Psalms 73:22
Psalms 73:22 in Multiple Translations
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
So brutish was I, and ignorant; I was as a beast before thee.
As for me, I was foolish, and without knowledge; I was like a beast before you.
I was stupid and ignorant. I was like a brute beast to you.
So foolish was I and ignorant: I was a beast before thee.
And I am brutish, and do not know. A beast I have been with Thee.
I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Arise, O God, judge thy own cause: remember thy reproaches with which the foolish man hath reproached thee all the day.
I was stupid and ignorant, and I behaved like an animal toward you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 73:22
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 73:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/אֲנִי
בַ֭עַר
וְ/לֹ֣א
אֵדָ֑ע
בְּ֝הֵמ֗וֹת
הָיִ֥יתִי
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
וַ/אֲנִי
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
בַ֭עַר
baʻar
H1198
stupid
Adj
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אֵדָ֑ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
בְּ֝הֵמ֗וֹת
bᵉhêmâh
H929
animal
N-fp
הָיִ֥יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 73:22
וַ/אֲנִי
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
בַ֭עַר
baʻar
H1198
"stupid"
Adj
Stupid refers to brutishness or stupidity, describing someone who is foolish or lacking sense, often in a way that is compared to the behavior of cattle.
Definition: brutishness, stupidity, brutish (person)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: brutish (person), foolish. See also: Psalms 49:11; Psalms 92:7; Psalms 73:22.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֵדָ֑ע
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
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.
בְּ֝הֵמ֗וֹת
bᵉhêmâh
H929
"animal"
N-fp
This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.
Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts
Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.
הָיִ֥יתִי
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 73:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 73:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:22
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:22
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 73:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:22
- Sermons on Psalms 73:22
Context — Surely God Is Good to Israel
20Like one waking from a dream, so You, O Lord, awaken and despise their form.
21When my heart was grieved and I was pierced within,
22I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before You.
23Yet I am always with You; You hold my right hand. 24You guide me with Your counsel, and later receive me in glory.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 3:18 | I said to myself, “As for the sons of men, God tests them so that they may see for themselves that they are but beasts.” |
| 2 | Psalms 92:6 | A senseless man does not know, and a fool does not understand, |
| 3 | Psalms 49:10 | For it is clear that wise men die, and the foolish and the senseless both perish and leave their wealth to others. |
| 4 | Psalms 32:9 | Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you. |
| 5 | Isaiah 1:3 | The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s manger, but Israel does not know; My people do not understand.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 30:2 | Surely I am the most ignorant of men, and I lack the understanding of a man. |
| 7 | Job 18:3 | Why are we regarded as cattle, as stupid in your sight? |
| 8 | Psalms 69:5 | You know my folly, O God, and my guilt is not hidden from You. |
Psalms 73:22 Summary
Psalms 73:22 means that without God, we are like animals that don't understand what's going on - we're spiritually blind and foolish. But even in our ignorance, God is still with us and wants to guide us, as we see in Psalms 73:23-24. It's okay to admit we don't know everything, and in fact, it's the first step to trusting in God's wisdom and guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6). By acknowledging our limitations and weaknesses, we can begin to walk in greater spiritual understanding and discernment, and trust in God's goodness and love for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'senseless and ignorant' before God?
This phrase, found in Psalms 73:22, indicates a state of spiritual blindness and foolishness, similar to what the Apostle Paul describes in Romans 3:11, where it is written that 'there is none who understands' without God's intervention.
How can we be considered 'brute beasts' before God?
This phrase is not meant to dehumanize us, but rather to highlight our lack of spiritual understanding and discernment without God's guidance, as seen in Jeremiah 10:14, where it is written that 'every man is senseless and without knowledge'.
Is it okay to admit our ignorance and foolishness before God?
Yes, as seen in Psalms 73:22, it is not only okay but also necessary to acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses before God, as it is written in Proverbs 3:5-6 that we should trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
How does this verse relate to our relationship with God?
This verse, Psalms 73:22, shows that even in our ignorance and foolishness, God is still with us and guides us, as seen in the following verses, Psalms 73:23-24, where it is written that God holds our right hand and guides us with His counsel.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have been 'senseless and ignorant' before God, and how can I surrender them to Him?
- How can I cultivate a deeper awareness of my own spiritual limitations and weaknesses, and trust in God's guidance and wisdom?
- In what ways have I been acting like a 'brute beast' in my relationship with God, and how can I begin to walk in greater spiritual understanding and discernment?
- What does it mean for me to trust in God's counsel and guidance, even when I don't understand what's happening in my life?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 73:22
So foolish was I,.... To envy the prosperity of the wicked, which is of so short a continuance; to arraign the providence and perfections of God, and to conclude so hastily that there was nothing in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 73:22
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. -He condemns his past beastlike folly and expresses his assurance of God's presence and guidance, notwithstanding his folly. Verse 21.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 73:22
As a beast. Heb. beasts, which may signify a great beast; a most stupid and sottish creature, like one not only void of grace, but of reason too; for reason itself, especially assisted by the Holy Scriptures, did sufficiently discover that, all things considered, I had no sufficient cause to envy the prosperity of wicked men. I minded only present things, as the brutes do. and did not consider things to come, as reasonable creatures do, and ought to do. Before thee; in thy sight or judgment, and therefore in truth, , howsoever I seemed to myself or others to have some degree of reason and discretion.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 73:22
Psalms 73:22 So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee.Ver. 22. So foolish was I and ignorant] By this befooling and be beasting himself, he retracteth and bewaileth his former fluctuation and folly, Psalms 73:2-3. This is the proper fruit of his godly sorrow, Psalms 73:12. I was as a beast before thee] Heb. Behemoth, as a great beast, or as many beasts in one. Thus he aggravateth and layeth load upon his sin, and so must we.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 73:22
(22) Foolish.—Better, brutish.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 73:22
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 73:22
So foolish was I, and ignorant - Such low and imperfect views did I take of the subject.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 73:22
22. Foolish… ignorant… as a beast—Strong terms, expressive of his blindness and stupidity in his deceived and doubting state.
Sermons on Psalms 73:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Sixth Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of humility in the life of a monk, highlighting the sixth degree of humility which involves being content with the poorest and wors |
|
An Overview of Ecclesiastes by William MacDonald | William MacDonald explores the Book of Ecclesiastes, detailing Solomon's quest for life's meaning through human wisdom, ultimately concluding that life is vanity and futile without |
|
Hell by Ian Paisley | In this sermon, the preacher describes the death of a soul who did not heed the warning of the trumpet. The sermon references the book of Ecclesiastes, specifically chapter 8 verse |
|
The Love of the World and the Love of God by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the dangers of loving the world and its temporary pleasures, emphasizing that those who love the world do not have the love of the Father in them. He co |
|
|
Spiritual Insights 04 Hosea 6:3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living for others and using our gifts and talents for productive activity. He warns against wallowing in self-pity and enc |
|
How Not to Be a Mule by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 32 and explores the argument as a whole. The first five verses of the Psalm discuss the importance of confessing our sins and being for |
|
Get Understanding by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding above material possessions, highlighting how often we prioritize acquiring things over gaining true unders |