Psalms 73:27

For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee.

For, lo, they that are far {H7369} from thee shall perish {H6}{H8799)}: thou hast destroyed {H6789}{H8689)} all them that go a whoring {H2181}{H8802)} from thee.

Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who adulterously leave you.

Those far from You will surely perish; You destroy all who are unfaithful to You.

For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: Thou hast destroyed all them that play the harlot, departing from thee.

Psalm 73:27 (KJV) delivers a stark warning and a profound theological statement from the psalmist Asaph, revealing the ultimate fate of those who abandon God. It contrasts sharply with the earlier struggle Asaph faced concerning the prosperity of the wicked, presenting God's unwavering justice.

Context

This verse concludes Asaph's profound spiritual journey detailed in Psalm 73. Initially, Asaph struggled deeply, observing the apparent ease and prosperity of the wicked while the righteous suffered (Psalm 73:3-12). His faith was shaken, almost to the point of stumbling (Psalm 73:2). However, upon entering the sanctuary of God, his perspective dramatically shifted, and he understood their ultimate end (Psalm 73:17). Verse 27 is the culmination of this understanding, a powerful affirmation of God's righteous judgment against those who forsake Him, leading directly into his declaration of closeness to God in Psalm 73:28.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment: The verse explicitly states that God actively destroys those who are unfaithful. This is not a passive consequence but a direct act of divine justice, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all creation and His commitment to righteousness.
  • Spiritual Adultery: The phrase "go a whoring from thee" is a powerful biblical metaphor, particularly prevalent in the Old Testament, for spiritual unfaithfulness, idolatry, and abandoning the covenant relationship with God for other gods, worldly pursuits, or sinful lifestyles. It signifies a betrayal of loyalty due to God alone.
  • Consequences of Separation: Being "far from thee" is equated with perishing. This highlights that true life and flourishing are found in proximity to God, and spiritual distance inevitably leads to destruction, both temporal and eternal. It echoes the principle that the wages of sin is death.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "go a whoring" is zanah (זָנָה), which literally means to commit fornication or harlotry. In a theological context, especially when used in relation to Israel's relationship with Yahweh, it consistently refers to spiritual infidelity – turning away from the one true God to worship idols or pursue practices contrary to His will. This strong imagery underscores the gravity of breaking covenant with God, treating spiritual disloyalty as a profound betrayal.

Practical Application

Psalm 73:27 serves as a vital reminder for believers today:

  • Examine Your Loyalty: It prompts self-reflection on where our ultimate loyalty lies. Are we drawing near to God or drifting away, potentially "whoring" after worldly desires, success, or material possessions?
  • Embrace God's Justice: While we may, like Asaph, be perplexed by the prosperity of the wicked, this verse reaffirms God's ultimate justice. No unfaithfulness or rebellion against God will go unaddressed in the long run.
  • Prioritize Closeness to God: The verse implicitly encourages the opposite of being "far from God" – to continually draw near to Him. As Asaph concludes in the very next verse, "But it is good for me to draw near to God." This spiritual proximity is the source of life and security, contrasted with the perishing of those who stray.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • James 4:4

    Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

  • Psalms 119:155

    ¶ Salvation [is] far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes.

  • Exodus 34:15

    Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and [one] call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;

  • Numbers 15:39

    And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:

  • Revelation 17:1

    ¶ And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

  • Revelation 17:5

    And upon her forehead [was] a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

  • Psalms 106:39

    Thus were they defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions.

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