Psalms 73:4

KJV

For [there are] no bands in their death: but their strength [is] firm.

KJV (with Strong's)

For there are no bands {H2784} in their death {H4194}: but their strength {H193} is firm {H1277}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For when their death comes, it is painless; and meanwhile, their bodies are healthy;

Berean Standard Bible

They have no struggle in their death; their bodies are well-fed.

American Standard Version

For there are no pangs in their death; But their strength is firm.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 73:4 captures the Psalmist Asaph's perplexing observation of the wicked, whose lives appear unburdened by suffering and whose deaths seem remarkably peaceful. This verse articulates a key component of the spiritual crisis that grips Asaph, as he grapples with the apparent injustice of God's ways, where the unrighteous seem to flourish while the righteous endure hardship and affliction. It sets the stage for his profound theological struggle and eventual resolution within the psalm.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 73 is the first psalm in Book III of the Psalter (Psalms 73-89), a collection largely attributed to Asaph and his guild of temple musicians. The psalm opens with Asaph's foundational affirmation of God's goodness to Israel ([Psalms 73:1](/psalms/73-1 "Psalms 73:1 - God's Goodness to Israel")), but immediately pivots to his personal crisis of faith. He confesses that his "feet had almost stumbled" and his "steps had nearly slipped" because he envied the arrogant and observed the prosperity of the wicked ([Psalms 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalms 73:2-3 - Asaph's Envy and Near Fall")). Verse 4 then provides a specific and vivid detail of this unsettling phenomenon: the wicked appear to experience no suffering in life or death, which profoundly challenges Asaph's understanding of divine justice and the covenantal principle that righteousness leads to blessing and wickedness to judgment. This observation is part of a larger description of the wicked's apparent ease and pride that extends through [Psalms 73:12](/psalms/73-12 "Psalms 73:12 - The Wicked Prosper"). The turning point in Asaph's struggle comes later when he enters the sanctuary of God and gains an eternal perspective on their ultimate end ([Psalms 73:17](/psalms/73-17 "Psalms 73:17 - The Sanctuary Turning Point")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Asaph was a prominent Levite and chief musician appointed by King David, responsible for leading worship and composing psalms for the temple ([1_chronicles/16-4-7](/1_chronicles/16-4 "1 Chronicles 16:4-7 - David Appoints Asaph")). In ancient Israelite thought, there was a strong emphasis on the Deuteronomic covenant, which often linked obedience to God with material prosperity and long life, and disobedience with curses and hardship ([Deuteronomy/28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). Asaph's observation of the wicked's apparent flourishing directly contradicted this expected divine order, creating a profound theological dilemma known as the problem of theodicy—how a just and good God can allow evil to prosper and the righteous to suffer. This was a common struggle in wisdom literature, as seen in the book of Job and other psalms, reflecting a genuine tension between theological understanding and lived experience in ancient Israel.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is central to several key themes explored in Psalm 73. Firstly, it embodies the **problem of theodicy**, highlighting the perplexing reality of the wicked's apparent prosperity and ease, which challenges the Psalmist's faith in God's justice. Secondly, it underscores the **deceptive nature of outward appearances**; what seems to be a blessed life for the wicked is ultimately fleeting and leads to destruction, a truth Asaph only grasps later ([Psalms 73:18-19](/psalms/73-18 "Psalms 73:18-19 - The Slippery Path of the Wicked")). Thirdly, it illustrates the **struggle of faith and the temptation of envy**, as Asaph admits his own near-fall due to coveting the wicked's seemingly untroubled existence ([Psalms 73:2-3](/psalms/73-2 "Psalms 73:2-3 - Asaph's Envy")). Finally, it sets up the profound **contrast between the temporal prosperity of the wicked and the eternal blessedness of the righteous** who draw near to God, which is the psalm's ultimate resolution ([Psalms 73:25-28](/psalms/73-25 "Psalms 73:25-28 - Asaph's Resolution and Trust in God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bands (Hebrew, _ḥarṣubbōṯ'_):** This word (חַרְצֻבּוֹת) is rare in the Old Testament, appearing only here and in Isaiah 58:6. It generally refers to "fetters," "bonds," or "chains," implying restraint or affliction. In the context of "no bands in their death," it signifies the absence of the agonizing pains, struggles, or spiritual torments often associated with a difficult or prolonged dying process. Asaph observes that the wicked do not experience the expected "chains" of suffering or divine judgment leading up to their demise, but rather a seemingly smooth and untroubled transition.
* **firm (Hebrew, _bārî'_):** This adjective (בָּרִיא) means "fat," "healthy," "robust," or "sound." When applied to "strength," it emphasizes the physical well-being, vigor, and lack of decline that the wicked seem to enjoy throughout their lives. They are not afflicted by the common troubles, illnesses, or weaknesses that often plague humanity. This robust health, maintained even into death, further fuels Asaph's envy and confusion, as it contradicts the expectation that wickedness leads to physical decay and suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For [there are] no bands in their death:"** This clause describes the perceived ease of the wicked's demise. Asaph observes that they do not experience the expected pain, struggle, or spiritual anguish often associated with death, especially for those who have lived unrighteous lives. The phrase suggests a quick, painless, and seemingly peaceful passing, devoid of the "fetters" or "pangs" of a difficult death. This observation is deeply unsettling to the Psalmist, as it implies a lack of immediate divine retribution.
* **"but their strength [is] firm."** This second clause highlights the wicked's robust health and vigor throughout their lives, extending even to their final moments. They appear strong, healthy, and unburdened by illness or physical decline. This physical resilience and lack of affliction further compounds Asaph's perplexity, as it contrasts sharply with the suffering he and other righteous individuals often experience. The "firmness" of their strength suggests an unbroken vitality that defies the natural course of aging and the expected consequences of their sinful ways.

