Psalm 73 10

Psalm 73:10 kjv

Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them.

Psalm 73:10 nkjv

Therefore his people return here, And waters of a full cup are drained by them.

Psalm 73:10 niv

Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.

Psalm 73:10 esv

Therefore his people turn back to them, and find no fault in them.

Psalm 73:10 nlt

And so the people are dismayed and confused,
drinking in all their words.

Psalm 73 verses

Psalm 73 10 Meaning

Psalm 73:10 describes a consequence of the wicked's apparent prosperity and arrogant declarations. Due to the seemingly abundant success of the ungodly, people—sometimes interpreted as those observing the wicked, or even the weak among God's people who become disillusioned—turn to them, and eagerly absorb or drink deeply from their words and ways, accepting their godless perspective and the seemingly beneficial results of their actions. The "waters of a full cup" represent the overflowing abundance or captivating influence that the wicked appear to enjoy and dispense.

Psalm 73 10 Context

Psalm 73 is a profound wisdom psalm penned by Asaph, a chief musician and seer. It forms part of the first collection of Asaph psalms (Ps 73-83). The central theme is Asaph's wrestling with the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, which causes him significant doubt and almost leads him to stumble. Verse 10 appears within Asaph's initial confession of this struggle (Ps 73:1-12), where he articulates the disturbing reality he observes: the wicked thrive, seem immune to trouble, speak arrogantly against God, and exert influence. Specifically, after describing the pride, power, and defiant words of the wicked, verse 10 explains the ripple effect: how these apparent successes cause people to be drawn to the wicked, internalizing their worldview. The psalm's turning point comes in verse 17 when Asaph enters the sanctuary of God and gains divine perspective, realizing the ultimate end of the wicked.

Psalm 73 10 Word Analysis

• Therefore (לָכֵן - lakhen): This adverb functions as a consequence or result. It signals that what follows is a direct outcome of the wicked's prosperity and proud declarations described in the preceding verses (Ps 73:4-9). It emphasizes the logical conclusion or observable effect of their thriving.
• His people (עַמּוֹ - ‘ammo): This phrase has been debated among scholars due to its singular possessive pronoun "his" (‘ammo). If "his" refers to God, then it implies "God's people." However, the surrounding context overwhelmingly points to "his" referring to the wicked previously mentioned. Thus, it likely signifies "their people" or "people attracted to them," i.e., those who are influenced by or flock to the wicked due to their apparent success.
• Return here (יָשׁוּב הֲלֹם - yashuv halom): The verb yashuv (from shuv) means "to turn," "to return," or "to turn back." Combined with halom (meaning "here" or "to this place"), it implies that people turn to or resort to the wicked, their methods, or their ideologies. It denotes a change in direction or focus, an inclination towards their ways, rather than a physical return to a location. This can mean followers, admirers, or even the weak-willed among the faithful are drawn in.
• And waters (וּמֵי - u'mei): "Waters" (mayim) in biblical literature is a rich metaphor. It can represent life, blessing, instruction, but also trouble, chaos, or, in this context, abundance and influence. The use of "waters" here implies an overflowing, abundant source.
• Of a full cup (מָלֵא - male'): Literally "full" or "abundance." This adjective describes the "waters" as being copious or plentiful. It reinforces the idea of overflowing prosperity or influence that the wicked appear to possess. It speaks of saturation or repletion, indicating that the wicked have an apparent excess of good fortune or wisdom (from their perspective).
• Are drained by them (יִמָּצוּ לָמוֹ - yimmatzu lamo): The verb matsah (מָצָה) can mean "to drain," "to suck out," or "to wring out." It conveys the idea of drawing out or partaking of something fully and deeply. Lamo means "for them" or "to them." The phrase suggests that these "waters of a full cup"—this abundant influence or perceived prosperity—are consumed, absorbed, or taken in deeply by the people who turn to the wicked, internalizing their false doctrines or coveting their lifestyle.

Words-group analysis:

• Therefore his people return here: This phrase encapsulates the observable phenomenon of people being drawn towards the wicked due to their prosperity. It suggests a movement towards adopting the wicked's perspective and methods.
• And waters of a full cup are drained by them: This phrase vividly portrays the profound effect of the wicked's influence. The "full cup" implies that the wicked are perceived as having everything to offer, and others willingly and deeply imbibe their godless principles and emulate their worldly success. It emphasizes a thorough assimilation of the wicked's viewpoint and lifestyle, drawing on their perceived source of power and prosperity.

Psalm 73 10 Bonus Section

The ambiguous antecedent of "his people" (‘ammo) and the interpretation of "waters of a full cup are drained by them" has historically led to two main views for Ps 73:10:

1. The wicked's people: The dominant modern view. It means that observers (both unbelievers and perhaps disheartened believers) are drawn to the successful wicked, internalizing their defiant worldview. This interpretation flows well with Asaph's personal struggle with envy (v.3) and the wicked's blasphemous speeches (v.11), explaining why others would echo these sentiments. The "full cup" represents the overflowing prosperity and arrogance of the wicked, from which others eagerly drink, validating their self-reliance.
2. God's people: An older, less common view in modern translations. This interpretation posits that God's people, seeing the wicked prosper, are themselves driven back to (or drink of) a full cup of bitterness, despair, or doubt. The phrase "are drained by them" then takes on a passive or negative sense, suggesting the righteous are wrung out by affliction or disillusionment because of the wicked's actions. However, the direct flow of thought in the immediate context (v.9, v.11-12) leans strongly toward the wicked being the active agents of influence, and "his people" being those who are influenced by them.

The widespread prosperity of those who deny God can indeed be a powerful stumbling block, not just for the uninitiated, but also for those of faith who struggle to reconcile divine justice with empirical reality. The verse therefore serves as a cautionary observation of how attractive worldly success can be, even when gained through unrighteous means, and how quickly others can be swayed to partake in the same deceptive "waters."

Psalm 73 10 Commentary

Psalm 73:10 encapsulates Asaph's bewildered observation of the power of success, even when associated with wickedness. He sees that the wicked, who are bold in their defiance of God (v.9), paradoxically attract others. "Therefore," because the wicked appear to flourish without consequence (v.3-9), people (likely those impressed by this worldly success, perhaps even wavering believers) "turn to them" for guidance, admiration, or emulation. These individuals then "drink deeply" from what the wicked offer, as from a "full cup"—not necessarily spiritual nourishment, but worldly counsel, lifestyle choices, or a philosophy that appears to yield material gains and ease. This profound disillusionment for Asaph arose from observing this spiritual magnetism, recognizing that if even God's people begin to question His justice by looking at the world, others without a firm foundation would inevitably follow the path that outwardly promises more. This verse highlights the seductive power of superficial prosperity and the ease with which people can be drawn into ungodly patterns of thought and life.