Psalms 73:16
When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;
Original Language Analysis
וָֽ֭אֲחַשְּׁבָה
When I thought
H2803
וָֽ֭אֲחַשְּׁבָה
When I thought
Strong's:
H2803
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou
לָדַ֣עַת
to know
H3045
לָדַ֣עַת
to know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
עָמָ֖ל
this it was too painful
H5999
עָמָ֖ל
this it was too painful
Strong's:
H5999
Word #:
4 of 6
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
Historical Context
Job's counselors tried to explain his suffering rationally and failed. Only God's self-revelation from the whirlwind (Job 38-41) resolved Job's crisis—not through logical explanation but through encounter with divine mystery and sovereignty.
Questions for Reflection
- What theological questions have you found 'too painful' to resolve through reason alone?
- How do you balance using your mind to understand God while recognizing His ways surpass human comprehension?
- What role does humble submission to mystery play in mature faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The attempt to understand through reason—'When I thought to know this'—failed: 'it was too painful for me.' Human intellect alone cannot resolve theodicy's mysteries. The problem of evil and prosperity's distribution exceed rational explanation without divine revelation. This intellectual humility recognizes that finite minds cannot comprehend infinite wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9). Resolution requires not just thinking but spiritual understanding in God's presence (verse 17).