Psalms 73:18
Psalms 73:18 in Multiple Translations
Surely You set them on slick ground; You cast them down into ruin.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.
Surely thou settest them in slippery places: Thou castest them down to destruction.
You put their feet where there was danger of slipping, so that they go down into destruction.
For you send them on a slippery path; you throw them down to destruction.
Surely thou hast set them in slipperie places, and castest them downe into desolation.
Only, in slippery places Thou dost set them, Thou hast caused them to fall to desolations.
Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou didst cast them down into destruction.
Remember this, the enemy hath reproached the Lord: and a foolish people hath provoked thy name.
Now I know that you will surely put them in slippery places, and they will fall down and die.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 73:18
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 73:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֣ךְ
בַּ֭/חֲלָקוֹת
תָּשִׁ֣ית
לָ֑/מוֹ
הִ֝פַּלְתָּ֗/ם
לְ/מַשּׁוּאֽוֹת
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
surely
DirObjM
בַּ֭/חֲלָקוֹת
chelqâh
H2513
portion
Prep | Adj
תָּשִׁ֣ית
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
לָ֑/מוֹ
Prep | Suff
הִ֝פַּלְתָּ֗/ם
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
לְ/מַשּׁוּאֽוֹת
mashshûwʼâh
H4876
desolation
Prep | N-fp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 73:18
אַ֣ךְ
ʼak
H389
"surely"
DirObjM
This Hebrew word is used to emphasize something, like saying 'surely' or 'certainly'. It can also be used to limit or restrict something, like saying 'only' or 'but'.
Definition: 1) indeed, surely (emphatic) 2) howbeit, only, but, yet (restrictive)
Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but). See also: Genesis 7:23; 2 Kings 23:35; Psalms 23:6.
בַּ֭/חֲלָקוֹת
chelqâh
H2513
"portion"
Prep | Adj
This word refers to smoothness, but can also imply flattery or slippery behavior. In some cases, it describes a plot of land or a portion of ground. The Bible uses this word to warn against smooth talk and deceitful actions.
Definition: 1) portion, parcel 1a) of ground
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: field, flattering(-ry), ground, parcel, part, piece of land (ground), plat, portion, slippery place, smooth (thing). See also: Genesis 27:16; 2 Kings 9:21; Psalms 12:3.
תָּשִׁ֣ית
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
לָ֑/מוֹ
""
Prep | Suff
הִ֝פַּלְתָּ֗/ם
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
לְ/מַשּׁוּאֽוֹת
mashshûwʼâh
H4876
"desolation"
Prep | N-fp
This Hebrew word means desolation or ruin, describing a state of complete destruction. It is used in the Bible to convey a sense of devastation. In the KJV, it is translated as desolation or destruction.
Definition: desolation, ruin
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: desolation, destruction. See also: Psalms 73:18; Psalms 74:3.
Study Notes — Psalms 73:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 73:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:18
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:18
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:18
- Sermons on Psalms 73:18
Context — Surely God Is Good to Israel
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.
19How suddenly they are laid waste, completely swept away by terrors! 20Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 35:6 | May their path be dark and slick, as the angel of the LORD pursues. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 23:12 | “Therefore their path will become slick; they will be driven away into the darkness and fall into it. For I will bring disaster upon them in the year of their punishment,” declares the LORD. |
| 3 | Deuteronomy 32:35 | Vengeance is Mine; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; for their day of disaster is near, and their doom is coming quickly.” |
| 4 | Psalms 55:23 | But You, O God, will bring them down to the Pit of destruction; men of bloodshed and deceit will not live out half their days. But I will trust in You. |
| 5 | Psalms 94:23 | He will bring upon them their own iniquity and destroy them for their wickedness. The LORD our God will destroy them. |
| 6 | Psalms 92:7 | that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed. |
| 7 | Psalms 37:35–38 | I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, yet he passed away and was no more; though I searched, he could not be found. Consider the blameless and observe the upright, for posterity awaits the man of peace. But the transgressors will all be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off. |
| 8 | Psalms 37:20 | But the wicked and enemies of the LORD will perish like the glory of the fields. They will vanish; like smoke they will fade away. |
| 9 | 2 Thessalonians 1:9 | They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might, |
| 10 | Psalms 37:24 | Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed, for the LORD is holding his hand. |
Psalms 73:18 Summary
This verse means that God allows the wicked to fall into ruin because of their own sin, as seen in Psalms 73:18. It's like they're standing on slippery ground and can't help but fall. This is a warning to us to not follow in their footsteps, but instead to follow God's ways, as seen in Psalms 1:1-3, where the righteous man is blessed because he does not walk in the counsel of the wicked. By following God, we can avoid the ruin that comes from sin and instead experience the blessings of a life lived for Him, as seen in Matthew 5:3-12, where Jesus teaches about the blessed life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be set on 'slick ground' in Psalms 73:18?
