was very difficult for me to understand it.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 73:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 73:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָֽ֭/אֲחַשְּׁבָ/ה
לָ/דַ֣עַת
זֹ֑את
עָמָ֖ל
היא
ה֣וּא
בְ/עֵינָֽ/י
וָֽ֭/אֲחַשְּׁבָ/ה
châshab
H2803
to devise
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
לָ/דַ֣עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
זֹ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
עָמָ֖ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
N-cs
היא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
בְ/עֵינָֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 73:16
וָֽ֭/אֲחַשְּׁבָ/ה
châshab
H2803
"to devise"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
To devise means to think or plan something, often in a clever way. In the Bible, it can mean to plot or contrive, as seen in the story of David and Goliath.
Definition: : count/regard_as 1) to think, plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, count 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to think, account 1a2) to plan, devise, mean 1a3) to charge, impute, reckon 1a4) to esteem, value, regard 1a5) to invent 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be accounted, be thought, be esteemed 1b2) to be computed, be reckoned 1b3) to be imputed 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to think upon, consider, be mindful of 1c2) to think to do, devise, plan 1c3) to count, reckon 1d) (Hithpael) to be considered
Usage: Occurs in 122 OT verses. KJV: (make) account (of), conceive, consider, count, cunning (man, work, workman), devise, esteem, find out, forecast, hold, imagine, impute, invent, be like, mean, purpose, reckon(-ing be made), regard, think. See also: Genesis 15:6; Psalms 35:4; Psalms 10:2.
לָ/דַ֣עַת
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
זֹ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
עָמָ֖ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
N-cs
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
היא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
ה֣וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
בְ/עֵינָֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Psalms 73:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 73:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
- Sermons on Psalms 73:16
Context — Surely God Is Good to Israel
14For I am afflicted all day long and punished every morning.
15If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.
16When I tried to understand all this, it was troublesome in my sight
17until I entered God’s sanctuary; then I discerned their end. 18Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 8:17 | 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. |
| 2 | John 16:18–19 | They kept asking, “Why is He saying, ‘a little while’? We do not understand what He is saying.” Aware that they wanted to question Him, Jesus said to them, “Are you asking one another why I said, ‘In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’? |
| 3 | Psalms 36:6 | Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgments are like the deepest sea. O LORD, You preserve man and beast. |
| 4 | Proverbs 30:2–3 | Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, and I have no knowledge of the Holy One. |
| 5 | Psalms 77:19 | Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, but Your footprints were not to be found. |
| 6 | Luke 18:32–34 | He will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. They will flog Him and kill Him, and on the third day He will rise again.” But the disciples did not understand any of these things. The meaning was hidden from them, and they did not comprehend what He was saying. |
| 7 | Psalms 39:6 | Surely every man goes about like a phantom; surely he bustles in vain; he heaps up riches not knowing who will haul them away. |
| 8 | Psalms 97:2 | Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation. |
| 9 | Romans 11:33 | O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments, and untraceable His ways! |
Psalms 73:16 Summary
[This verse means that the psalmist was struggling to understand why bad people seemed to be doing well, while good people were suffering, and it was troubling him, as seen in Psalms 73:16. He was trying to make sense of it all, but it wasn't until he went to God's sanctuary that he began to understand, as mentioned in Psalms 73:17. This reminds us that sometimes we won't understand everything that's happening in our lives, but we can always trust in God's goodness and justice, as stated in Psalms 37:3-4 and Jeremiah 29:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the psalmist find it troublesome to understand the prosperity of the wicked?
The psalmist found it troublesome because it seemed to contradict God's justice, as seen in Psalms 73:16, and it was hard for him to reconcile the fact that the wicked were prospering while the righteous were suffering, as mentioned in Psalms 73:14.
What was the psalmist trying to understand?
The psalmist was trying to understand why the wicked were prospering and the righteous were suffering, as stated in Psalms 73:16, and this was causing him trouble and confusion until he entered God's sanctuary, as mentioned in Psalms 73:17.
