Psalms 73:26

KJV

My flesh and my heart faileth: [but] God [is] the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.

KJV (with Strong's)

My flesh {H7607} and my heart {H3824} faileth {H3615}{H8804)}: but God {H430} is the strength {H6697} of my heart {H3824}, and my portion {H2506} for ever {H5769}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My mind and body may fail; but God is the rock for my mind and my portion forever.

Berean Standard Bible

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

American Standard Version

My flesh and my heart faileth; ButGod is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:26 serves as the profound and triumphant culmination of Asaph's spiritual struggle, articulating a powerful declaration of unwavering faith amidst the inevitable fragility of human existence. It starkly contrasts the inherent limitations and ultimate failure of physical and emotional capacities with the eternal, unshakeable steadfastness of God, revealing Him as the singular, inexhaustible source of inner fortitude and the believer's everlasting inheritance, providing ultimate security and deep satisfaction beyond all earthly constraints.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 73:26 stands as the climactic resolution to the profound spiritual crisis detailed throughout [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - Asaph's Struggle and Resolution"). The psalm, attributed to Asaph, an esteemed Levitical choirmaster, opens with his startling confession of having nearly stumbled in his faith. He candidly admits his envy and confusion when observing the apparent prosperity, ease, and lack of suffering among the wicked, while he, the righteous, experienced affliction and discipline ([Psalms 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2-3 "Psalm 73:2-3 - Asaph's Near Stumble and Envy")). His intense struggle with the problem of evil (theodicy) is palpable, leading him to question the very value of his own purity and righteous living ([Psalms 73:13-14](/psalms/73-13-14 "Psalm 73:13-14 - Asaph's Questioning of His Purity")). The pivotal turning point in Asaph's journey occurs when he enters "the sanctuary of God" ([Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - Asaph Enters the Sanctuary")), a moment of divine revelation where he gains a transcendent perspective on the ultimate, terrifying end of the wicked and the incomparable blessedness of drawing near to God ([Psalms 73:18-28](/psalms/73-18-28 "Psalm 73:18-28 - The Wicked's Ultimate End and God's Nearness")). Verse 26, therefore, is not a casual statement but the deeply personal and hard-won confession of a soul transformed from doubt and despair to a settled, unshakeable confidence in God's eternal sufficiency and intimate presence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "portion" (Hebrew: *cheleq*, H2506) is deeply embedded in ancient Israelite land distribution and inheritance laws. When the land of Canaan was divided among the tribes, each received a specific "portion" or territory. However, a unique provision was made for the Levites, who, as ministers of the sanctuary, received no tribal land inheritance; instead, the Lord Himself was explicitly declared to be their "portion" ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Portion")). This established a profound theological precedent, elevating God's direct presence, provision, and covenant relationship to a value far surpassing any material or territorial possession. Asaph, likely a Levite and a prominent temple musician, draws upon this rich theological heritage, elevating God to the supreme and eternal inheritance, one that transcends the temporary gains and fleeting prosperity of the wicked. The psalm also reflects the broader wisdom tradition in Israel, which consistently grappled with life's perplexing realities, such as human suffering and the apparent success of the unrighteous, always seeking divine understanding and ultimate justice beyond immediate circumstances.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core theological and narrative themes central to [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - Asaph's Spiritual Journey") and the broader Psalter. Foremost is the profound **contrast between human frailty and divine strength**, highlighting the inherent futility of relying on self and the absolute necessity of God's sustaining power. Asaph's journey from near-stumbling to steadfastness underscores the theme of **divine revelation and perspective**, where an encounter with God's truth transforms one's understanding of justice and blessing. Another central theme is **God as the ultimate and eternal portion**, shifting the believer's focus from earthly wealth, transient pleasures, and external circumstances to the enduring, incomparable satisfaction found in an intimate, covenantal relationship with the Creator. This reorientation of values provides **ultimate security and hope**, assuring the believer that even when all else fails, God remains constant, sufficient, and eternally faithful. The psalm also addresses the **problem of theodicy**, demonstrating that true justice and ultimate blessing are not always immediately evident in present circumstances but are ultimately revealed in God's eternal plan and abiding presence, leading to a profound **confession of trust** in His unwavering goodness and sovereignty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faileth (Hebrew, כָּלָה, _kâlâh'_):** This verb, derived from H3615, signifies "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," or "to perish." In this context, it vividly describes a complete giving out, an utter exhaustion, or a dissolution of physical and emotional capacities. It implies that the psalmist's human resources—his bodily strength and inner resolve—have reached their absolute limit, unable to sustain him further. It conveys a sense of finality in human capability.
* **Strength (Hebrew, צוּר, _tsûwr'_):** From H6697, this word literally means "a cliff," "rock," or "boulder," and figuratively, "a refuge." It is a powerful metaphor for God, conveying absolute stability, unshakeable dependability, and impregnable protective power. When applied to the "heart," it signifies God as the firm, unyielding foundation and source of inner fortitude, resilience, and spiritual vitality, especially when human strength has completely given way. He is the unmovable rock upon which the inner being stands.
* **Portion (Hebrew, חֵלֶק, _chêleq'_):** This noun, from H2506, denotes a "share," "lot," or "inheritance," often referring to an allotment of land. Beyond its literal meaning of a physical allocation, its theological usage here elevates God Himself to the position of the most valuable, satisfying, and enduring inheritance. It signifies that God is the psalmist's ultimate possession, the source of his complete satisfaction, and his eternal security, far surpassing any earthly gain or fleeting prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My flesh and my heart faileth":** This opening clause is a raw, honest confession of human limitation and vulnerability. "Flesh" (שְׁאֵר, _shᵉʼêr_, H7607) refers to the physical body and its transient nature, susceptible to decay, illness, and death. "Heart" (לֵבָב, _lêbâb_, H3824) encompasses the inner being—the mind, emotions, will, and spiritual core, including one's courage and understanding. The verb "faileth" (כָּלָה, _kâlâh_, H3615) underscores a complete collapse, indicating that both physical vitality and emotional/spiritual resilience have reached their breaking point. It acknowledges the universal human experience of exhaustion, despair, and the finite, unreliable nature of self-reliance.
* **"but God is the strength of my heart":** This is the pivotal turning point of the verse, introduced by the strong adversative "but" (וְ, _vᵉ_, "and/but"). In stark contrast to human failure, God (אֱלֹהִים, _ʼĕlôhîym_, H430) is presented as the unwavering, unshakeable "strength" (צוּר, _tsûwr_, H6697, "rock/fortress") of the psalmist's inner being. This signifies that when human resources are utterly depleted, God Himself steps in as the divine, inexhaustible source of fortitude, resilience, and spiritual vitality. He is not merely an external helper, but the very foundation and power that sustains the "heart" (inner self) even when all else collapses.
* **"and my portion for ever":** This concluding phrase declares God as the psalmist's ultimate and eternal inheritance. Moving beyond the temporary and material "portions" (חֵלֶק, _chêleq_, H2506) of the world, Asaph proclaims that God Himself is his everlasting possession, his source of complete satisfaction, and his eternal security. The term "for ever" (עוֹלָם, _ʻôwlâm_, H5769) emphasizes the enduring, timeless nature of this relationship and inheritance, signifying an intimate, covenantal bond that transcends death and time, providing enduring hope and fulfillment that no earthly loss or gain can diminish.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 73:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message with striking impact. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's meaning and emotional resonance. The psalmist sets the "failing" of his flesh and heart in direct opposition to God being the "strength" of his heart and his "portion for ever." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the utter insufficiency of human existence versus the absolute, unending sufficiency of the Divine. **Metaphor** is also strongly present, particularly in the description of God as "strength" (צוּר, _tsûwr_), which literally means "rock" or "fortress." This evokes powerful images of unyielding stability, impregnable protection, and a firm foundation, conveying God's unwavering reliability and steadfastness in the face of human collapse. Furthermore, God being declared "my portion" is another profound **Metaphor** for an eternal inheritance, drawing on the ancient Israelite concept of land distribution but elevating God to the supreme and most valuable possession, one that satisfies eternally. The verse itself functions as a powerful **Confession** or **Declaration** of faith, marking the culmination of Asaph's spiritual journey from doubt and despair to profound trust and settled assurance.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 73:26 beautifully articulates the core theological truth of God's absolute sufficiency and unwavering faithfulness in the face of human inadequacy. It underscores the profound biblical principle that true strength, lasting security, and ultimate satisfaction are found not in self-reliance, worldly possessions, or fleeting circumstances, but exclusively in an intimate, dependent, and covenantal relationship with the Creator. This verse resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative of God as the faithful covenant keeper, who sustains His people through all trials and weaknesses, even when their own resources fail. It powerfully points to the eternal nature of God and the eternal hope He offers, contrasting the transient and often disappointing nature of life under the sun with the everlasting inheritance and unfailing presence found in Him. The psalmist's journey from the brink of despair to this triumphant declaration serves as a timeless testament to the transformative power of divine perspective and the ultimate, enduring satisfaction found in God alone.

