Mazmur 73:3

73:3 For I envied those who are proud,

as I observed ¹  the prosperity ²  of the wicked.

Mazmur 73:11-13

73:11 They say, “How does God know what we do?

Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?” ³ 

73:12 Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, ⁴ 

those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. ⁵ 

73:13 I concluded, ⁶  “Surely in vain I have kept my motives ⁷  pure

and maintained a pure lifestyle. ⁸ 

[73:3]  ¹ tn The imperfect verbal form here depicts the action as continuing in a past time frame.

[73:3]  ² tn Heb “peace” (שָׁלוֹם, shalom).

[73:11]  ³ 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).

[73:12]  ⁴ tn Heb “Look, these [are] the wicked.”

[73:12]  ⁵ tn Heb “the ones who are always at ease [who] increase wealth.”

[73:13]  ⁶ 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.

[73:13]  ⁷ tn Heb “heart,” viewed here as the seat of one’s thoughts and motives.

[73:13]  ⁸ 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.