Psalms 73:15

KJV

¶ If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend [against] the generation of thy children.

KJV (with Strong's)

If I say {H559}{H8804)}, I will speak {H5608}{H8762)} thus {H3644}; behold, I should offend {H898}{H8804)} against the generation {H1755} of thy children {H1121}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If I had said, "I will talk like them,"I would have betrayed a generation of your children.

Berean Standard Bible

If I had said, “I will speak this way,” then I would have betrayed Your children.

American Standard Version

If I had said, I will speak thus; Behold, I had dealt treacherously with the generation of thy children.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:15 captures a pivotal moment in Asaph's spiritual journey, where he contemplates voicing his profound doubts about God's justice and the prosperity of the wicked. However, he immediately recoils from this impulse, recognizing that such public expression of unrefined skepticism would not merely be unhelpful but would actively "offend" or betray "the generation of thy children"—God's covenant people, particularly the vulnerable and less mature in faith. This verse highlights Asaph's deep pastoral concern and his discerning wisdom to protect the spiritual well-being of the community over the immediate gratification of airing his personal frustrations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 73 is a wisdom psalm, a deeply personal lament that ultimately transitions into a profound affirmation of faith. It belongs to the "Psalms of Asaph" (Psalms 73-83), characterized by their theological depth and often wrestling with issues of divine justice and human suffering. The psalm opens with Asaph's honest confession of envy and near spiritual collapse as he observes the apparent ease and prosperity of the wicked (e.g., [Psalms 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalms 73:2-3 - Asaph's Near Stumbling")). He describes their pride, violence, and seeming immunity from hardship (e.g., [Psalms 73:6-12](/psalms/73-6 "Psalms 73:6-12 - The Prosperity of the Wicked")). This internal turmoil leads him to question the value of his own purity and righteous living (e.g., [Psalms 73:13-14](/psalms/73-13 "Psalms 73:13-14 - Asaph's Questioning of His Purity")). Verse 15 serves as a critical turning point, a moment of self-correction and discernment, immediately preceding his entry into the sanctuary where he gains clarity (e.g., [Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalms 73:17 - Asaph Enters the Sanctuary")). It marks the shift from outward observation and internal complaint to an inward, protective posture.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Asaph was a prominent Levite, a chief musician, and a seer during the reigns of David and Solomon (e.g., [1 Chronicles 16:4-7](/1_chronicles/16-4 "1 Chronicles 16:4-7 - Asaph's Role in Worship")). His role as a worship leader and prophet meant he held a position of significant influence and spiritual authority within the Israelite community. In ancient Israel, the community was tightly knit, and the words and actions of leaders carried immense weight, impacting the faith and morale of the entire congregation. The concept of "the generation of thy children" refers to the covenant people of God, Israel, emphasizing their collective identity and shared spiritual heritage. Causing a fellow Israelite to stumble, especially one less mature or struggling, was a serious offense, reflecting a deep responsibility within the covenant community to uphold one another in faith and obedience to God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Psalms 73 and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **weight and responsibility of our words**, particularly for those in positions of spiritual influence. Asaph recognizes that unbridled expression of doubt, even if personally felt, can have devastating consequences for the faith of others. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **pastoral care and protection of the vulnerable** within the community of faith. Asaph's concern for "the generation of thy children" demonstrates a profound sense of duty to safeguard the spiritual well-being of God's people, especially those who might be easily discouraged or led astray by a respected leader's public struggles. This resonates strongly with later New Testament teachings on not causing a brother or sister to stumble (e.g., [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **discretion in doubt**, suggesting that while internal wrestling with faith questions is a natural part of spiritual growth, the manner and context in which those doubts are processed and expressed are critical for the health of the individual and the community.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Offend (Hebrew, _bagad'_):** The KJV translation "offend" here carries a much stronger meaning than merely causing annoyance. The Hebrew verb `בָּגַד` (_bagad_) means "to deal treacherously," "to betray," "to act faithlessly," or "to violate a covenant." It implies a serious breach of trust or loyalty. Asaph understands that publicly voicing his doubts about God's justice would be tantamount to a spiritual betrayal of God's people, potentially leading them into doubt, despair, or even apostasy, thus violating his pastoral responsibility and the communal covenant.
* **Generation (Hebrew, _dor'_):** The Hebrew word `דּוֹר` (_dor_) can refer to a "period of time," an "age," or a "class of persons." In this context, "the generation of thy children" refers to the contemporary community of God's people, those living at that time who are part of His covenant family. It emphasizes the collective identity and shared spiritual journey of believers.
* **Children (Hebrew, _banayik'_):** The term `בָּנַיִךְ` (_banayik_), meaning "your sons" or "your children," is a tender and intimate descriptor for God's people, emphasizing their special relationship as His beloved offspring. It underscores the vulnerability and preciousness of those whom Asaph is concerned about, highlighting their dependence on God's faithfulness and the guidance of their spiritual leaders.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend":** This clause reveals Asaph's internal monologue and the hypothetical nature of his potential action. He is contemplating the very act of articulating his bitter observations and doubts about divine justice. The phrase "I will speak thus" refers to the grievances and questions he has just articulated in the preceding verses (e.g., about the prosperity of the wicked and the futility of his own purity). The immediate recognition, "behold, I should offend," demonstrates a moment of profound self-correction and spiritual discernment. He perceives the severe negative consequence of such speech.
* **"[against] the generation of thy children.":** This specifies the object of Asaph's potential "offense" or betrayal. It is not merely a general public, but specifically "the generation of thy children"—God's covenant community, His beloved people. This highlights Asaph's pastoral heart and his understanding of his responsibility to protect and nurture the faith of those who look to God, particularly those who might be less mature, weaker in faith, or susceptible to discouragement. His words could cause them to stumble, doubt God's goodness, or even abandon their faith.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 73:15 employs several significant **literary devices**. The primary device is a **Hypothetical Statement** ("If I say..."), which allows Asaph to explore the potential consequences of a contemplated action without actually performing it. This creates a moment of dramatic tension and internal conflict, revealing the depth of his ethical and spiritual consideration. The psalm itself is largely an **Internal Monologue**, and this verse is a crucial turning point within that monologue, marking a shift from complaint to discernment. The phrase "behold, I should offend" functions as an **Exclamatory Realization**, emphasizing the sudden and impactful understanding Asaph has of the gravity of his potential words. Finally, the word "offend" (Hebrew `bagad`) functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for spiritual betrayal or causing a severe stumbling block, far beyond a simple slight, underscoring the profound responsibility of speech within the covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 73:15 profoundly underscores the biblical emphasis on the power of speech and the sacred responsibility of those who influence others. Asaph's moment of self-correction reveals a deep theological truth: our words, especially when spoken by those in leadership or with spiritual authority, have the capacity to either build up or tear down the faith of others. The concept of "offending" or causing others to stumble is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, highlighting God's tender care for His vulnerable children and the severe consequences for those who lead them astray. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that while honest wrestling with doubt is permissible before God, the public dissemination of unrefined spiritual struggles can be spiritually destructive to the community, particularly to those who are young in faith or experiencing their own trials. It calls believers to a high standard of discernment and pastoral sensitivity in all their communication, prioritizing the edification and protection of God's flock.

