Psalm 73:13

Translations

Modern

Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.

Traditional

Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency.

Literal

Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, and I have washed my hands in innocence.

Latin

Et dixi: Ergo sine causa justificavi cor meum, et lavi inter innocentes manus meas,

Original

Hebrew

English

Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure; in innocence I have washed my hands.

Notes

Psalms 73:13–14

These rhetorical questions expect a discouraging “yes” as an answer. The psalmist wonders if godliness has become a meaningless ritual (see Malachi 3:14–15).
my heart: This refers to his whole being.
The psalmist’s pain comes from discipline and rebuke (Psalm 39:11; Proverbs 1:23, 25; 12:1).

Psalms 73:13–17

When the psalmist sees the effect of his discouragement and doubt, he turns to the Lord and gains new understanding.

Psalms 73:1–28

This wisdom psalm looks at the injustice of the prosperity of the wicked. The psalmist states that God is good to the godly, but his own experience is different (Psalm 73:2–12).

Almost overwhelmed by doubt (Psalm 73:13–16), the psalmist meets the Lord in the sanctuary. This meeting gives him a broader view and renews his trust in God (Psalm 73:17–26). His troubling doubts lead to a stronger desire for truth. He knows he can trust God and that God will save him (Psalm 73:27–28).

Psalms 73:1–75:10

The seeming success of the wicked (Psalm 73) and God's apparent rejection of his people (Psalm 74) raise questions about his justice. God rules the entire world and decides when to judge (Psalm 75).

Theme notes and profiles

Complaints Material Reward Questions and Doubt The Heart in the Psalms Wisdom Psalms

Related verses

Job 21:15
Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’
Psalm 26:6
I wash my hands in innocence that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,
Job 34:9
For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight in God.’
Malachi 3:14
You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the LORD of Hosts?
James 4:8
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.
Job 35:3
For you ask, ‘What does it profit me, and what benefit do I gain apart from sin?’
Hebrews 10:19–22
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus,
Psalm 24:4
He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.
Job 9:27
If I were to say, ‘I will forget my complaint and change my expression and smile,’
Job 9:31
…then You would plunge me into the pit, and even my own clothes would despise me.

Glossary

Asaph Cleanness and Uncleanness, Regulations Concerning Music Poor, the Prayer Proverbs, Book of Psalms, Book of

Topics

Ablution: Figurative Blindness: Spiritual Doubting: General Scriptures Concerning God: Providence of, Mysterious and Misinterpreted Integrity: General Scriptures Concerning Meditation: General Scriptures Concerning Murmuring: Against God Temptation: Resistance To The Punishment of the Wicked in This Life by Put in Slippery Places The Rich: General Scriptures Concerning The Righteousness of God: Saints: Acknowledge, Though the Wicked Prosper Washing of Hands, a Token of Innocence Wicked (People): Contrasted with Righteous People Wicked (People): Prosperity of Wicked (People): Punishment of Worldliness: General Scriptures Concerning

Psalm 73:13

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