Psalms 73:25

KJV

Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whom have I in heaven {H8064} but thee? and there is none upon earth {H776} that I desire {H2654}{H8804)} beside thee.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whom do I have in heaven but you? And with you, I lack nothing on earth.

Berean Standard Bible

Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.

American Standard Version

Whom have I in heavenbut thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides thee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:25 encapsulates the psalmist Asaph's profound spiritual transformation, culminating in an exclusive and all-encompassing declaration of devotion to God. After grappling with the perplexing prosperity of the wicked, Asaph's perspective shifts dramatically, leading him to affirm God as his singular and ultimate desire, transcending all earthly and heavenly aspirations. This verse stands as a powerful testament to God's unparalleled sufficiency and the deep, abiding satisfaction found only in His presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 73 is a wisdom psalm, a deeply personal lament and confession by Asaph, one of the chief musicians. The psalm opens with Asaph's candid admission of a severe spiritual crisis, as his faith nearly falters upon observing the apparent ease and prosperity of the wicked, while he himself experiences affliction ([Psalms 73:2](/psalms/73-2 "Psalms 73:2 - Asaph's Near Stumble")). This internal struggle intensifies through the middle section, where he questions the value of his own righteousness. The pivotal turning point occurs when Asaph enters "the sanctuary of God" ([Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalms 73:17 - Asaph Enters the Sanctuary")), where he gains divine insight into the ultimate and terrifying end of the unrighteous. With this newfound understanding, his perspective is radically altered. Verse 25, therefore, is not merely a statement but the triumphant climax of this spiritual journey, a profound declaration of renewed devotion and complete satisfaction found in God alone, which is further elaborated in the following verses, particularly [Psalms 73:26](/psalms/73-26 "Psalms 73:26 - God is My Strength and Portion").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Asaph served as a prominent Levitical musician and seer during the reigns of King David and King Solomon, playing a significant role in temple worship. His position would have granted him intimate access to the sanctuary, a sacred space where the divine presence was believed to dwell and where spiritual revelation often occurred. In ancient Israelite culture, prosperity was often seen as a sign of divine blessing, and suffering as a sign of divine displeasure. This cultural assumption made the prosperity of the wicked particularly vexing for the righteous. Asaph's struggle reflects a common theological dilemma of the time: how to reconcile God's justice with the apparent injustice of the world. His resolution, found in the sanctuary, underscores the importance of communal worship and divine revelation as primary means of understanding God's ways beyond superficial appearances.