* [Deuteronomy 33:27](/deuteronomy/33-27 "The Eternal God is Your Refuge")
* [2 Corinthians 12:9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Strength Perfected in Weakness")
* [Lamentations 3:24](/lamentations/3-24 "Lamentations 3:24 - The Lord is My Portion")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 73:26 offers profound comfort and a vital reorientation of perspective for believers in any age, particularly in moments of profound weakness or disillusionment. It provides a sacred permission to acknowledge our human limitations—our physical fragility, emotional exhaustion, mental weariness, and spiritual struggles—without shame or pretense. In a world that often pressures us to project an image of strength, self-sufficiency, and constant success, this verse reminds us that it is precisely when our flesh and heart fail that God's strength is most profoundly revealed and experienced. It calls us to shift our gaze from the temporary allure of worldly success, material security, or even personal achievement, which are ultimately fleeting and unsatisfying, to the eternal, unwavering reality of God as our true treasure and inheritance. This radical reorientation frees us from the anxieties of earthly loss and anchors our hope in what is eternal, inviting us to lean fully on Him as our unfailing resource, our steadfast foundation, and our ultimate satisfaction, both in the trials of this life and in the certainty of the life to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you most frequently experience your "flesh and heart" failing, leading to feelings of exhaustion or despair?**
* **How does acknowledging your own limitations and vulnerabilities create a deeper space for God's strength and grace to be revealed in your life?**
* **What does it truly mean for God to be "the strength of your heart" in the midst of your daily struggles, anxieties, or physical ailments?**
* **In what ways might you inadvertently be seeking your "portion" or ultimate satisfaction in things other than God, and how can you intentionally reorient your desires towards Him as your eternal inheritance?**

