Psalms 73:25

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Psalm 73 is a deeply personal reflection by Asaph, a chief musician and seer in King David's time. The psalm begins with Asaph's struggle as he observed the prosperity of the wicked, which caused his own faith to waver, nearly causing his feet to stumble (Psalm 73:2). His perspective dramatically shifts when he enters 'the sanctuary of God' (Psalm 73:17), where he gains divine understanding of the ultimate end of the unrighteous. Verse 25 marks the triumphant culmination of this spiritual journey, a profound declaration of his renewed devotion and complete satisfaction found in God alone, transcending all earthly and heavenly desires.

Key Themes

  • God's Supremacy and Sufficiency: The verse powerfully asserts that God is the supreme object of desire, unparalleled in both the celestial and earthly realms. He is sufficient for all needs and desires.
  • Exclusive Devotion: Asaph expresses a singular, undivided devotion to God. There is no other being or possession, whether in heaven or on earth, that he desires more than the Lord. This echoes the great commandment to love God with all one's heart.
  • Spiritual Satisfaction: The core message is that true and lasting satisfaction comes only from a relationship with God. Worldly pursuits and fleeting pleasures cannot compare to the joy and contentment found in His presence. This contrasts sharply with the emptiness found in the pursuit of vanity.
  • Eternal Perspective: Asaph's declaration reaches into heaven, indicating a profound understanding that God is not only his present joy but also his eternal hope and portion.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "Whom have I in heaven [but thee]?" reflects the Hebrew "ΧžΧ™ ΧœΧ™ Χ‘Χ©ΧžΧ™Χ גמך" (mi li bashamayim immach), which can be translated as "Who is to me in heaven with You?" or "Who is for me in heaven besides You?" This emphasizes God's unique and incomparable position.

The second part, "and [there is] none upon earth [that] I desire beside thee," uses the Hebrew "Χ•Χ’ΧžΧš לא Χ—Χ€Χ¦ΧͺΧ™ בארΧ₯" (ve'immach lo chafatzti ba'aretz). The word chafatzti denotes a strong delight, pleasure, or fervent desire. It signifies that with God, Asaph has no longing or craving for anything else on earth, highlighting his absolute contentment and singular focus on the Lord.

Significance and Application

Psalms 73:25 serves as a timeless anchor for believers, reminding us where true fulfillment lies. In a world constantly vying for our attention and affections, this verse calls us to:

  • Re-evaluate Priorities: It challenges us to examine what we truly desire and pursue. Is God truly our ultimate desire, or are we seeking satisfaction in temporary things?
  • Find Contentment in God Alone: It encourages us to find our deepest joy and contentment in God's presence and His relationship, rather than in material wealth, status, or worldly achievements. This perspective aligns with the New Testament teaching to set our affection on things above.
  • Trust in God's Sufficiency: Like Asaph, we can overcome our struggles with envy or discontent by recognizing that God is more than enough for us, both in this life and the next. He is our strength and our portion forever (Psalm 73:26).

This declaration is a powerful testament to the transformative power of knowing God as our ultimate treasure and finding complete satisfaction in Him alone.

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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

    ΒΆ 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.