How did the psalmist's perspective change?
The psalmist's perspective changed when he entered God's sanctuary, as seen in Psalms 73:17, and he began to understand that God's ways are not always immediately clear, but He is always just and righteous, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4.
What can we learn from the psalmist's experience?
We can learn that when we face difficulties and struggles, we should seek God's presence and perspective, as the psalmist did in Psalms 73:17, and trust in His sovereignty and goodness, as mentioned in Romans 8:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that I struggle to understand, and how can I seek God's perspective on them?
- How do I respond when I see the wicked prospering and the righteous suffering, and what does this reveal about my trust in God's justice?
- What are some ways I can 'enter God's sanctuary' and seek His presence in my daily life, as the psalmist did in Psalms 73:17?
- How can I balance my desire for understanding with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when things don't make sense?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:16
When I thought to know this,.... How to reconcile the prosperity of the wicked, and the afflictions of the righteous, to the perfections of God, and his wise providence in the government of the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:16
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. -The mental conflict which resulted in the Psalmist's mind from the anomalous prosperity of sinners. Verse 12.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
To know this; to find out the reason of this mysterious course of thy providence. It was too painful for me; I was gravelled with the difficulty.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
Psalms 73:16 When I thought to know this, it [was] too painful for me;Ver. 16. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me] Heb. it was labour in mine eyes, labour in vain, I could do no good on it, sed labyrinthis et Maeandris inextricabilibus implicabar, I did but tread a maze, for God’ s judgments are unsearchable, and his ways (of providence) are past finding out; they are far above the reach of human reason.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
(16) When I thought . . .—i.e., when I reflected in order to know this—when I tried to think the matter out, get at the bottom of it. (For the sense of the verb, comp. Psalms 78:5; Proverbs 16:9.) It was too painful.—See margin.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
Verse 16. When I thought to know this] When I reviewed the history of our fathers, I saw that, though thou hadst from time to time hidden thy face because of their sins, yet thou hadst never utterly abandoned them to their adversaries; and it was not reasonable to conclude that thou wouldst do now what thou hadst never done before; and yet the continuance of our captivity, the oppressive hardships which we suffer, and the small prospect there is of release, puzzle me again. These things have been very painful to me.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:16
15–28. Faith triumphant in the conviction of an ultimate judgement and the consciousness of the supreme blessedness of fellowship with God.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:16
When I thought to know this - When I endeavored to comprehend this, or to explain it to myself. The idea is that he “thought” on the subject, or “meditated” on it with a view to be able to understand it.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:16
16. When I thought to know this—The psalmist gives himself to meditation, and to weigh this matter which so perplexed him.
Sermons on Psalms 73:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Life Is Not a Lottery by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of going through a time of shaking and testing in his faith. He recounts a moment during a sermon in Los Angeles where h |
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The Times of the World. 3:1-22 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher reflects on the fleeting nature of human life and the inscrutable ways of God's eternal purpose. He contemplates the limited understandi |
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The Final Attempt and Failure. 8:16-9:12 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Seeker delves into the complexities of life under the sun, exploring the relationship between human works and destinies with the purpose and work |
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Of the Justice or Righteousness of God. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the justice and righteousness of God, emphasizing that these attributes are essential and inherent to His nature. He argues that God's righteousness is acknow |
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The Hill Country of the Soul by John Henry Jowett | John Henry Jowett preaches about the importance of seeking inspiration and guidance from the hills in our lives, representing the big things that give meaning to the monotony of ou |
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Wherein the Bible Differs From All Other Books by R.A. Torrey | R.A. Torrey emphasizes the unparalleled uniqueness of the Bible, asserting that it stands alone in its depth and accuracy compared to all other books. He argues that the Bible's pr |
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Faith That Works by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being properly related to Jesus through faith. He explains that surrendering all and doing what we can afford to do is not |