Psalms 73:22
So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.
Original Language Analysis
בַ֭עַר
So foolish
H1198
בַ֭עַר
So foolish
Strong's:
H1198
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, foot (as consumed); i.e., (by exten.) of cattle brutishness; (concretely) stupid
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֵדָ֑ע
was I and ignorant
H3045
אֵדָ֑ע
was I and ignorant
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
4 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
בְּ֝הֵמ֗וֹת
I was as a beast
H929
בְּ֝הֵמ֗וֹת
I was as a beast
Strong's:
H929
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
Cross References
Ecclesiastes 3:18I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.Psalms 49:10For he seeth that wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others.Psalms 92:6A brutish man knoweth not; neither doth a fool understand this.Isaiah 1:3The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.Psalms 32:9Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.Proverbs 30:2Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man.
Historical Context
The biblical worldview distinguishes humans (created in God's image, capable of eternal perspective) from beasts (focused only on immediate needs). Sin reduces humans to beast-level existence; grace restores image-bearer capacity.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do you sometimes think like a 'beast'—focused only on immediate, temporal concerns?
- How does humble acknowledgment of foolishness and ignorance prepare you for spiritual growth?
- What differences should characterize human thinking (image of God) versus beast thinking (merely creature)?
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Analysis & Commentary
The confession deepens: 'So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.' The psalmist acknowledges his animal-like perspective—focused only on immediate, temporal realities like brute beasts. Lacking eternal perspective reduced him to creature-level thinking, unable to comprehend God's purposes. This humility prepares for restored relationship. Admitting foolishness is the first step toward wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). Only by recognizing we've thought like beasts can we begin thinking as God's image-bearers.