#### Literary Devices
Psalm 73:4 employs several literary devices to convey Asaph's profound struggle. The primary device is **Observation/Description**, as the Psalmist meticulously details the perceived state of the wicked, almost as if presenting evidence for his internal argument. There is an implicit **Contrast** at play, as the apparent ease and strength of the wicked stand in stark opposition to the suffering often experienced by the righteous, including Asaph himself. This contrast creates a sense of **Irony**, where the expected consequences of wickedness (suffering, judgment) are conspicuously absent, while the unrighteous enjoy what seems to be a blessed existence. Furthermore, the phrase "no bands in their death" could be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, an exaggeration of Asaph's perception to emphasize the extreme nature of the wicked's apparent freedom from suffering, thereby heightening his internal conflict.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 73:4 articulates a foundational problem in biblical theology: the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, often referred to as the problem of theodicy. This verse confronts the expectation that God's justice would be immediately and visibly manifest in temporal blessings for the righteous and curses for the wicked. Asaph's observation challenges the simplistic understanding of retribution theology, forcing a deeper consideration of God's ways, His timing, and the ultimate, eternal scope of His justice. It highlights that outward appearances can be profoundly deceptive, and true divine judgment and blessing are not always discernible in the immediate circumstances of life or death. The psalm ultimately resolves this tension by shifting perspective from the temporal to the eternal, revealing that the wicked's prosperity is fleeting and their end is destruction, while the righteous find their true good and security in God alone.

* [Psalms 73:18-19](/psalms/73-18 "Psalms 73:18-19 - The Slippery Path of the Wicked"): "Surely you set them in slippery places; you cast them down to destruction. How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!"
* [Job 21:7-13](/job/21-7 "Job 21:7-13 - Job's Complaint about the Wicked's Prosperity"): "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? Their children are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. Their homes are safe and free from fear; God's rod is not on them."
* [Jeremiah 12:1](/jeremiah/12-1 "Jeremiah 12:1 - Jeremiah's Question to God"): "You are always righteous, Lord, when I bring a case before you. Yet I would speak with you about your justice: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 73:4 resonates deeply with the human experience across all generations. In a world where injustice often seems to prevail and those who disregard God appear to flourish, Asaph's struggle is remarkably relatable. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that our perception of reality, especially when based solely on outward appearances and temporal circumstances, can be profoundly misleading and even destructive to our faith. It challenges us to look beyond the immediate and the superficial, to trust in a God whose justice operates on an eternal timeline and whose ways are higher than our own. Rather than envying the fleeting prosperity of the wicked, believers are called to cultivate an eternal perspective, recognizing that true blessedness is found not in worldly ease or strength, but in an intimate, unwavering relationship with God, who is our ultimate strength and portion, regardless of our present circumstances. Our security is not in what we see, but in the unseen reality of God's character and His ultimate triumph.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the apparent prosperity of the wicked challenge your faith or understanding of God's justice in the world today?**
* **What are common "bands" or struggles that you observe in life, and how might our perception of their absence in others be misleading?**
* **How can an eternal perspective, as gained by Asaph in the sanctuary, help us navigate the temporal realities of injustice and suffering without losing heart?**