* **Key Themes:** Psalms 73:25 powerfully articulates several core theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it asserts **God's Supremacy and Sufficiency**, declaring Him as the supreme object of desire, unparalleled in both the celestial and earthly realms. He is presented as utterly sufficient for all needs and desires, negating the need for any other source of fulfillment. Secondly, the verse expresses **Exclusive Devotion**, where Asaph articulates a singular, undivided commitment to God. There is no other being or possession, whether in heaven or on earth, that he desires more than the Lord, echoing the foundational command to love God with all one's heart, soul, and might found in [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment"). Thirdly, it highlights **Spiritual Satisfaction**, conveying the profound truth that true and lasting contentment comes only from an intimate relationship with God. This stands in stark contrast to the fleeting pleasures and ultimate emptiness of worldly pursuits, a theme frequently explored in wisdom literature, such as the "vanity of vanities" declared in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities"). Finally, Asaph's declaration reaches into the heavenly realm, indicating an **Eternal Perspective**—God is not only his present joy but also his eternal hope and portion, a truth that transcends the temporal concerns of this life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whom (Hebrew, _mi li'_):** The phrase "Whom have I" translates the Hebrew "מי לי" (*mi li*), which literally means "Who is to me?" or "Who is for me?" It functions as a rhetorical question that strongly implies a negative answer: "There is no one else for me." This construction emphasizes the psalmist's singular focus and exclusive devotion to God, asserting that God is his sole possession, support, and object of affection. It is a declaration of absolute dependence and belonging.
* **Desire (Hebrew, _chafatzti'_):** The verb "desire" comes from the Hebrew root `חָפַץ` (*chafatz*), which conveys a strong sense of delight, pleasure, longing, or fervent desire. It is not merely a casual preference but an intense affection and deep satisfaction. When Asaph states "I desire beside thee," he means that with God, he has no craving, no longing, and no delight in anything else on earth. This word underscores the depth of his contentment and the absolute sufficiency he finds in God alone.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whom have I in heaven [but thee]?":** This opening clause is a powerful rhetorical question, immediately establishing God's unparalleled supremacy. It asserts that in the entire celestial realm, among all heavenly beings or spiritual realities, there is no one else that Asaph possesses, relies upon, or desires more than God. The implied answer is "no one." This declaration elevates God above all created beings, even angels, and positions Him as the ultimate and sole object of worship and affection in the spiritual dimension. It signifies a profound recognition of God's unique and incomparable majesty.
* **"and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee.":** This second clause extends the psalmist's exclusive devotion from the heavenly to the earthly realm. It complements the first part, creating a comprehensive statement that God is the supreme object of desire in all of existence—both above and below. Asaph declares that no earthly possession, no human relationship, no worldly achievement, and no fleeting pleasure can compete with or compare to the satisfaction and delight he finds in God. This is a radical statement of contentment and singular focus, indicating that his heart's deepest longings are fully met in the Lord, rendering all other earthly pursuits secondary or even undesirable in comparison.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 73:25 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question** ("Whom have I in heaven [but thee]?"), which is designed not to elicit an answer but to make a strong affirmative statement by implying a resounding "no one." This technique powerfully emphasizes God's unique and incomparable position. The verse also features clear **Parallelism**, specifically **Antithetical Parallelism** combined with **Synonymous Parallelism**. The contrast between "heaven" and "earth" creates an antithesis, while the parallel structure of "Whom have I... [but thee]?" and "none... [that] I desire beside thee" reinforces the same core idea of exclusive devotion. This dual emphasis on both realms highlights the all-encompassing nature of Asaph's desire for God. Furthermore, the declaration can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration used for emphasis. While a believer might still have legitimate earthly desires, the psalmist uses this strong language to underscore the absolute primacy and overwhelming sufficiency of God in his life, placing Him above all other potential objects of desire.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 73:25 stands as a quintessential expression of monotheistic devotion, echoing the foundational biblical truth that God alone is worthy of ultimate worship and desire. It encapsulates the concept of God's absolute sufficiency, asserting that He is the source of all true joy, strength, and satisfaction, both in this life and eternally. This verse challenges the human tendency to seek fulfillment in created things, whether material wealth, human relationships, or even spiritual experiences that fall short of God Himself. It reinforces the call to single-minded devotion, where God is not merely *a* priority but *the* supreme priority, the ultimate treasure of the human heart. This theological stance aligns with the greatest commandment to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, recognizing Him as the sole object capable of truly satisfying the deepest longings of the human spirit.

* [Deuteronomy 6:5](/deuteronomy/6-5 "Deuteronomy 6:5 - The Great Commandment")
* [Philippians 3:8](/philippians/3-8 "Philippians 3:8 - Paul's Supreme Value of Christ")
* [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 73:25 offers a profound challenge and comfort to believers across generations. In a world saturated with distractions and competing desires, this verse calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our priorities. It prompts us to honestly ask ourselves: What truly captures our heart's deepest longing? Is God truly our ultimate desire, or are we seeking satisfaction in fleeting achievements, material possessions, or human validation? The psalmist's journey reminds us that true contentment and lasting joy are not found in the absence of struggle or in worldly prosperity, but in the unwavering conviction that God Himself is more than enough. When we cultivate a heart that desires God above all else, we find a wellspring of strength and peace that transcends circumstances, enabling us to navigate life's perplexities with an eternal perspective and an unshakable hope. This verse encourages us to pursue intimacy with God as our highest goal, trusting in His boundless sufficiency to meet every need and satisfy every spiritual longing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "heavenly" and "earthly" things that most compete for your ultimate desire, pulling your heart away from God?**
* **How does Asaph's journey from doubt to declaration in Psalms 73 inform your own spiritual struggles with contentment and trusting God's justice?**
* **In what practical ways can you cultivate a deeper, more exclusive desire for God in your daily life?**
* **If God is truly your ultimate desire, how should that manifest in your priorities, time, and resources?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean to have "none upon earth that I desire beside thee"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a profound and exclusive devotion to God, where the psalmist declares that no earthly possession, relationship, status, or pleasure can compare to or satisfy him more than God Himself. It doesn't mean that one cannot have any earthly desires or enjoy good gifts from God, but rather that God is the *ultimate* and *supreme* object of desire, the one who fully satisfies the soul's deepest longings. All other desires are secondary and find their proper place and meaning in relation to God. It's a statement of absolute contentment and singular focus on the Lord as the source of all true joy and fulfillment, contrasting sharply with the emptiness of seeking satisfaction in worldly pursuits, as seen in [Ecclesiastes 1:2](/ecclesiastes/1-2 "Ecclesiastes 1:2 - Vanity of Vanities").