* [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - Power of Life and Death in the Tongue")
* [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Causing Little Ones to Stumble")
* [Romans 14:13](/romans/14-13 "Romans 14:13 - Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Asaph's profound moment of self-correction in Psalms 73:15 offers invaluable lessons for believers today. It challenges us to consider the immense power of our words and the responsibility we bear, not just for what we say, but for how and to whom we say it. While it is natural and even healthy to wrestle with doubts, frustrations, and questions about God's ways, Asaph demonstrates the wisdom of processing these struggles privately before God or with trusted, mature spiritual mentors, rather than broadcasting them in ways that could undermine the faith of others. This verse calls us to cultivate a pastoral heart, recognizing that our speech can either be a source of encouragement and stability or a stumbling block to those who might be less mature in their faith, new believers, or those navigating their own seasons of doubt. It encourages us to discern carefully when and how to articulate our internal struggles, always prioritizing the spiritual well-being of "the generation of thy children" and seeking to build up, rather than tear down, the body of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What internal struggles or doubts am I currently wrestling with, and where am I processing them?**
* **How do my words, both spoken and written (e.g., on social media), impact the faith of others, particularly those who might be vulnerable or less mature?**
* **In what ways can I exercise greater discernment and pastoral sensitivity in sharing my personal spiritual journey with others?**
* **Who are "the generation of thy children" in my life or community whom I am called to protect and encourage with my words?**

