Psalm 73 4

Psalm 73:4 kjv

For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.

Psalm 73:4 nkjv

For there are no pangs in their death, But their strength is firm.

Psalm 73:4 niv

They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.

Psalm 73:4 esv

For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek.

Psalm 73:4 nlt

They seem to live such painless lives;
their bodies are so healthy and strong.

Psalm 73 verses

Psalm 73 4 Meaning

Psalm 73:4 describes the psalmist Asaph's observation regarding the wicked: they appear to experience no physical pain or severe distress in their final moments, but rather maintain their robust health and strength right up until their death. This perceived serene end, free from agony or struggle, deeply troubled Asaph as it seemed to contradict God's just governance of the world.

Psalm 73 4 Context

Psalm 73 belongs to the Book of Psalms, specifically the third book, attributed to Asaph. This psalm is a profound wisdom lament that delves into the timeless problem of theodicy – the question of how God can be good and just while evil people prosper and the righteous suffer. Verse 4 encapsulates a specific, highly distressing observation by the psalmist. He has been deeply unsettled by the outward success and ease of the wicked (vv. 2-3). In his observation, they seem to lack common troubles, including the painful pangs often associated with the approach of death, maintaining robust physical health until their last breath. This visual reality intensely challenges Asaph's faith and his understanding of divine justice, prompting his inner turmoil which only resolves when he enters the sanctuary of God and understands their ultimate, true end (v. 17). The verse highlights a major contributing factor to his temporary spiritual crisis.

Psalm 73 4 Word analysis

• For (כִּי - ki): This causal particle indicates a reason or explanation for the psalmist's perplexity and envy stated in the preceding verses. It introduces the evidence that supports his disturbed observations.
• no pains (אֵין־חַרְצֻבּוֹת - ein-chartsubbot):
  • אֵין (ein): "There is no," "not." A strong negation.
  • חַרְצֻבּוֹת (chartsubbot): This key term literally means "bands," "bonds," "fetters," or "chains." In this context, it broadly implies severe physical pain, emotional distress, or the constricting agonies associated with the process of dying. It suggests they die an unconstrained, easy death, free from the burdens and suffering often experienced by others.
• in their death (לְמוֹתָם - l'motam): Refers to the end of their lives or the very moment of their passing. It signifies that the absence of struggle and pain extends even to their demise, making their life-cycle appear uniformly fortunate.
• but their strength (וּבָרִיא אוּלָם / וּבָרִיא חֵילָם - uvari ulām / uvari cheilam):
  • וּבָרִיא (uvari): "And fat," "and healthy," "and robust." It describes a state of fullness, health, or vigorous physical condition.
  • אוּלָם (ulām) / חֵילָם (cheilam): Some traditions use אוּלָם (ulām) which means "verily, but." However, in context with וּבָרִיא, the word is widely understood as 'eilam (related to ḥayil, strength, vigor, wealth) which fits the "strength/power" connotation. It speaks to their enduring vitality or vigorous life force.
• is firm: This aspect is inherently contained within the meaning of בָּרִיא (bari), implying that their health, robustness, or vigor remains unweakened and steady.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "no pains in their death": This phrase dramatically illustrates the startling ease with which the wicked, as perceived by the psalmist, transition from life. It evokes a sense of absence of the typical, often harrowing, agonies, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, associated with the approach of death. This tranquil end, free from "binding troubles," stands in stark contrast to the frequent suffering observed among the righteous, further exacerbating the psalmist's dilemma.
• "but their strength is firm": This contrasts directly with their "painless" death. Not only do they die without apparent suffering, but they also maintain an impressive, robust physical vitality up until their final breath. This observed unbroken health and vigor, without apparent decline, adds another layer to their perceived unbroken prosperity and strengthens the psalmist's initial impression of their being blessed. It underlines the deceptive outward appearance of the wicked, suggesting a health and peace that doesn't align with their corrupt inner lives.

Psalm 73 4 Bonus section

• The Hebrew word חַרְצֻבּוֹת (chartsubbot) has generated discussion among scholars. While commonly rendered "pains" or "agonies," some derive it from a root meaning "to cut" or "to pierce," suggesting sharp pains. Others connect it to the idea of "bands" or "chains," implying that they are not bound by the fear of death, by distress, or by divine judgment. This ambiguity underscores the surprising freedom from conventional suffering that Asaph attributes to the wicked.
• The psalmist's description of the wicked's undisturbed passage from life might be hyperbole driven by his envy and distorted perspective (as seen later in the psalm). However, it reflects a common human perception that evil people sometimes escape visible suffering or public consequence, dying comfortably.
• This verse indirectly challenges ancient retribution theology, a simplistic belief prevalent in some cultures and even within Israel (e.g., friends of Job), which rigidly asserted that immediate prosperity indicated righteousness and suffering indicated sin. Asaph's wrestling with this apparent contradiction is foundational to the psalm's theological depth.
• The resolution of Asaph's crisis, revealed in verse 17, is crucial to rightly understanding verse 4. Their ease in death and firm strength is a temporary delusion; God places them on "slippery ground," leading inevitably to sudden destruction, implying their "peace" is fleeting and ultimately illusory.

Psalm 73 4 Commentary

Psalm 73:4 provides a sharp, disturbing image that forms a critical part of Asaph's spiritual struggle. His observation is not merely that the wicked live prosperous lives, but that even their end seems painless and robust. This challenges a simple understanding of divine justice where the wicked might be expected to suffer a tormented end. The "no pains" or "no struggles" implies an absence of agonizing terminal illness, a lack of fear of judgment, or even a sudden, swift death. Furthermore, their "strength is firm" indicates that their physical well-being remains unbroken, contradicting the usual process of physical deterioration before death. This perceived lack of consequence or decay in the wicked deeply disturbs the psalmist because it suggests God is either unconcerned with their evil or unable to punish them. The verse encapsulates the problem of suffering and perceived non-suffering in this world, highlighting how outward appearances can profoundly mislead one's spiritual judgment until God's ultimate perspective is revealed. It serves as a reminder that true spiritual peace and health are not measured by earthly ease or material well-being.