To be set on 'slick ground' means to be in a position where one can easily fall or be led into ruin, as seen in the case of the wicked in Psalms 73:18, and this is a consequence of God's judgment, as also mentioned in Psalms 35:6 and Proverbs 4:19.
Why does God cast the wicked down into ruin?
God casts the wicked down into ruin because of their sinful ways, as stated in Psalms 73:18, and this is also seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Romans 6:23, where the wages of sin is death, and in Revelation 20:15, where those whose names are not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire.
Is this verse saying that God causes people to sin so they can be punished?
No, this verse is not saying that God causes people to sin, but rather that He allows them to follow their own sinful desires, which ultimately leads to their downfall, as seen in Psalms 73:18 and also in Romans 1:24-25, where God gives people over to their sinful desires.
How can I apply this verse to my life?
You can apply this verse to your life by recognizing the consequences of sin and the importance of following God's ways, as seen in Psalms 73:18 and also in Proverbs 10:9, where it is written that the man who walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who makes his ways crooked will suddenly fall.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be standing on 'slick ground' in my own life, and how can I get back on solid ground?
- How does the knowledge of God's judgment on the wicked affect my own desire to follow Him?
- In what ways can I be mindful of the fleeting nature of worldly success and the eternal nature of God's kingdom?
- How can I use this verse to warn others of the dangers of sin and the importance of following God?
- What are some ways in which I can cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when I don't understand His ways?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:18
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places,.... In which a man cannot stand long, and without danger; and the higher they are the more dangerous, being slippery, and such are places of honour and riches.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:18
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. -The victory which he gained over his doubts in the sanctuary when he understood the end of the godless. Verse 17.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:18
Their happiness hath no firm foundation; it was very unstable, like a man’ s standing in very slippery ground. The same hand which raised them will cast them down into the pit of utter destruction.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:18
Psalms 73:18 Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction.Ver. 18. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places] Where they can have no more certainty than if they went upon the smoothest ice, or walked upon a mine of gunpowder. The Turks, seeing so few of their viziers to die in their beds, have taken up this proverb, He that is even in the greatest office is but a statue of glass. Thou castedst them down into destruction] Improbos ex magna prosperitate tanquam ex Tarpeia rupe in barathrum perditienis praecipitasti. Haman for instance.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 73:18
Verse 18. Thou didst set them in slippery places] Affluence is a slippery path; few have ever walked in it without falling. It is possible to be faithful in the unrighteous mammon, but it is very difficult. No man should desire riches; for they bring with them so many cares and temptations as to be almost unmanageable. Rich men, even when pious, are seldom happy; they do not enjoy the consolations of religion. A good man, possessed of very extensive estates, unblamable in his whole deportment, once said to me: "There must be some strange malignity in riches thus to keep me in continual bondage, and deprive me of the consolations of the Gospel." Perhaps to a person to whom his estates are a snare, the words of our Lord may be literally applicable: "Sell what thou hast, and give to the poor; and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up thy cross, and follow me." But he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions! May we not then say with the psalmist, Surely thou digest set them in slippery places, &c.?
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:18
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 73:18
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places - Not in a solid and permanent position; not where their foothold would be secure, but as on smooth and slippery rocks, where they would be liable any
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:18
18-20. In these verses there is a rising climax in the description of the doom of the wicked. Surely—Answering to verily in New Testament.
Sermons on Psalms 73:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God by Jonathan Edwards | The video is a summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards titled "Their Foot Shall Slide in Due Time" based on Deuteronomy 32:35. Edwards emphasizes the wrath of God and the impending |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 71-80 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker begins by describing the power and majesty of God, highlighting His control over nature and His guidance of His people. The speaker then shifts to addre |
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A Tour of Hell by E.A. Johnston | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of accepting the Gospel and turning to Christ. He warns that sudden death can take people away without warning, just as the Bibl |
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This Is the Portion of a Wicked Man From God. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the inevitable connection between wrongdoing and its consequences, as illustrated in the Book of Job. He reflects on the beliefs of Eastern peoples regarding |
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Someone to Watch Over Me by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the struggles of Asaph, who felt his righteous efforts were in vain as he compared his suffering to the ease of the wicked. In his despair, Asaph questio |
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Standing in Slippery Places by Paris Reidhead | Paris Reidhead's sermon 'Standing in Slippery Places' emphasizes the precarious state of the wicked who seem to prosper while the righteous suffer. He draws from Psalm 73, illustra |
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Deuteronomy 32:35 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the imminent danger of destruction for the wicked, illustrating that they are always at risk of sudden downfall, akin to walking on thin ice. He explains tha |