**How does Psalms 73:25 relate to the earlier parts of the psalm where Asaph struggled with the prosperity of the wicked?**

Answer: This verse is the triumphant culmination of Asaph's spiritual journey and resolution. Earlier in the psalm, Asaph was deeply troubled and almost stumbled in his faith because he observed the wicked prospering while the righteous suffered ([Psalms 73:2](/psalms/73-2 "Psalms 73:2 - Asaph's Near Stumble")). His perspective dramatically shifted when he entered "the sanctuary of God" ([Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalms 73:17 - Asaph Enters the Sanctuary")), where he gained divine insight into the ultimate end of the wicked and the eternal blessedness of the righteous. Verse 25 is the fruit of this revelation: once he understood God's eternal justice and his own secure relationship with God, the temporary prosperity of the wicked became irrelevant. His desire for God, who is his eternal portion, overshadowed any desire for fleeting earthly advantages, which he had previously envied.

**Is it possible for a believer to truly achieve this level of exclusive desire for God?**

Answer: While Psalms 73:25 represents an ideal and profound state of devotion, it is a spiritual aspiration that believers are called to pursue. It reflects a heart transformed by divine revelation and a deep understanding of God's sufficiency. While we may still struggle with earthly desires and temptations, the verse serves as a guiding principle and a powerful reminder of where true satisfaction lies. The Christian life is a continuous process of sanctification, where we increasingly learn to "set our minds on things above, not on earthly things" ([Colossians 3:2](/colossians/3-2 "Colossians 3:2 - Set Your Minds on Things Above")). Through prayer, worship, and meditating on God's Word, we can cultivate a deeper love and desire for God, allowing Him to become the ultimate object of our affection and the source of our deepest joy, much like Asaph found his ultimate satisfaction in God alone ([Psalms 73:26](/psalms/73-26 "Psalms 73:26 - God is My Strength and Portion")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Asaph's declaration in Psalms 73:25, "Whom have I in heaven [but thee]? and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee," finds its ultimate and fullest Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Asaph longed for God, the invisible One, but in Christ, God became visible and tangible. Jesus is the very "image of the invisible God" ([Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Christ, the Image of God")), the "radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")). Therefore, to have Christ is to have God. He is the one who declares, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), embodying the very sufficiency that Asaph yearned for. For the New Testament believer, Jesus is not merely *beside* God, but He *is* God made flesh ([John 1:1-5](/john/1-1-5 "John 1:1-5 - The Word Was God"), [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:16-17](/colossians/1-16-17 "Colossians 1:16-17 - Christ, Creator and Sustainer")). Our desire for God is perfectly met in Him, for He is "the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). In Christ, "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - All the Fullness of God in Christ")), making Him the ultimate object of our desire in both heaven and earth. He is our life, our hope, our strength, and our eternal portion, and in Him, "Christ is all, and in all" ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All in All")).

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

Philippians 3:8

Yea doubtless, and I count all things [but] loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them [but] dung, that I may win Christ,

Psalms 16:2

[O my soul], thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou [art] my Lord: my goodness [extendeth] not to thee;

Psalms 63:3

¶ Because thy lovingkindness [is] better than life, my lips shall praise thee.

Psalms 16:5

The LORD [is] the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

Isaiah 26:8

Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O LORD, have we waited for thee; the desire of [our] soul [is] to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.

Isaiah 26:9

With my soul have I desired thee in the night; yea, with my spirit within me will I seek thee early: for when thy judgments [are] in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.

Matthew 10:37

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.