Psalm 73:11-13
New English Translation
11 They say, “How does God know what we do?
Is the Most High aware of what goes on?”[a]
12 Take a good look. This is what the wicked are like,[b]
those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer.[c]
13 I concluded,[d] “Surely in vain I have kept my motives[e] pure
and maintained a pure lifestyle.[f]
Footnotes
- Psalm 73:11 tn Heb “How does God know? Is there knowledge with the Most High?” They appear to be practical atheists, who acknowledge God’s existence and sovereignty in theory, but deny his involvement in the world (see Pss 10:4, 11; 14:1).
- Psalm 73:12 tn Heb “Look, these [are] the wicked.”
- Psalm 73:12 tn Heb “the ones who are always at ease [who] increase wealth.”
- Psalm 73:13 tn The words “I concluded” are supplied in the translation. It is apparent that vv. 13-14 reflect the psalmist’s thoughts at an earlier time (see vv. 2-3), prior to the spiritual awakening he describes in vv. 17-28.
- Psalm 73:13 tn Heb “heart,” viewed here as the seat of one’s thoughts and motives.
- Psalm 73:13 tn Heb “and washed my hands in innocence.” The psalmist uses an image from cultic ritual to picture his moral lifestyle. The reference to “hands” suggests actions.
Psalm 73:11-13
New International Version
11 They say, “How would God know?
Does the Most High know anything?”
Psalm 73:11-13
King James Version
11 And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High?
12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.
13 Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.
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