Psalms 73:4
For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 6
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Cross References
Psalms 17:14From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.Psalms 17:10They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.Job 24:20The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.Ecclesiastes 2:16For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.Luke 16:22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
Historical Context
Ancient Israelites expected righteous living to produce blessing and wickedness to produce curse (Deuteronomy 28). When observation contradicted theology, it created profound spiritual crisis requiring deeper understanding of eternal realities.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when wicked people seem to prosper while the righteous suffer?
- What does a peaceful death without bands mean if it leads to eternal separation from God?
- How does eternal perspective reframe apparent injustices in temporal prosperity distribution?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Observing that the wicked have 'no bands in their death' and their 'strength is firm' suggests they die peacefully and live comfortably. This contradicts expected divine justice—shouldn't sinners suffer and the righteous prosper? The apparent anomaly creates the psalm's crisis. Yet temporal prosperity is deceptive; without Christ, a comfortable death leads to eternal judgment (Luke 16:19-31). The rich man died in comfort but woke in torment.