### FAQ
**What does "My flesh and my heart faileth" truly mean?**

Answer: This phrase describes a complete giving out or exhaustion of human capacities. "Flesh" (שְׁאֵר, _shᵉʼêr_) refers to the physical body and its limitations, including sickness, aging, and eventual death. "Heart" (לֵבָב, _lêbâb_) refers to the inner self—the seat of emotions, mind, will, and spiritual vitality. So, it means that the psalmist's physical strength, emotional resilience, mental fortitude, and even his spiritual resolve have reached their absolute end, leaving him feeling completely depleted, overwhelmed, and unable to cope on his own. It's a raw, honest acknowledgment of universal human weakness and vulnerability.

**Why is God called "the strength of my heart" rather than just "my strength"?**

Answer: The phrase "strength of my heart" emphasizes that God is not merely an external aid or a general source of power, but an internal, sustaining force that directly fortifies the psalmist's innermost being. The Hebrew word for "strength" (צוּר, _tsûwr_) literally means "rock" or "fortress," signifying an unshakeable, impregnable foundation. By calling God the "strength of *my heart*," the psalmist highlights that God provides inner fortitude, spiritual resilience, and vital support directly to his core being, especially when his own physical and emotional resources have failed. It speaks to a deep, personal, and internal reliance on God's unwavering presence and power.

**What is the significance of God being "my portion for ever"?**

Answer: In ancient Israel, a "portion" (חֵלֶק, _chêleq_) often referred to one's allocated share of land or inheritance. For the Levites, who received no land, the Lord Himself was explicitly declared to be their portion ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Portion")). By declaring God his "portion for ever," Asaph elevates God to the supreme and eternal inheritance, far surpassing any earthly possession, wealth, or the fleeting prosperity of the wicked. It signifies that God Himself is the psalmist's ultimate source of satisfaction, security, and lasting fulfillment, an inheritance that transcends death, time, and all earthly changes, providing eternal hope, belonging, and an unshakeable foundation for joy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 73:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Asaph's raw confession of human frailty and God's eternal strength foreshadows the perfect humanity and divine power embodied in Christ. Jesus, though fully human, experienced the ultimate "failing" of flesh and heart in His agony in Gethsemane and on the cross, yet in His profound weakness, the divine strength was made perfect, securing salvation for all humanity. He is the true "strength of our heart," not merely an external aid, but the indwelling Spirit of Christ who empowers believers when their own resources fail, fulfilling the promise that God's "power is made perfect in weakness" ([2 Corinthians 12:9](/2-corinthians/12-9 "2 Corinthians 12:9 - God's Power in Weakness")). Furthermore, Christ Himself is our eternal "portion." Through His atoning sacrifice, victorious resurrection, and ascension, He has become our ultimate and everlasting inheritance, far surpassing any earthly gain or fleeting pleasure. He is the "firstborn among many brothers" ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Christ the Firstborn")), securing our place as co-heirs with Him in God's eternal kingdom ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). In Christ, we find not only the strength to endure every trial but the eternal satisfaction and security that Asaph longed for, knowing that our "life is hidden with Christ in God" ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Our Life Hidden in Christ")). He is our everlasting treasure, our unfailing strength, and our eternal portion.

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

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 12:10

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Isaiah 40:29

He giveth power to the faint; and to [them that have] no might he increaseth strength.

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.

Psalms 138:3

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul.

2 Corinthians 4:8

¶ [We are] troubled on every side, yet not distressed; [we are] perplexed, but not in despair;

2 Corinthians 4:10

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.