Psalms 73:5
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.
Original Language Analysis
בַּעֲמַ֣ל
They are not in trouble
H5999
בַּעֲמַ֣ל
They are not in trouble
Strong's:
H5999
Word #:
1 of 7
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
as other men
H582
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
as other men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
אֵינֵ֑מוֹ
H369
וְעִם
like
H5973
וְעִם
like
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
4 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
אָ֝דָ֗ם
other men
H120
אָ֝דָ֗ם
other men
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
5 of 7
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Historical Context
Job's friends wrongly assumed suffering indicated sin and prosperity indicated righteousness. The psalmist faces the opposite problem: the wicked's prosperity despite sin. Both extremes require eternal perspective to understand God's justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you view trials as evidence of God's fatherly discipline rather than abandonment?
- What dangers come from a life free of 'plague' or trouble if it means no divine correction?
- How does understanding that God disciplines those He loves change your view of suffering?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The wicked are 'not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.' They seem exempt from normal human suffering—no financial stress, health problems, or relational conflicts. This exemption offends the righteous who do suffer despite faithfulness. Yet immunity from earthly troubles may indicate immunity from divine discipline—God corrects His children (Hebrews 12:6) but leaves the reprobate to their pleasures until judgment. Ease may signal abandonment, not favor.