### FAQ

**Why does Asaph focus so much on the physical well-being and death of the wicked?**
Answer: Asaph's focus on the physical well-being and seemingly peaceful death of the wicked stems from the prevailing theological understanding in ancient Israel, where prosperity, health, and a long life were often considered visible signs of God's blessing and favor, while suffering and early death were seen as indicators of divine judgment. The wicked's apparent flourishing directly contradicted this expected divine order, creating a profound theological dilemma for Asaph. His detailed observation in [Psalms 73:4](/psalms/73-4 "Psalms 73:4 - The Wicked's Ease") is not merely a casual remark but a critical piece of evidence that fuels his crisis of faith, as it challenges his understanding of God's justice and righteousness in a tangible way. He is grappling with the disconnect between what he sees and what he believes God's character demands.

**Does "no bands in their death" mean the wicked never suffer when they die?**
Answer: No, the phrase "no bands in their death" reflects Asaph's *perception* and the *appearance* of their death, rather than a universal theological declaration about the experience of all wicked individuals. It highlights their seeming lack of agonizing pain, prolonged struggle, or the visible signs of divine judgment often associated with a difficult demise. This observation is part of the Psalmist's subjective experience of envy and confusion. The emphasis is on the *ease* of their transition, which further perplexes Asaph because it contradicts his expectation that wickedness should lead to suffering, even in death. The psalm's resolution later reveals that their ultimate end is indeed destruction, regardless of their final moments ([Psalms 73:18-19](/psalms/73-18 "Psalms 73:18-19 - The Sudden Destruction of the Wicked")).

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "theodicy"?**
Answer: This verse is a classic expression of the problem of theodicy – the philosophical and theological question of how a good, omnipotent, and just God can permit evil and suffering, particularly when the wicked seem to prosper and the righteous suffer. Asaph's observation in [Psalms 73:4](/psalms/73-4 "Psalms 73:4 - The Wicked's Ease") directly challenges his belief in God's justice and righteousness, forming the core dilemma of [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Problem of the Wicked's Prosperity"). It forces the reader to confront the tension between divine attributes and the apparent realities of the world, a tension that the psalm ultimately resolves by shifting the perspective from temporal observation to eternal truth and God's ultimate judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 73:4, with Asaph's lament over the wicked's apparent ease in life and death, finds its ultimate answer and resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Asaph struggled with the absence of "bands" in the wicked's death, Christ endured the ultimate "bands" of suffering, sin, and death on the cross, not because of His own sin, but for ours ([Isaiah 53:3-5](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3-5 - The Suffering Servant")). He experienced profound agony, rejection, and a seemingly unjust demise, yet through His suffering and resurrection, He conquered death and the power of sin, providing the definitive answer to the problem of evil and suffering ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The apparent "firm strength" of the wicked is a fleeting, temporal illusion, whereas Christ's strength is eternal, securing true and lasting life for those who believe in Him ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - Christ Gives Eternal Life")). In Christ, we learn that true prosperity is not found in worldly ease or freedom from suffering, but in a relationship with God, even amidst tribulation, for He has overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Overcomes the World")). The ultimate justice that Asaph longed for is perfectly embodied in Christ's future return, when every knee will bow and every tongue confess Him as Lord, and all hidden things will be revealed ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philipians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). Thus, the perplexity of Psalms 73:4 is swallowed up in the glorious reality of Christ's triumph and His eternal reign.

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

Job 21:23

One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

Job 21:24

His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow.

Psalms 17:10

They are inclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

Luke 16:22

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

Job 24:20

The womb shall forget him; the worm shall feed sweetly on him; he shall be no more remembered; and wickedness shall be broken as a tree.

Ecclesiastes 2:16

For [there is] no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now [is] in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise [man]? as the fool.

Psalms 17:14

From men [which are] thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, [which have] their portion in [this] life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid [treasure]: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their [substance] to their babes.