### FAQ
**What does "offend" mean in Psalms 73:15, and why is it so significant?**

Answer: The KJV word "offend" translates the Hebrew `בָּגַד` (_bagad_), which is a much stronger term than simply causing annoyance. It means "to deal treacherously," "to betray," or "to act faithlessly." In this context, Asaph realizes that publicly voicing his unrefined doubts about God's justice would be a spiritual betrayal of "the generation of thy children"—God's covenant people. It would not just annoy them, but potentially cause them to stumble in their faith, doubt God's faithfulness, or even lead them into despair or apostasy. This highlights the severe spiritual harm that can come from irresponsible speech, especially from someone in a position of spiritual influence.

**Who are "the generation of thy children" that Asaph is concerned about?**

Answer: "The generation of thy children" refers to God's covenant people, the community of Israel, particularly those who are sincere in their faith but might be spiritually vulnerable, less mature, or struggling with their own doubts. Asaph, as a worship leader and seer, felt a deep pastoral responsibility for the spiritual well-being of this community. His concern reflects the biblical principle of protecting the "little ones" or weaker brethren from anything that might cause them to stumble (e.g., [Matthew 18:6](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6 - Warnings Against Causing Offense")).

**Is it wrong for believers to have doubts or questions about God?**

Answer: No, it is not inherently wrong to have doubts or questions about God; in fact, they can often be a catalyst for deeper faith. Psalms 73 itself is a testament to Asaph's honest wrestling with profound theological questions. The issue in Psalms 73:15 is not the existence of doubt, but the *public expression* of unrefined, potentially destructive doubt to a vulnerable audience. Asaph wisely discerns that some struggles are best processed privately before God or with trusted, mature spiritual mentors, rather than being broadcast in a way that could undermine the faith of others. His journey ultimately leads him to clarity and renewed faith in God's sanctuary (e.g., [Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalms 73:17 - Asaph Enters the Sanctuary")), demonstrating that honest wrestling can lead to spiritual growth when handled discerningly.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 73:15, with Asaph's discerning choice to protect "the generation of thy children" from his unrefined doubts, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, perfectly embodies the pastoral heart that Asaph only began to grasp. He consistently guarded His "little ones" and warned severely against causing any of them to stumble, declaring that it would be better for one to have a millstone tied around his neck and be cast into the sea than to cause one of His "little ones" to sin (e.g., [Matthew 18:6-7](/matthew/18-6 "Matthew 18:6-7 - Warnings Against Causing Offense")). Unlike Asaph, who wrestled with the temptation to speak faithless words, Jesus's words were always pure, always true, and always life-giving, designed to build up and never to betray or cause offense to God's children. He is the ultimate Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, never wavering in His trust in the Father, even in the face of unimaginable suffering and cosmic injustice (e.g., [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, Jesus brings into being the new "generation of thy children"—those who are adopted into God's family by faith in Him (e.g., [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). His Spirit now empowers believers to speak words that edify and build up the body of Christ, reflecting His own perfect example of speech that is always gracious and seasoned with salt (e.g., [Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 18:6

But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Matthew 18:7

¶ Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Malachi 2:8

But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

Psalms 22:30

A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.

Romans 14:21

[It is] good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor [any thing] whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

Psalms 14:5

There were they in great fear: for God [is] in the generation of the righteous.