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 is a profound declaration of unwavering faith amidst profound human weakness, serving as the climactic confession of Asaph's spiritual journey. It starkly contrasts the inevitable failure of human physical and emotional capacities with the eternal, unshakeable steadfastness of God, who is revealed as the ultimate source of inner strength and the believer's everlasting inheritance, providing enduring security and satisfaction beyond all earthly limitations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalms 73:26 stands as the triumphant resolution to a profound spiritual crisis detailed throughout [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - Asaph's Struggle and Resolution"). The psalm, attributed to Asaph, begins with his confession of nearly stumbling in his faith as he observed the apparent prosperity and ease of the wicked, while he, the righteous, suffered affliction ([Psalms 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalm 73:2-3 - Asaph's Near Stumble")). His struggle with the problem of evil (theodicy) is palpable, as he questions the value of his own purity ([Psalms 73:13-14](/psalms/73-13 "Psalm 73:13-14 - Asaph's Questioning")). The turning point occurs when he enters "the sanctuary of God" ([Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalm 73:17 - Asaph Enters the Sanctuary")), gaining divine perspective on the ultimate, terrifying end of the wicked and the blessedness of drawing near to God ([Psalms 73:18-28](/psalms/73-18 "Psalm 73:18-28 - The Wicked's End and God's Nearness")). Verse 26, therefore, is the culmination of this journey from doubt and despair to a deep, settled confidence in God's eternal sufficiency.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "portion" (Hebrew: *cheleq*) is deeply rooted in ancient Israelite land distribution and inheritance. For the tribes, their portion was a specific territory in the Promised Land. However, for the Levites, who had no land inheritance, the Lord Himself was declared to be their "portion" ([Numbers 18:20](/numbers/18-20 "Numbers 18:20 - The Levites' Portion")). This established a theological precedent where God's presence and provision were considered a greater inheritance than any material possession. Asaph, likely a Levite and a temple musician, draws upon this rich theological heritage, elevating God to the supreme and eternal inheritance, transcending the temporary gains of the wicked. The psalm also reflects the broader wisdom tradition in Israel, grappling with life's perplexing realities and seeking divine understanding for human suffering and prosperity.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several core themes of [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - Asaph's Spiritual Journey") and the broader Psalter. Foremost is the **contrast between human frailty and divine strength**, highlighting the futility of relying on self and the absolute necessity of God's sustaining power. Another central theme is **God as the ultimate and eternal portion**, shifting the focus from earthly wealth and transient pleasures to the enduring satisfaction found in an intimate 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 and sufficient. The psalm also addresses the **problem of theodicy**, demonstrating that true justice and blessing are not always evident in immediate circumstances but are revealed in God's eternal plan and presence, leading to a profound **confession of trust** in His unwavering goodness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faileth (Hebrew, כָּלָה, _kalah'_):** This verb signifies "to be completed," "to be finished," "to cease," 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 have reached their absolute limit, unable to sustain him further.
* **Strength (Hebrew, צוּר, _tsur'_):** Literally meaning "rock" or "fortress," this word is a powerful metaphor for God. It conveys 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.
* **Portion (Hebrew, חֵלֶק, _cheleq'_):** This noun denotes a "share," "lot," or "inheritance." Beyond its literal meaning of a physical allocation (like land), 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, source of satisfaction, and eternal security, far surpassing any earthly gain or fleeting prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My flesh and my heart faileth":** This clause is a raw confession of human limitation and vulnerability. "Flesh" (בָּשָׂר, _basar_) refers to the physical body and its transient nature, susceptible to decay, illness, and death. "Heart" (לֵבָב, _levav_) encompasses the inner being—the mind, emotions, will, and spiritual core. The verb "faileth" 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 nature of self-reliance.
* **"but God is the strength of my heart":** This is the pivotal turning point, introduced by the strong adversative "but." In stark contrast to human failure, God is presented as the unwavering, unshakeable "strength" (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 a 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" of the world, Asaph proclaims that God Himself is his everlasting possession, his source of complete satisfaction, and his eternal security. This signifies an intimate, covenantal relationship that transcends death and time, providing enduring hope and fulfillment that no earthly loss can diminish.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 73:26 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, which is central to the verse's impact. 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 insufficiency of human existence versus the absolute sufficiency of the Divine. **Metaphor** is also strongly present, particularly in the description of God as "strength" (צוּר, _tsur_), which literally means "rock" or "fortress." This evokes images of unyielding stability, protection, and a firm foundation, conveying God's unwavering reliability. Furthermore, God being declared "my portion" is a **Metaphor** for an eternal inheritance, drawing on the ancient Israelite concept of land distribution but elevating God to the supreme and most valuable possession. The verse itself is a powerful **Confession** or **Declaration** of faith, marking the culmination of Asaph's spiritual journey from doubt to profound trust.

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

* [Deuteronomy 33:27](/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. It provides permission to acknowledge our human limitations—our physical fragility, emotional exhaustion, and spiritual weariness—without shame. In a world that often pressures us to appear strong and self-sufficient, this verse reminds us that it is precisely when our flesh and heart fail that God's strength is most profoundly experienced. It calls us to shift our gaze from the temporary allure of worldly success and material security, which are ultimately fleeting, to the eternal, unwavering reality of God as our true treasure and inheritance. This 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 and ultimate satisfaction, both in life and beyond.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most often experience your "flesh and heart" failing?**
* **How does acknowledging your own limitations create space for God's strength to be revealed?**
* **What does it mean for God to be "the strength of your heart" in your daily life and struggles?**
* **In what ways might you be seeking your "portion" in things other than God, and how can you 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" refers to the physical body and its limitations, including sickness, aging, and death. "Heart" refers to the inner self—emotions, mind, will, and spiritual vitality. So, it means that the psalmist's physical strength, emotional resilience, and even his spiritual resolve have reached their absolute end, leaving him feeling completely depleted and unable to cope on his own. It's a raw acknowledgment of 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 but an internal, sustaining power. The Hebrew word for "strength" (צוּר, _tsur_) literally means "rock" or "fortress," signifying an unshakeable foundation. By calling God the "strength of *my heart*," the psalmist highlights that God provides inner fortitude, resilience, and spiritual vitality directly to his innermost 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.

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

Answer: In ancient Israel, a "portion" (חֵלֶק, _cheleq_) often referred to one's share of land or inheritance. For the Levites, who received no land, the Lord Himself was 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 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 and time, providing eternal hope and belonging.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 73:26 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Asaph's 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 weakness, the divine strength was made perfect, securing salvation for all. 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 and resurrection, He has become our ultimate inheritance, far surpassing any earthly gain. 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 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.